For over a decade, Partner and Logan Square resident, Don Semple, has worked alongside a multi-disciplinary team of citizens to envision a safer, more accessible future for Logan Square. Their effort, launched in 2011 as grassroots, pro-bono initiative, has grown into a $27 million civic project now under construction.
The project reclaims 1.6 acres of roadway and returns it to public use as pedestrian space—an ambitious reconfiguration of the neighborhood’s iconic traffic circle that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and community life. Groundbreaking took place this spring, with Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and Mayor Brandon Johnson joining local residents to mark the milestone.
At the heart of the project is the re-routing of Kedzie Avenue and the reconfiguration of Milwaukee Avenue from Logan Square to Belmont. These adjustments alleviate long-standing traffic hazards, where pedestrians and cyclists once faced crossings of up to seven lanes. By directing vehicles away from the park and surrounding streets, the plan centers on safety while preserving the historic integrity of the Square.
The redesign introduces a new pedestrian plaza as a vibrant hub for daily life. Adjacent to neighborhood institutions such as Reno and Longman and Eagle, the plaza creates opportunities for outdoor gatherings, dining, and events, further strengthening Logan Square’s cultural and social identity.
Since its inception, the project has been driven by committed local leadership. Alongside Don, residents Charlie Keel and Ryan Westrom partnered with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) through the Project Study Group, guiding design development and ensuring the plan aligned with the community’s needs.
Collaboration has extended well beyond the core team. The Logan Square Neighborhood Association, Logan Square Preservation, Logan Square Chamber of Commerce, and Active Transportation Alliance all played vital roles in shaping a vision rooted in the voices of residents and businesses. These partnerships represent a model of community-led urban transformation.
Logan Square Groundbreaking. Credit: Ariel Parrella Aureli/Block Club Chicago.
Before construction began (pictured right), Logan Square’s traffic circle forced pedestrians and cyclists to cross up to seven lanes of traffic—an unsafe condition at the heart of the neighborhood.
As construction progresses, the Logan Square Bicentennial Improvements Project is on track to deliver lasting impact. Mayor Johnson recognized it as “a model for how the city of Chicago will continue to develop and modernize,” a vision that honors the neighborhood’s history while charting a pedestrian-centered future.
“The opportunity to create a vibrant public plaza in Logan Square is not just a professional endeavor but a deeply personal commitment for us. Our goal is to design a space that reflects the unique spirit of Logan Square—a place that is safe, inviting, and adaptable throughout the year, day and night.”
Don Semple, AIA
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