Mahalia Jackson Pop! Court 2024 AIA Chicago Roberta Feldman Architecture for Social Justice Award Finalist

Krueck Sexton Partners is proud to announce that Mahalia Jackson Pop! Court has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious AIA Chicago Design Excellence Awards. This recognition captures the sheer determination and collaboration that brought this project to life, uniting the community, government, and private sector to create a public space that celebrates the rich cultural history of Chicago's Chatham neighborhood.

The Mahalia Jackson Pop! Court, an 8,5000 square-foot plaza in Chatham, transformed an underutilized parking lot into a community asset. The concept for the park emerged from the Greater Chatham Initiative's vision to flip the script on the status quo, believing that residents deserve beautiful environments crafted by local artists and craftspeople. It honors the gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, one of the most influential voices of the 20th century who spent the later part of her life in Chatham.

This project exemplifies our commitment to social justice in architecture, aligning with the core values of the Roberta Feldman Architecture for Social Justice Award. The $500,000 grant received through the City of Chicago Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!) program funded the project, with all funds directed to local contractors, craftsmen, and artists. Notably, twenty local artists contributed to the design and execution, ensuring the project benefited the Chatham community both economically and culturally. This recognition underscores the importance of creating accessible, high-quality public spaces that uplift and inspire communities.

The award recipients will be announced at Designight 2024, which will be held at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park on Thursday, September 5, 2024.