Chicago Construction News staff writer
]The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation (CDC) joined community members in August to break ground on La Placita at Belmont Cragin, a new public plaza at Grand and Fullerton Avenues. The project will transform an underutilized lot into a vibrant neighborhood gathering space and marks the first of three plaza improvement projects CDOT will begin construction on this year.
“Since 2020, after the COVID-19 pandemic, we have worked to activate La Placita as a vibrant hub for our community,” said Alderman Villegas. “With City Light Church hosting our very first meeting, and with the continued partnership of Northwest Community Development Corporation and Funtastic Chicago, we’ve brought this space to life for small vendors and community events every summer and holiday season for the past four years—including our annual tree lighting celebration.
“Grand and Fullerton serve as the welcoming gateway to the 36th Ward, and I’m excited to see all the great things that will continue to come to the Grand Gateway.”
CDOT allocated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to design and construct the plaza, incorporating community priorities identified in collaboration with Alderman Villegas’s office. Planned features include:
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A performance space with festoon lighting
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Seating areas with umbrellas, shade structures, and decorative benches
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A walking path, central lawn, and public art display area
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Trees, landscaping, bike racks, and trash receptacles
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A perimeter fence with gateway entry columns reflecting neighborhood branding and Latin American culture
The plaza is expected to be completed in Spring 2026.
“This project reflects CDOT’s commitment to working hand in hand with communities to deliver meaningful projects,” said CDOT Acting Commissioner Craig Turner. “La Placita is the first of three new plazas we are building this year to invest in vibrant public spaces that strengthen neighborhood life across Chicago.”
In addition to La Placita, CDOT will also begin construction on the following plazas this year:
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18th and Leavitt Plaza (Pilsen) — Refurbishing an existing plaza space adjacent to Ann School with new seating, landscaping, and a butterfly garden for educational use.
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Jose De Diego Academy Plaza (Wicker Park) — Transforming a closed roadway into a flexible community space between the school and Roberto Clemente Park, featuring landscaping, seating, play mounds, and decorative paving.
