Streetscape improvement project along Lincoln Avenue from Western Avenue to Catalpa Avenue
The Chicago Department of Transportation is conducting a $16 million streetscape improvement project along Lincoln Avenue from Western Avenue to Catalpa Avenue. Building off the 2019 Lincoln Square Master Plan, the project aims to increase safety, improve walkability, support economic development, enhance public spaces, including the Ainslie Arts Plaza, and the creation of an Arts District.
Project Details
The Lincoln Avenue Streetscape consists of infrastructure improvements on Lincoln Avenue between Western and Catalpa, and on Catalpa Ave between Lincoln and Western. Some of the details include:
- Streetscaping with sidewalk and crosswalk improvements
- Corridor beautification and greening
- More public community spaces
- The creation of the Lincoln Avenue North Arts District (LANA), which will transform the use of storefronts to create galleries, pop-ups, and live/work spaces for artists to call home.
- Public art, including the Ainslie Arts Plaza and commissioned murals;
- Zoning improvements including a pedestrian street designation and approvals for ground floor live/work studio spaces.
See below for a presentation of the final design of the streetscape.
Project Scope and Timeline
The project is divided into two sections: Section 1 is on Lincoln Ave from Catalpa to Foster, including improvements on Catalpa, and Section 2 is on Lincoln Ave from Foster to Western.
Section 1
Catalpa to Foster construction started in late Summer of 2023 on Catalpa Avenue. Roadway changes and new sidewalks on Catalpa were mostly complete by end of 2023, and the remaining curb and sidewalk on the south side was recently completed after construction resumed February 2024. Construction on the east side of Lincoln Avenue started in mid-February and will shift to the west side once the new curbs and sidewalks are in place. Construction of Section 1 is anticipated to be complete by Fall 2024.
Section 2
Foster to Western construction is anticipated to break ground in late Spring/early Summer 2024. Substantial completion is anticipated end of 2024, with landscaping and other final items to be completed Spring 2025.
Project Updates
To see the latest project updates from the contractor, please click the cards below. We also send out regular updates through our weekly newsletter.
Archived Public Meetings
- Community Meeting #5: September 20th, 2023
- Community Meeting #4: June 15th, 2023
- Community Meeting #3: May 12th, 2022
- Community Meeting #2: October 13, 2021
- Community Meeting #1: July 27th, 2021