Our Work
BY NEIGHBORS. FOR NEIGHBORS.
McKinley Park Development Council was formed in 2017 to organize, inform, and support neighbors in building the community we want to live in — physically, culturally, and economically.
Our goal? Ensuring current and future development is rooted in this community’s vision.
McKinley Park Neighborhood Plan
This first-ever document presents a framework for future decision-making rooted in McKinley Park residents' vision.
Central Manufacturing District
In cooperation with the University of Illinois Chicago, we held neighborhood workshops to reimagine three regions around McKinley Park, including the Central Manufacturing District. The resulting vision is already influencing decisions about transportation and housing.
Future of 35th Street
We're working with neighbors to revitalize our commercial corridor on 35th Street. Neighbors' desires include gathering spaces, walkability for everyday needs, and small businesses that reflect McKinley Park’s cultural diversity.
South Branch Connectivity Project: Framework Plan
More than 600 neighbors were part of this framework plan, which outlines the issues, opportunities, and future work needed to build a continuous bicycle and pedestrian trail along the South Branch of the Chicago River from McKinley Park to Chinatown.
Damen Silos
When the State of Illinois announced the sale of the historic Damen Silos to one of our area’s most prominent polluters, we took action, advocating for the Silos' historical preservation and functional rehabilitation. Over 1000 neighbors signed our petition to make the Silos a park and festival grounds. Now we’re tracking the demolition.
