Bronzeville Trail Planning Circle

The Planning Circle at Wabash is a civic and cultural hub designed to support community-led urban revitalization in Bronzeville. Developed in response to residents’ calls for spaces that celebrate community life, preserve nature, and stimulate local economic growth, the project provides both essential infrastructure for the Bronzeville Trail Task Force and a vibrant public gathering space for planning, culture, and exchange.
At its core, the Planning Circle is a place for celebrating community. A flexible gallery space showcases local art and murals, amplifying neighborhood voices and creative expression. A large covered pavilion with adaptable seating accommodates outdoor performances, dance, theatre, and community meetings, reinforcing the site as a shared civic room. A year-round farmers’ market supports local producers and artisans while strengthening everyday social connections.
The project is equally committed to nature preservation. Extensive planting areas and community gardens enhance urban biodiversity and offer opportunities for hands-on stewardship. At-grade trails improve access and connectivity along the Bronzeville Trail, encouraging walking and cycling. The existing Kenwood Line walls become interactive surfaces for public programming, weaving ecology, art, and education into daily life.
Through local economic growth, the Planning Circle activates space for fitness, retail, food, and small businesses, including cafés and neighborhood services. A playground anchors the site as a family-friendly destination. Together, these elements transform the Planning Circle into a living infrastructure—one that supports cultural continuity, environmental care, and a resilient local economy.