February 9, 2022 Using art to bridge two communities on North Avenue The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) partnered with The North Avenue District to create a revitalization plan for the North Avenue corridor. The corridor, between Austin Boulevard and Harlem Avenue, separates Oak Park and Chicago. Although it was once a thriving commercial corridor, North Avenue had seen an increase in vacancies in recent years. The avenue also serves as both a physical and symbolic barrier between the two communities. The revitalization plan recommended strategies to improve the corridor’s economic vitality, enhance quality of life for residents, and increase connections between communities. One recommendation: use art to create a more attractive and inviting streetscape. “We really want to turn North Avenue from a barrier to a bridge,” Judith Alexander, chair at The North Avenue District, told Austin Weekly News. Along with public art projects, the organization is pushing for improvements to infrastructure to create a more pedestrian-friendly corridor. Other communities around northeastern Illinois — including Lemont, Englewood, and Pilsen — have used art to help create a sense of place and foster community and economic activity. Check out CMAP’s toolkit to learn how to incorporate arts and culture into your own community. Article by CMAP staff Stay connected with your community Newsletter sign-up Opens in a modal Recent news Click to read Governor Pritzker’s 2025 proposal includes notable transportation and local funding changes Posted on Click to read Governor Pritzker’s 2025 proposal includes notable transportation and local funding changes Click to read Property tax reform: an in-depth look at how the system affects Cook County taxpayers and communities Posted on Click to read Property tax reform: an in-depth look at how the system affects Cook County taxpayers and communities Click to read Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership celebrates a year of impact Posted on Click to read Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership celebrates a year of impact Click to read Fresh look for upgraded Job Quality and Access Tool Posted on Click to read Fresh look for upgraded Job Quality and Access Tool