Empowering community through creative public space

75th Street Boardwalk

Location	Chicago, Illinois
Client	Greater Chatham Initiative, Chicago Department of Planning and Development, and Chicago Department of Transportation
Expertise	Resilience & Sustainability, Inclusive & Accessible Design
Size	368 linear feet of boardwalk
Completion	2020

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood along 75th Street between Calumet and Indiana Avenues, the Boardwalk was a short-term activation that reclaimed the public right-of-way by replacing on-street parking with vibrant outdoor dining and gathering space for Black-owned businesses and their patrons.

In collaboration with the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and the All Reimagining Chicago (ARC) initiative, we led the visioning, design, and construction of the 75th Street Boardwalk.

Modular Use

The Boardwalk was organized as a series of modular “outdoor rooms” tailored to the needs of adjacent businesses. These modules were structured around five themes: eat, play, shop, relax, and exercise. Each module supported a range of uses from dining and seating to fitness and games. Designed for accessibility, the installation aligned flush with the existing curbs, creating a seamless transition between the sidewalk and each module.

Community-Driven Design

Community involvement was central to every stage of the project, from initial engagement through construction. The project connected Black contractors with Black local youth, providing hands-on training in carpentry and construction. Repurposed plywood – originally used to board up Chicago businesses earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic – was reimagined as the primary building material, reinforcing a commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness. More than 50 volunteers contributed to painting the structure, while local artists added murals and signage that animated the street edge. Plantings further defined and softened each room.

Rapid, Collaborative Delivery

Completed in just 12 weeks, the Boardwalk reflects an extraordinary level of coordination across community members, agencies, and project partners. From navigating traffic safety requirements and permitting to securing donated materials and building consensus around design decisions, the project demonstrates the power of collaboration under an accelerated timeline.

Through extensive engagement with residents, business owners, and community leaders, the Boardwalk was designed with, and for, Chatham.