Bronzeville Trail CCT Plan

The Bronzeville Trail Predevelopment project establishes a community-led vision for transforming the abandoned Kenwood “L” Line embankment into a continuous elevated linear park and cultural corridor. Conceived as both a neighborhood amenity and a regional destination, the project celebrates Bronzeville’s deep cultural legacy while advancing goals of connectivity, ecological restoration, public health, and equitable economic development.
Through early-stage planning, site due diligence, and extensive community engagement, the project reframes the Kenwood Line as a civic asset rather than a remnant of disinvestment. Nearly two miles of future trail are envisioned to connect State Street to the 41st Street pedestrian bridge and the Lakefront Trail, activating adjacent vacant parcels for public space, local businesses, art, and community programming.
The predevelopment process emphasized listening and collaboration. Community “walkshops,” public workshops, and stakeholder meetings shaped priorities including preservation of green space, improved access and safety, celebration of local history and art, and support for walkable retail and neighborhood services. Research and analysis addressed mobility, land ownership, ecology, public art, and placemaking, positioning the Trail as a catalyst for long-term stewardship and inclusive growth.
This work lays the foundation for future phases—design, funding, and construction—while affirming the Trail as a living landscape shaped by memory, movement, and collective care.