Chicago City Wire

Chicago – Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner Tom Carney, alongside 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden, 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, and 40th Ward Alderman Andre Vasquez, celebrated the completion of a transformative streetscape redesign and improvement project along Clark Street, from Devon Avenue to Arthur Avenue. Joined by the Rogers Park Business Alliance and other community members, the group highlighted the project’s improvements to traffic safety, walkability, and beautification, including the conversion of a segment of Arthur Avenue into a community gathering space and the revitalization of the plaza at Clark Street and Schreiber Avenue.

“The completion of the Clark and Devon streetscape project marks a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to enhance Chicago’s infrastructure in a manner that prioritizes pedestrians and improves quality of life for residents,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. "We’re grateful for the collaboration of Wards 49, 48, and 40, along with the Rogers Park Business Alliance, throughout the design and construction of this transformative project.”

The streetscape improvement project is a key milestone in the Vision Clark Street Corridor Master Plan, which seeks to transform Clark Street into a lively commercial corridor that serves as a gateway to Rogers Park and Edgewater. The project includes several significant enhancements:

- New public open space between Clark Street and Ashland Avenue. By closing one block of Arthur Avenue to motor vehicle traffic, the area has been converted into a pedestrian space featuring a landscaped walking path, decorative pavers, and benches.

- Renovated plaza space at Clark Street and Schreiber Avenue, in front of the Chicago Police Department’s 24th District station, featuring decorative pavers, landscaping, trees, seating, and a neighborhood identifier.

- New sidewalks, pavement markings, street trees, and lighting to create a more welcoming and vibrant corridor.

- Shortened pedestrian crossing distances and new mid-block crossing near Arthur Avenue.

- Roadway resurfacing; drainage improvements; new curb; gutter to address longstanding infrastructure needs.

"The nonprofit Rogers Park Business Alliance initiated the Vision Clark Street Master Plan in 2018 to elevate Clark Street into a more vibrant and sustainable commercial corridor. We are proud to see development on Clark Street come to fruition as part of this multi-year strategic plan,” says RPBA Executive Director Sandi Price. “During this process we worked with community members and key stakeholders to bring authentic branding; streetscape improvement; public space beautification that serve Clark Street's top priorities. Clark & Devon are both critical arteries within our community home many entrepreneurs small businesses. We are confident new improvements will bring vital business energy enhanced sense living thriving intersection."

“This streetscape improves plaza front Police District making accessible all adds community space between Ashland,” said Alderman Vasquez creating opportunities environments neighbors come together increase safety connect community!"

"I am proud support investments pedestrian environment making safer inviting strengthening local small businesses Projects such get goals," said Alderwoman Hadden.

"I'm proud support investment infrastructure centers pedestrians celebrates local communities deserve safe beautiful place live,” said Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth.

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