How might we enhance a neglected public space to better serve the community?
Manual Perez Jr. Plaza serves as the Little Village community’s largest space for public gathering throughout the year. We partnered with the Little Village Community Foundation to transform the Plaza from a neglected public space and memorial into a vibrant destination.
PROCESS
The Plaza is located along 26th Street, which is a unique corridor within Chicago. Dotted with storefronts along narrow sidewalks, the length and relative unvarying building character along the corridor make it difficult to sustain an active environment along its entirety. We worked with the community to imagine interventions that would anchor the corridor, making a more clear and established area for activity.
SOLUTION
The final design, called Mercadito, provides a space for neighborhood craftspeople to converge on a weekly basis while enhancing the Plaza site with additional activity.
The Mercadito acts as a seasonal market, made from semi-permanent structures that reflects the multicultural vibrancy of the various regions of Mexico.
The Mercadito celebrated its ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening on September 24, 2022.
PARTNERS
Community Partner
