THE LOOP — Wabash Avenue, the Loop's middle child tucked between prettier Michigan Avenue and State Street, is ready for a face-lift.
The Chicago Loop Alliance released Monday its "Transforming Wabash Report," a comprehensive plan that calls for dozens of changes to the Loop thoroughfare over the next decade.
"While Wabash Avenue has many assets, it remains an underperforming street," the Loop Alliance said in the report. "The bare L tracks can make the street appear dark and loud, which can be unwelcoming to shoppers, workers, tourists and Chicago residents."
The Loop Alliance hopes to change that perception with public improvements including new sidewalk planters this spring. Other proposed highlights include bike lanes, new lighting, and an effort to designate "Maker Districts" by recruiting creative retail tenants.
The total budget for the proposals could not be determined, but most initiatives would cost less than $500,000.
The Loop Alliance would pay for most of the projects, with help from the Chicago Department of Transportation, City Hall, grants and private funding.
Most of the work will start after construction begins on two other major projects impacting Wabash this month: the new bus-rapid transit system, and a new Washington-Wabash "L" station.
Download the full Loop Alliance Wabash report here.
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