A forthcoming Clark Street corridor study in Uptown will produce a series of land use recommendations to enhance the street’s mixed-use vitality and walkability, Department of Planning & Development (DPD) Commissioner Maurice Cox announced today.

Dubbed “Clark Street Crossroads,” the one-mile-long study from DPD will examine residential and commercial market conditions between Montrose and Foster avenues and identify opportunities for new development, zoning enhancements, and public realm improvements.

“The study’s primary purpose will be to assess local market conditions and their impact on residential and commercial investment along the corridor,” Commissioner Cox said. “The public engagement process will help identify neighborhood development issues and new opportunities to achieve local needs and goals.”

Characterized by low-rise retail buildings, new mixed-use structures, St. Boniface Cemetery, and Chase Park, the corridor has a Pedestrian (P) Street zoning designation that is intended to promote walkability and local retail investment. Approximately 40,000 residents live within a half-mile of the corridor.

"Retail has been changing dramatically over the last few years, and we need a plan that will make the best use of this wonderful commercial and residential corridor," said Ald. James Cappleman (46th), a steering committee member. "This study will help strategize the future of Clark Street for all of its neighbors and visitors."

The study’s website, www.ClarkStreetCrossroads.com, will help stakeholders to monitor the planning process, sign up for email updates, and submit thoughts on the corridor’s strengths and weaknesses.

A kickoff community workshop will be scheduled for January. Draft recommendations to provide a unified vision for the strip will be published in 2022, prior to potential adoption by the Chicago Plan Commission.

Financed by $250,000 from the Clark/Montrose TIF District, the Clark Street Crossroads study is led by DPD with support from Uptown United, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, among others.

Steering committee members also include Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) and Ald. Matt Martin (47th). Additional details about the process and partners are available at ClarkStreetCrossroads.com.

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