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Apply for Chicago Youth Works! Applications close May 29th.
Chicago Youth Works applications are open! This youth employment program provides summer opportunities for Chicagoans ages 14-24. Interested in learning more or applying? Click here. |
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Mary Bartelme Park Playground Improvements Playground work began May 7th
Work on the surface of the playground began last week, and while this area is closed for construction, access to the rest of the park will be maintained. For your safety, please stay out of the playground area for the duration of this project.
Thank you for your patience as crews work on these much-needed improvements! |
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Green City Market - West Loop Saturdays from 8am-1pm 900 W. Monroe
The West Loop Green City Market is now open on Saturdays on Monroe from Peoria to Sangamon! My team and I are looking forward to another season of bringing City Hall to you! Stop by our table from 9am-11am. |
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This week, we will be joined by a representative from ComEd. Also, the first ten families to stop by and say they saw this listing in the newsletter will get four complimentary tickets to Brookfield Zoo, thanks to Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry.
Green City Market brings dozens of local farmers and food producers to our neighborhood every Saturday from May to November. To see what vendors participate across Green City Market's locations, click here. |
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Printers Row Park, 632 S. Dearborn St Saturdays from 9am-1pm
The South Loop Farmers Market returns to Printers Row Park this Saturday, May 16! Stop by on Saturdays through October 31 to support local businesses and connect with neighbors.
50 W. Washington Thursdays from 7am-2pm
Starting May 21st, visit Daley Plaza on Thursdays from 7am-2pm for the Daley Plaza Farmers Market! This market hosts a variety of vendors, with offerings from fresh produce to prepared foods and more. |
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Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation Program Apply by May 15th at 5pm
The Department of Planning and Development's Commercial Corridor Storefront Activation (CCSA) program has officially launched and the small business grant application that will fund up to 75% of eligible commercial space improvement costs for qualifying small businesses and property owners. |
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State Street from Randolph to Jackson is an eligible commercial corridor under this program, and the Chicago Loop Alliance is supporting this program locally to revitalize State Street! The Loop Alliance is partnering with DPD to assist with business-related tasks such as marketing, accounting and business planning, as well as project-specific tasks that include design and permitting.
Grant applications are open on a rolling basis and projects are selected quarterly. The first round of applications is open until 5:00 pm on May 15, 2026. To learn more about program eligibility and how to apply, click here. |
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Millennium Park Summer Events
DCASE released their calendar of free & exciting summer events taking place in Millennium Park, including movies, fitness classes, and concerts! Whether you're hoping to catch a screening of 'Ratatouille' before Taste of Chicago, a celebration of Chicago's house music scene, or a workout class with a top local instructor, there's something for everyone in this summer's park programming! Click here for a full schedule. |
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Street Sweeping began April 1!
As the weather starts to warm up, we're ready to usher in a new street sweeping season! Since April 1st, sweepers have been back in action, so keep in mind the street sweeping schedule in your area so you don't get ticketed and towed. I have worked with the Department of Streets and Sanitation on a robust street sweeping schedule this year. Please click here to find your street sweeping zone and here to find your zone's schedule. |
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Turn Lights Off to Protect Migratory Birds
Every spring and fall, millions of birds travel through the Chicago area. For more than two decades, Chicago has been a leader in light reduction efforts to protect these migratory birds. Please join participating buildings and turn lights off after 11 p.m. until daylight during migration and help save birds.
To learn more, visit the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors' website. |
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West Loop Historic Plaques Project
The West Loop is steeped in history. In fact, we have 19 historical designations, three historic plaques, and one Chicago Landmarks plaque. |
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Four more historic plaques are coming to the West Loop early summer 2026, including a UIC classroom, a condo building, and two parks!
To see the rest of the designations, please visit Connie Fairbanks' website.
If you live in a historic building in The West Loop and have historical information about your building you would like to share, please reach out to Connie to learn the process of installing your very own historic plaque! |
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Cop on a Rooftop Friday, May 15th
It’s time to head to Dunkin’ for a great cause! On Friday, May 15th, the Chicago Police Department is once again teaming up with Special Olympics Illinois for the annual Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser. Stop by, grab a coffee, say hello to our officers, and help them reach their goal!
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Conversation with a Commander Wednesday, May 20th, 7pm DePaul University DePaul Center, 1 E Jackson
Please join 1st District Commander Mannion and the South Loop Neighbors for an upcoming community meeting. They will discuss 1st District safety updates and operational plans for this summer's downtown festivals and events.
Have a specific question for Commander Mannion? Email it to the 1st District CAPS office by Monday, May 18th to ensure it is addressed. |
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CAPS Meetings
Please join my team at upcoming CAPS meetings with the 1st and 12th Police Districts. CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) meetings are a great opportunity to meet with police, neighbors, and my team about local safety initiatives. To find your beat, click here. I hope you can join us at these meetings!
Next week, there is one scheduled CAPS meeting in the 1st District.
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Camera Registration Program
When a crime occurs, Police Officers and Detectives canvass the area looking for evidence to determine what occurred. Video footage can greatly assist in their efforts.
If you have a private security camera that captures the public way and you are interested in assisting in an investigation in the event of a crime in your neighborhood, you can register your camera with the Chicago Police Department. |
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By registering your camera, you are simply allowing the Chicago Police Department to contact you in the event of a crime in your area. CPD will not have direct access to your camera system and cannot access camera footage without your consent. This is a free and voluntary program. Learn more on the program website. |
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Memorial Day Parade & Wreath Laying Ceremony
Wreath Laying Ceremony begins at 11:00am at Daley Plaza.
PARADE MOVING TO DEARBORN STREET The parade will assemble on Wacker, from State to Franklin
The parade starts at 12:00pm at Dearborn & Lake.
