The transformation of a Chicago North Side street corner will be unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 9 a.m. The Institute of Cultural Affairs, with the support of funds from the State of Illinois through the Illinois First Program, state Sen. Lisa Madigan and state Rep. Larry McKeon, and the Chicago Department of Environment, has changed the corner of Lakeside Pl. and Sheridan Rd. into a handsome, hand-laid brick parking lot and garden. The event will celebrate the efforts of everyone involved in the project.
The old asphalt parking lot on Sheridan Rd. and Lakeside Pl. was in desperate need of repair. The lot was replaced with hand-laid brick, which has a longer life expectancy by 75 years and is better for the environment than asphalt. The environment-friendly parking lot provides a complete heat abatement island by absorbing the sun’s heat rather than reflecting it back into the city. The brick also allows 60-80 percent of all rainwater to return directly to the water table. The heat-island effect also helps melt snow anywhere the brick is exposed, resulting in a minimum of plowing, and no salt or other solvents are required. During winter weather, sand—which moves down between the brick—can be used to provide the necessary traction.
The parking lot has another great function—a beautiful garden, complete with new trees, rose bushes, shrubs, and flowers, which all contribute oxygen to the urban environment. The garden lot is visible through a complete surround of ornamental iron fencing and illuminated at night by eight star lights that provide security within the lot, but do not send light upward to contribute to the “urban glow” which blocks the view of the night sky.
Founded more than 30 years ago, the ICA is part of a global network spanning 28 countries with a secretariat in Brussels, Belgium. The ICA fulfills its mission to promote social innovation through participation and community building offering a variety of services, including training, workshops, conference facilitation and research. In the United States, the ICA has offices in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Phoenix and Seattle. For further information, call (312) 769-6363.
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