A neighborhood gateway with green infrastructure + improved access to nature

Ronan Park

The Ronan Park improvements started as a community-driven planning project aiming to improve and activate a series of sites along Lawrence Avenue and the Chicago River to establish a strong neighborhood gateway, access to nature and the Chicago River, and green infrastructure to alleviate flooding concerns and reduce runoff. 

The goal for the project was to leverage the site’s proximity to the river to drive equitable economic development and investment along the Lawrence Avenue Corridor. Working alongside a multidisciplinary team of architects, designers, urban planners and community members, Greenprint designed a vision for the site that made numerous site improvements. This includes improving pedestrian and bicycle access and safety, enhancing the aesthetics along Lawrence Avenue to create a stronger gateway and establishing a new central gathering hub and pavilion. The plan also outlines improvements to stormwater infrastructure, aesthetics and access to help the adjacent Global Gardens Community Garden flourish.

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Renderings/map: Perkins&Will