26th / Kostner
A Little Village community activation project
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the Project
NeighborSpace and the Chicago Park District are working with the 22nd Ward office, Human Scale and Little Village residents to repurpose a vacant lot located at the southwest corner of 26th and Kostner. Our aim is to co-create a vision for the space with community at the forefront.
Phasing Plan
NOW: Initial Activation
Description
Design and build a multifunctional space that the community can activate through different programming starting in 2026
Goals
Create a visible site marker
Display information (history, project, timeline)
Design and build components that setup infrastructure for different community uses. Examples:
Seating
Pathways
Landscaping
Shade structure
Orchard elements
Design
Summer 2026
Construction
Summer 2026
NEXT: Community Activation
Description
Encourage near-term community use, activation and development of the space starting in 2027 and continuing through the land transfer process
Goals
Develop community communications
Encourage use of the site (farmer's market, performance, vendors)
Identify additional components that can be built in the near term (orchard, stage)
Planning
Winter 2026
Design/Build
2027
FUTURE: Permanent Park
Description
Develop a long-term vision for a permanent public park owned and managed by the Chicago Park District
Goals
Create a conceptual site plan with the community to initiate the formal land transfer process with the Park District
Complete the land transfer process
Develop a formal masterplan for the park using the community concept as a guide
Conceptual Design
2026
Land Transfer
2027+
