LAKEVIEW — Two new "people spots" have popped up on Clark Street, and they'll both have free Wi-Fi through October.
The public areas at 2863 and 2914 N. Clark St. each extend about six feet into the street and run 40 feet long. Visitors will find seating, planters and free Wi-Fi signals.
Both Lakeview spots are sponsored by the Special Service Tax Area No. 8, run by the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce.
They cost about $30,000 total, according to Maureen Martino, the chamber's executive director, who said the spots would be stored for winter and used annually.
The installation is part of the larger North Clark Street Strategic Plan, which aims to beautify Lakeview's southernmost stretch and make it more people-friendly, Martino said.
The brighter people spot, aptly dubbed "Color Guard," sits outside Osteria De Pizza Metro at 2863 N. Clark St.
Katherine Darnstadt, of Latent Design, created the spot, which features pink, purple, green and blue PVC piping filled with planters. The pipes create a fence pattern, which is mimicked across a deck and onto the sidewalk. Seats also will be made of PVC material.
The second spot, outside El Nuevo Mexicano Restaurant at 2914 N. Clark St., goes for a more traditional feel, with boxed planters and bistro-style seating.
It was designed by Sohl's Duane Sohl, who opted for 14 metal perimeter planters lined with framed artwork. Martino said the goal was to include local artists in the frames.
Patch Landscaping handled the green space for each people spot.
The spots will be available through October, when they'll be dismantled and stored for winter. They should return early next summer.
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