Infrastructure Improvements

Uptown is seeing an unprecedented amount of improvements to vital infrastructure throughout the neighborhood. Infrastructure improvement projects include:  

  • CTA Red-Purple Line Modernization Program (RPM) – Lawrence to Bryn Mawr Modernization
  • Lawrence and Wilson Lake Shore Drive Viaduct Reconstruction
  • Lakefront Trail Separation
  • Leland Greenway
  • Wilson CTA Station (Complete)
  • Lawrence-Broadway Streetscape
  • Argyle Shared Street (Complete)
CTA Lawrence-to-Bryn-Mawr Modernization Project

As part of the CTA’s Red-Purple Modernization (RPM) Project, the CTA has secured funding to completely rebuild all of the stations, tracks, and viaducts from Lawrence to Bryn Mawr. After renovation, all four stations will be ADA accessible and will add capacity on the CTA’s busiest rail line. This $2.1 billion phase of the RPM Project is the largest capital improvement project in the agency’s history, and the agency plans to begin construction in 2019. Read more in a recent Streetsblog Chicago article.

Uptown United has worked closely with community partners to advocate for these improvements for decades, and we continue to partner with the CTA throughout the project. The CTA’s Director of Government and Community Relations for the RPM Project, Jeffrey Wilson, says, “CTA is extremely grateful the whole Uptown United team for all their help in assisting CTA with bringing the business community and entertainment district together in order to educate and prepare for the Red Purple Modernization Project (RPM), the largest construction project CTA has ever taken on.”

Uptown United & the Uptown Chamber of Commerce are committed to support local businesses and organizations throughout this project. Businesses owners can connect with us to learn how they can prepare for construction.

     

Lawrence-Broadway Streetscape

First planned in 2014, the $6 million Lawrence-Broadway Streetscape broke ground in late summer of 2017. Nearly complete, the project includes a new plaza and public space in front of the Riviera Theatre, new landscaping, new sidewalks, and decorative light poles along Broadway from Gunnison to Leland. A colorful, wheel-like sculpture will soon be installed, completing the project. Uptown United has been a leader in planning this project and supporting local businesses throughout construction.

Leland Greenway

In the fall of 2017, CDOT began work on the Leland Greenway – a bikeway along Leland Avenue between Clark and the Lakefront Trail. This route will serve as an alternative to busier bike routes such as Lawrence and Wilson. A major feature of the Greenway will be a redesigned and landscaped area between the north and south Uplift High School buildings.

Lakefront Trail Separation

The Chicago Park District’s 18-mile Lakefront Trail is getting a makeover. They are diving the popular trail “into two separate, one for pedestrians and the other for bikers.” In Uptown, work north of Montrose is nearing completion and south of Montrose is currently under construction.

Clarendon Park Community Center Renovations

A $4.6 million contribution from the Clarendon-Montrose TIF District is helping to finance renovations to the Clarendon Park Community Center at 4501 N. Clarendon. Plans have not been finalized, and the Chicago Park District is considering various options for these renovations, including a rehabilitation of the existing building or construction of a new building.

Wilson CTA Station

The $203 million Wilson Station Reconstruction Project is the largest CTA El station project in the agency’s history. The project was completed in late 2017.

Argyle Shared-Street

Argyle between Sheridan and Broadway has been rebuilt as the city’s first “shared street” with an innovative permeable design and a curb-less design that lets it easier host sidewalk cafes and events.