The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) joined Lakeview neighbors in celebrating the opening of two new public amenities today: the Divvy bike sharing station near Wrigley Field; and the nearby “People Spot” on the corner of Southport Avenue and Addison Street.

“Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s vision is to activate public spaces with new programming and amenities that will bring new retail opportunities and invigorate our urban environment,” said CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein. “Both of these projects are examples of that vision becoming reality.”  

The new Divvy station, located at the corner of Clark Street and Waveland Avenue, is one of 137 currently in operation.  The Divvy system will ramp up to 300 stations this summer, and 400 by next spring.

“Biking and baseball are two of America’s favorite pastimes, and Divvy is a great way for fans to travel to and from Wrigley Field,” said Chicago Cubs Owner Todd Ricketts. “Many Cubs fans already know that public transit, biking and walking are the best ways to get to the ballpark.  They are also great ways to promote a healthy lifestyle and environment.  Bike sharing is now another option.”   

The Cubs also offer a free courtesy bike valet service for all Cubs home games. Sponsored by SRAM and World Bicycle Relief, the bike valet is located near the Divvy station at Clark and Waveland.

Mayor Emanuel’s Make Way for People program supports innovation in the public way by opening Chicago’s streets, parking spots, plazas and alleys to new programming and market opportunities via public and private partnerships.

“In addition to improving street safety and promoting walkable communities, the Make Way for People initiative supports economic development for local businesses and adds vibrancy to Chicago’s neighborhoods,” Mayor Emanuel said.

The newest People Spot, at the southeast corner of Southport and Addison, is the result of a partnership between CDOT and the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, which developed the temporary platform in a section of parking lanes on Southport.    

“This spot creates new space for Lakeview neighbors and visitors to enjoy outdoor seating and dining,” said Heather Way, Executive Director of the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce. “With creative and welcoming design, this space will help promote economic development in this key neighborhood retail corridor.”

The Make Way for People program, which aims to create public spaces that cultivate community and culture in Chicago’s neighborhoods through placemaking, has expanded to 12 locations in 2013.

People Spots are located at:

• 5228 and 5624 N. Clark St. in the Andersonville neighborhood.
• 959 N. Lincoln Ave. and 3551 N. Southport Ave. in Lakeview
• 643 and 1060 E. 47th St. in Bronzeville

People Plazas will be located at:

• The Gateway, in the median on State Street between Lake Street and Wacker Drive
• Perez Plaza, at 26th Street & Kolin Avenue in the Little Village neighborhood
• And through a design competition led by Architecture for Humanity Chicago, three additional plazas will be activated this summer: 62nd Street and Drexel Avenue in Woodlawn; Jackson and Homan in East Garfield Park; Wisconsin and Lincoln in Old Town

The first People Street will be located at:

• Laflin Street between Blue Island Avenue and 21st Street, and is also part of the Architecture for Humanity Chicago competition.

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