Chicago's Lawrence Avenue Is Changing—Is the Neighborhood Ready?

The Lawrence Avenue corridor in Chicago is poised to evolve into "New Lawrence," but as development proposals follow a streetscape improvement project, the community is still sorting out what exactly "new" should mean.

1 minute read

December 15, 2015, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Patty Wetli reports in the wake of the Lawrence Avenue streetscape improvement in Chicago, where pedestrian and bike friendly investments where designed to attract developers along the corridor. In fact, "[n]ow that all major work on the streetscape has been completed, including a controversial 'road diet' that removed a lane of traffic, signs indicate the project is beginning to deliver on that promise," explains Wetli.

The article dives into the details of a few of the development proposals for new density along the corridor. In the process, a telling point about the catalytic limitations of the streetscape improvements is made: despite the street reconfiguration, foot traffic is still lagging in the neighborhood. What's needed to achieve something special in the neighborhood, according to one developer quoted in the article, is "to build up the busy streets."

The development plans have provoked opposition from some locals, one local in particular, Bob Farster, is hoping to create a neighborhood association to help keep the focus on what can be done, rather than just insisting on what should not be done. "The trick," writes Wetli, "will be to find the middle ground between developers who would like to see all of Lawrence redeveloped in one swoop and residents who would like to reject everything."

Friday, December 11, 2015 in DNAinfo Chicago

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Black and white photos of camp made up of small 'earthquake shacks' in Dolores Park in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees

More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

April 15, 2025 - Charles F. Bloszies

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

7 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Close-up on BLM sign on Continental Divide Trail in Rawlins, Wyoming.

BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule

The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.

April 20 - Public Domain

Calvary Street bridge over freeway in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path

Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.

April 20 - Smart Cities Dive