UPTOWN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (UPCORP)

CORRIDORS OF VISION

7TH FACILITATED SESSION
Wednesday November 19, 2003
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
4753 North Broadway
1st Floor Conference Center

Study Area:

Uptown - through the Artist's Eye
(See map attached)

Participants:

Mary Laura Bushman, Facilitator, Institute of Cultural Affairs, Upcorp Board
Kathy Ahler, REST
Pam Bergdall, Methods for Active Participation
Eve Brownstone, artistic consultant
Tom Camacho, Serendipity Youth Theater
Paul Carpenter, Argyle Winmore Neighbors
Br. Mark Elder, DePaul University
Bob Ford, People's Church
Eileen Grogan, McCormick Boys and Girls Club
Don Hohendael, City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development
John Holden, Uptown Historical Society, Dover Street Neighbors
Liz Holland, Abbell Credit
Erin Knapp, ACM, Urban Studies Program
Tony Kopera, Community Counseling Centers of Chicago
Dan Kravetz, ACM Urban Studies Program
Alex Levy, Pegasus Theater
Diana Long, Urban Art Retreat
Tonia Lorenz, Winthrop Townhouse Condo Assn.
Heather Meyers, EZRA
Tyler Philippi, Buena Park Neighbors
David Rowe, Uptown Chicago Commission
Wally Rozak, Uptown Chamber
Loralee Streelman, Somerset Place
Bob Tack, Lord Companies LLC
Co Vuong, Argyle Winmore Neighbors
Alison Zehr, DPC
Simone Zurawski, Argyle Street Task Force, DePaul Universi
Joyce Dugan, UPCORP Director of Economic Development
Rebecca Dugan, Volunteer

Executive Summary:

At the November 19 session, participants continued the Corridors of Vision process with a session to address all forms of art throughout Uptown. Several areas we suggested:

The intersection of Wilson and Broadway
The intersection of Broadway and Leland Avenue (under the tracks)
The intersection of Lawrence and Sheridan
The intersection of Lawrence and Broadway,
The Truman College front yard (north side of the building, from the eastern entrance west including the Pegasus Theater building).

Outreach for this session was extensive. Over 75 packages were mailed to elected officials, block clubs, community organizations and institutions. Each participant received an assessment workbook with questions centered on five values: accessibility, safety, goods and services, aesthetics and community diversity. Participants were asked to visit several study areas to observe and absorb the look and feel of the corridor and to consider questions raised concerning the values, locations and art.

Based on their notes and observations, participants shared their current impressions and visions for the study area as it exists and as it might exist in the future. Facilitator Mary Laura Bushman guided the group through a collective brainstorming, sharing in pairs and small group breakout with the objective of focusing on several different Vision Elements, descriptions and Action Steps to carry forward the creative and forceful changes envisioned by the group.

This session was the seventh in a series of Corridors of Vision workshops. The workshop series represents Phase 1 of the Corridors of Vision process. In later phases, UPCORP will share its draft vision for the corridors of Uptown with other community groups, incorporating input and inspiring discussion. With each refined iteration, the visions will grow into a tool with which the community can evaluate development, identify and attract new businesses and development, and guide the revitalization of the Uptown Community.

The process used at this session was based on the previous Corridors of Vision sessions, which were designed and led by Mary Laura Bushman of the Institute of Cultural Affairs, and by Rev. Dr. Sid Mohn. Ms Bushman and Dr. Mohn are both experienced facilitators and members of the Upcorp Board of Directors. Ms. Bushman donated her time and materials for this session. Funding for this session was provided by the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development and by Abbell Credit Corporation.

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