An official opening has been held for the city’s newest POP! space at 3618 W Chicago Avenue in West Humboldt Park. Located just west of the intersection with N Central Park Avenue, the pocket space replaces a vacant lot mid-block. The project was a continuation of the city’s POP program and was led in part by the West Humboldt Park Development Council.
View of new West Humboldt Park POP! space via Taylor Johnson
View of new West Humboldt Park POP! space via Taylor Johnson
Officially known as the Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!) program, it was originally launched in 2022 under mayor Lori Lightfoot. As part of the city’s greater $1.2 billion Chicago Recovery Plan helped fund, its goal is to fund the construction of small public spaces across the city on vacant lots. This becomes the city’s ninth fully built-out space since launching.
View of new West Humboldt Park POP! space via Taylor Johnson
View of new West Humboldt Park POP! space via Taylor Johnson
This newest iteration was designed by Lamar Johnson Collaborative, its goal was to create a community hub anchored by public art. At its heart is a mural by Barrett Keithley, founder of local art organization Paint The City. Dubbed “Back In The Day”, the piece pays tribute to the people who have been a positive force in the community over the years and other historical figures.
View of new West Humboldt Park POP! space via Taylor Johnson
View of new West Humboldt Park POP! space via Taylor Johnson
The space itself is traversed by a central walkway accented by colorful ribbons that guide visitors through the site. This is supported by raised plant beds, two grassy lawns for various uses, a small stage area, and multiple seating areas, illuminated through string lights and other elements. A black fence also separates the space from the rear alley.
View of new West Humboldt Park POP! space via Taylor Johnson
With more spaces having already been selected for funding under the program, the park’s opening ceremony was attended by various local politicians like Alderman Walter Burnnet and Deputy Mayor Kenya Merritt who all spoke. The space is officially open to the public and will host programming as well during the year.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Great to see! Brings a lot more life to what would otherwise be just an empty lot
This is a great initiative of the City, but I worry about the paint. It tends to look good for a season then fades quickly.
I agree, Alex. We need to push the city to commit to maintenance first. These new initiatives are great, but imo the maintenance of what we have is even more important. I’d rather have less fancy but maintained than more fancy but less maintained.