Chicago City Wire

A trio of public open spaces in Grand Boulevard, Englewood, and North Lawndale will continue to operate for another three years. This extension comes after the City Council approved formal leases today as part of the Department of Planning and Development's Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!) program.

The POP! program aims to revitalize underused land at strategic locations across the city. Since its launch in 2022, 11 plazas have been completed with more than $5 million in financial assistance from the city.

Teamwork Englewood has secured a three-year lease for the Englewood Breakroom located at 1534 W. 63rd St. The plaza, which opened in July 2023, features flexible lawn space, play equipment, a performance area, retail spaces, and an ice-skating rink during winter months. These improvements were funded by a $500,000 grant from DPD.

IAYV, Inc. is managing South Side Sanctuary at 4702-04 S. King Drive under a new three-year lease agreement. Opened in August 2024 on what was once a long-vacant lot, this plaza offers amenities for all ages including performance space and a marketplace for local vendors alongside multiple murals. A $712,000 grant from DPD facilitated these enhancements.

Additionally, the Steans Family Foundation holds a three-year lease for plaza spaces located at 3907, 3921 and 3939-41 W. Roosevelt Road. Currently under construction with private funding support, these plazas will feature walking paths, landscaping, seating areas, large-scale public art installations along with play equipment once completed.