What should 53rd Street look like?

• Busy and active, with lots of choices! - People expressed a repeated desire for a vibrant street life, lots of different activities, outdoor cafes, community gathering spaces, mixed use buildings, “more buildings, less vacant lots”, more shops, more restaurants, more housing, space for offices and business services, diversity, shops with a broad appeal. Participants indicated a longing to have more options to choose from.

Attendees noted consistently a yearning for physical improvements and elements to create an attractive and inviting environment. Comments pertained to both to the public elements like the streets, sidewalks and lighting but also to the storefronts, window displays, building maintenance and quality of architecture.

• Attractive and inviting! – Attendees noted consistently a yearning for physical improvements and elements to create an attractive and inviting environment. Comments pertained to both to the public elements like the streets, sidewalks and lighting but also to the storefronts, window displays, building maintenance and quality of architecture.

People often identified amenities to support and encourage a “pedestrian” friendly environment like wide sidewalks, brick pavers, lighting, and outdoor cafes.

• Green! – Frequent and repeated mentions of a desire for tree lined streets and abundant landscaping – as much of the year as possible. There were some specific mentions regarding Nichols Park, including suggestions regarding improved accessibility from 53rd Street and providing seating areas closer to the street. Neighborhood parks, open space and the Lakefront are highly valued assets to participants.

• Convenient and easy to get around – Workshop participants noted the importance of improving circulation patterns and the need for adequate parking, although preferably above, below or behind buildings. Comments also mentioned needs for directional signage, wayfinding and increased sensitivity to the accessibility needs of the community, particularly as it ages. There were suggestions for trolleys, elimination of traffic on 53rd St., and the opening of Harper Avenue.