GCI is committed to continual engagement in the Calumet Region, including the communities of South Chicago, South Deering, East Side, Hegewisch, and Calumet City. Current and past projects include:
100th Street Calumet River Project
Discover the 100th Street Calumet River site on Chicago’s Southeast Side. Project partners are transforming it into a vibrant recreation site, including habitat restoration, trails, and a river viewing area. It will seamlessly integrate into the Southeast Side’s transportation and recreation network.
Calumet City Burnham Avenue Corridor Revitalization Plan
Revitalize Burnham Avenue, as a vital community hub. Transform Burnham Avenue into a pedestrian-friendly commercial corridor. This plan guides future land use, economic development, design, and infrastructure for Burnham Avenue.
South Chicago’s Commercial Avenue Revitalization Plan
Join us in revitalizing Commercial Avenue. We have collaborated with South Chicago residents, businesses, and organizations to craft a plan for the corridor’s revival. We have mapped out strategies to attract new businesses and breathe life back into the area. Together, let us transform Commercial Avenue into a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and leisure, boosting the local economy and creating job opportunities.
Calumet River Communities Planning Framework
Our framework targets local businesses affected by industry closures. With support from the Chicago Community Trust, we are uniting communities to tackle environmental and economic challenges. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for South Chicago, East Side, and South Deering, addressing health, equity, and economic growth.
Calumet Connect
Join us in shaping the future of the Calumet River region with Calumet Connect. We are uniting residents, businesses, and community organizations to enhance river access, promote economic development, and empower engagement in city planning efforts.
As for the implementation projects, since the release of South Chicago’s Commercial Avenue Revitalization Plan in July 2016, Great Cities Institute has worked with the UIC School of Architecture to develop visions on the Southeast Side. GCI has helped connect the School of Architecture to community-based design projects through our community partner network. Implementation projects include:
Southern Commercial Avenue Gateway/The Underline
Join us as we transform an overlooked urban space underneath the Chicago Skyway. The goal of this project is to reshape this underutilized site into a vibrant community space, aligning with the area’s revitalization plan.
Northern Commercial Avenue Gateway Park
Our initiative at the Northern Commercial Avenue Gateway Park aims to serve as a welcome to South Chicago and the Commercial Avenue corridor. Great Cities Institute has facilitated this initiative in conjunction with a UIC School of Architecture studio class to develop design proposals for the Gateway Park.
8600 Block of Commercial Avenue Mixed-Use Concept
Our goal with the 8600 Block of Commercial Avenue is to bring life back to the block. With designs crafted by a UIC School of Architecture studio class, we are giving the corridor a fresh identity and direction to bring more businesses to the northern section of Commercial Avenue.
East Side Memorial Plaza
The East Side Memorial Plaza initiative involves transforming an underused area under the Chicago Skyway into a welcoming town square and veterans’ memorial. Great Cities Institute has worked with local businesses and community organizations to bring forward ideas to enhance community use of the space.
Follow us on Instagram (@uicgreatcities) for up-to-date news and photos on Great Cities Institute’s Calumet Region projects.
