The Department of Planning and Development has launched a new community-centered program designed to help make use of underutilized spaces in residential and retail corridors. The program is called the Public Outdoor Plaza or POP! program and includes the Mahalia Jackson Plaza which YIMBY previously reported on earlier this month.
A new temporary community plaza is coming to Chatham. As reported by Block Club Chicago, the neighborhood addition could be completed as soon as summer 2022. The site which will span 8,500 square feet is to be located at the corner of E 79th Street and State Street and will honor legendary Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson who was a longtime Chatham resident. Mahalia Jackson is remembered as a vibrant pillar of the community and as one of the most influential figures in Gospel music.