UPTOWN — Residents can get a lesson in Uptown's transit history and a look into its future next week.
At 6 p.m. Thursday, the Institute of Cultural Affairs, 4750 N. Sheridan Road, will host "Alternative Transit," the fifth installment of its environmental educational series "Out and About Uptown's Coast."
The series "hopes to connect residents, workers and visitors, and strengthen links between the well-being of the coastal ecosystem and the health and well-being of those who live, work and visit Uptown's coast," according to a news release.
Lara Rivera of Site Design and Kris Sorich, of the Chicago Department of Transportation will discuss history and the now-under construction Leland Greenway focusing on Uplift Plaza. At 7 p.m. there will be a tour exploring the plaza and greenway, the press release said.
Melanie Eckner of Uptown Coastal Initiative will also share the neighborhood's transit history, the release said.
The project, which has been in the works for four years, is designed to make Leland Avenue more bike-friendly. Major design changes were necessary because of a water main under the street, 46th Ward Ald. James Cappleman said in his weekly newsletter.
Construction began on the project in September, according to Streetsblog Chicago.
The project runs along Leland Avenue from Clark Street to Clarendon Avenue and connects Chase Park, Uplift High School, the Lakefront Trail and Weiss Hospital. Plans call for the 1-mile stretch to include green infrastructure, chicanes, stormwater bumpouts, sharrows and signs.
Where Leland Avenue turns into Arai Campus Park the greenway will turn south through an alley on the west side of the park to the public walkway between the school buildings of the high school at 900 W. Wilson Ave. Uplift Plaza will have permeable surfaces and water infiltration planters, according to Streetsblog Chicago.
In 2014, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the city would be incorporating green infrastructure into five streets projects including the greenway and Argyle Streetscape.
With the exception of the Uplift Plaza, the project should be completed by winter, Cappleman said in his newsletter.
To RSVP for the event click here.
[Courtesy of Site Design]
