In 2023 and 2024, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and Aldermen La Spata (1st), Waguespack (32nd), and Ramirez-Rosa (35th) studied a potential Special Character Overlay District designation along Milwaukee Avenue.

The Milwaukee Avenue Urban Identity Study was guided by community-driven input and stakeholders' goals to:

• Protect the character of the Milwaukee Avenue corridor's built environment;
• Provide guidelines and tools to rehabilitate older and historic buildings and commercial retail;
• Reduce conflicts between new construction and the existing built environment;
• Co-create design guidelines for the corridor with the community and neighborhood stakeholders that will provide tools, resources and direction for renovations, redevelopment and new construction along the corridor; and,
• Study how to retain and encourage development opportunities.

Led by site design group ltd., in collaboration with McGuire Igleski & Associates, Goodman Williams Group, and Borderless Studio, the Milwauke Avenue Urban Identity Study included a robust community engagement process consisting of workshops and focus groups throughout 2023.

At the commencement of the study, there were five Special Character Overlay Districts in Chicago along portions of Roscoe Street, Southport Avenue and Longwood Drive, as well as within Norwood Park and Sheridan Park. Milwaukee Avenue is the sixth area in Chicago with a Special Character Overlay District and the first to have its own design guidelines.

Past Meetings

1st Ward meeting | April 18, 2024

35th Ward meeting | April 17, 2024
Presentation | Draft Findings | Public Comment Summary

Community Meeting #4 | Oct. 24, 2023
Presentation

Community Meeting #3 | July 31, 2023
Presentation

Community Meeting #2 | March 29, 2023
Presentation | Survey (Open through May 8, 2023)

Introductory Community Meeting | Jan. 11, 2023
Video | Presentation | Q&A | Poll Results