Project Summary
Our office is partnering with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) to conduct a plaza improvement project on Catalpa Avenue from Clark Street to Ashland Avenue, which will be called Elise Malary Way. The project will create a pedestrian plaza by closing Catalpa between Clark and Ashland to traffic, and turning it into a beautiful neighborhood destination where the community can gather together, host events, and browse the local farmer’s market during the summer season. The plaza is named in honor of Elise Malary, a Black Trans Woman activist and a beloved member of the Andersonville community who fought fiercely to make that community into a more inclusive place where Black and Brown Trans people could live and thrive.
Project Overview
- Neighborhood: Andersonville
- Zip Code: 60640
- Scope and boundaries: Catalpa Avenue from Clark Street to Ashland Avenue
- Timeline: Spring 2026
- Project Website
Status: Upcoming
Quick Links
Scope & Design
Elise Malary Plaza
This project is the product of the community’s vision to bring more public, pedestrian-focused spaces where the community can gather. CDOT conducted a survey, and we held several public meetings to gather input.
Based on that input, the new pedestrian plaza space will feature specialty lighting, screening from adjacent parking lots, landscaping, custom furniture, and other unique elements to create a destination in the neighborhood and attract pedestrians to the area.
To assist with traffic control on adjacent streets, a stoplight will also be installed at the intersection of Berwyn and Ashland as part of the Ashland Avenue arterial resurfacing project.
Project Goals
- Create a sense of place
- Support and enhance the Andersonville community identity
- Improve Walkability
- Improve Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
- Support Economic Development
- Improve Public Infrastructure
Design Exhibits
- Download the final design exhibits (PDF, 33MB)
Project Features
- Pavers and concrete sidewalks
- Raised planters with native pollinator plants
- Landscaped screens for separation from adjacent parking lots
- Shade Structures
- Catenary Lighting and Pedestrian Lightpoles
- Bench and Island Seating
- Bike Racks
- Trash Receptacles
Timeline & Construction Updates
Project Timeline
- Bidding: Spring 2025
- Construction: Spring 2026 – Construction begins
- Estimated Completion: End of 2026
Construction Updates
Update as of Friday, May 22nd:
We are thrilled to announce that a contractor has been chosen for the Elise Malary Plaza, and we expect work to begin in June! If you missed the pre-construction meeting we held earlier this week, you can check out a recording here.
Engagement
Community Engagement
The public engagement period has closed! Please subscribe to updates to be notified of any future engagement opportunities.
Public Engagement
CDOT and the 40th Ward held a series of community engagement meetings with the local community over a period of years, during which community members had the chance to give feedback on the project design.
Archived Meetings
- We held a pre-construction meeting on May 20th. View a recording here!
- The 2026 Development Town Hall included updates on this project. View a summary and recording here!
- The 2025 Development Town Hall included updates on this project. View a summary and recording here!
- The Warren Park improvement project was announced at the 40th Ward Infrastructure Town Hall on June 5th. Watch the video presentation.
- The final design for the plaza was unveiled at a community meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2024
- Open House held April 18, 2024; see exhibits!
- CDOT and the 40th Ward held a series of community meetings
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