The parade travels southbound past viewing stage at Washington and continues south to Van Buren for disband.
Washington, from Clark to Dearborn, will be closed at 5:00am for erection of viewing stage, facing east.
All east/west streets that lead to Dearborn will begin street closures starting at approx. 10:30am. |
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34th Ward Infrastructure Improvements All dates subject to change based on weather.
With any questions about planned infrastructure improvements, please email bill@ward34.org or call 312-744-6820. |
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Street Resurfacing Projects
Alley Improvement Projects
New Alley Reconstruction Project
Curb & Gutter Improvement Projects
Alley Apron Replacement Project
Sidewalk Replacement - Tripping Hazards
Bump Out Installation
CDOT Electrical Improvement Projects
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State/Lake Station Closure January - May 2026
On Monday, January 5th, the State/Lake elevated station closed for demolition and the construction of a new, fully accessible station. The new station is expected to be finished in 2029.
As part of the ongoing State / Lake CTA Station Reconstruction project, a full closure has been implemented on State Street, from Wacker Drive to Randolph Street. State Street is scheduled to remain closed until May 22, 2026. Lake Street, between State Street and Wabash Avenue, will remain closed indefinitely. During this closure, emergency sewer repair work will also be completed on State Street.
Local business and driveway access on State Street will be maintained during the closures, and at least one sidewalk will be open at all times for pedestrians. CTA bus detour information can be found here. The underground CTA Red Line train station at Lake will remain open.
To learn more about construction at the State/Lake station and local impacts, visit the CTA's website. |
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Work is underway for the Canal Street Viaduct reconstruction.
Canal – Jackson to Van Buren
Canal – Van Buren to Harrison
Canal – Van Buren Intersection
If you have any questions, please email the project email address at CDOTCanalProjects@gmail.com. |
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Lake Street Bascule Bridge Rehabilitation Closure started on 10/6
The full street and sidewalk closure on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge is in effect and will last until January 2028. During the closures, access to nearby buildings and residences will be maintained for both pedestrians and vehicles. |
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Eastbound traffic will be rerouted south on Des Plaines, east on Washington, north on Franklin, and east onto Lake St. Westbound traffic will be rerouted south on Wacker, west on Madison, north on Jefferson, and west onto Lake St. Click here for the full detour map. During this work, CTA Green and Pink lines will operate normally until September 2026. The work on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge is expected to be completed in January 2028.
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With any ongoing questions about this project, please reach out to the CDOT project team. |
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Halsted Street & Chicago Avenue Bridge Project
The Halsted St / Chicago Ave project is underway. Crews have removed existing street lighting, traffic signals, signage, and bus shelters. Viaduct removal is underway along the north leg of Halsted and the east end of Chicago Ave.
Demolition of the Chicago Ave bridge will continue over the next month. In areas where demolition is complete, crews will begin constructing new bridge piers. Crews will implement measures to minimize disruptions as much as possible, but noise and dust are inherent to the bridge demolition process.
Full closure of the Chicago Ave Bridge began September 29. The current detour map can be found here. The full project is expected to be completed by the end of the year 2026. |
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Ashland/I-290 Expressway Viaduct Work
Stage 2 traffic is currently being implemented on Ashland Av from Flournoy St to Jackson St to facilitate the reconstruction of the west side of the Ashland Ave bridge. |
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In this stage, traffic configuration will consists of two lanes southbound and one lane northbound on Ashland Ave.
A detour plan for the restricted left turn lane from Ashland Ave to Van Buren St will be implemented to send traffic to WB Jackson Blvd, SB Laflin St, then WB Van Buren St. A detour plan will also be implemented for the restricted left turn lane from Ashland Ave to Congress Parkway to send traffic to EB Harrison St, NB Wood St, then EB Congress Parkway. In addition, that the west side sidewalk of the bridge will be closed, and pedestrians will be detoured to east side sidewalk of the bridge.
Stage 2 is underway to reconstruct the east half of the bridge. During Stage 2, traffic configuration will also consist of two lanes southbound and one lane northbound on Ashland Ave. The project is anticipated to be complete late June 2026.
This week, the contractor will continue to work on the construction of the bridge deck within stage 2 limits. There are no changes to stage 2 traffic configuration. The project is still anticipated to be completed by June 2026.
For road construction updates and general travel information please visit IDOT’s Getting Around Illinois website. |
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The City of Chicago and Cook County are hiring! View their respective job posting sites below: |
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West Loop Wine Walk May 15, 5pm-8pm
Join WCA for the West Loop Wine Walk! Stroll down Madison Street as you sample a diverse selection of wines. Each stop features unique pairings, showcasing the culinary talent of local restaurants. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a casual sipper, the West Loop Wine Walk offers a delightful experience for all.
Get your ticket here. |
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Art of Living Well Renaissance Court Senior Center, 78 E Washington May 11 - July 27
Featuring work created in DFSS Senior Centers, 'Art of Living Well' highlights the creativity, growth, and talent of older adults while offering a glimpse into the vibrant programs that support them.
In recognition of Older Americans Month, this exhibit also shares personal reflections on how art and creative expression contribute to overall well-being, while embracing the theme, Champion Your Health. |
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Volunteer with Hope's Table!
The Hope’s Table ministry is designed to serve the needs of Chicagoans who are homeless or hungry and is sponsored by First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple. |
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Saturday morning services typically include serving hot meals and food to go, distributing clothing, and connecting guests with legal support through DePaul University’s Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program. Grace Episcopal Church partners in many ways, most visibly by providing space at 637 S. Dearborn. To volunteer or donate, please contact their volunteer coordinator. |
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Discuss how to help community cats through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), what to do with kittens, ongoing colony management, preventing nuisance issues and much more! |
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