Shovels in the Ground: Elise Malary Plaza Construction Officially Kicks Off This Month in Andersonville

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Andersonville · May 3, 2026

After years of anticipation, Andersonville is finally about to get its landmark pedestrian plaza — and construction is starting now. The city has awarded a $2.7 million contract to Sumit Construction to transform a one-block stretch of Catalpa Avenue into a vibrant, car-free public space, with work set to begin this month.

The project will convert Catalpa Avenue between Clark Street and Ashland Avenue into a tree-lined, paved plaza complete with benches, bicycle parking, and overhead hanging lights — a stunning upgrade to one of the neighborhood's most community-beloved corridors. The plaza will be named Elise Malary Plaza, honoring the late trans activist who made an indelible mark on Chicago through her advocacy work and her role in co-founding the Chicago Therapy Collective in Andersonville. Plans for the plaza were first announced back in 2020, making this construction start a long-awaited milestone for neighbors who have championed the project for half a decade.

And there's even more to look forward to down the road: the Andersonville Farmers Market, which temporarily relocated to the 1500 block of W. Winona while the plaza was in the works, is expected to return to Elise Malary Plaza once construction wraps up. Whether you're a daily dog-walker, a weekly market regular, or simply a neighbor who loves this street, this transformation is for you. Follow Ald. Andre Vasquez's 40th Ward office and andersonville.org for construction updates and timeline news.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/04/30/andersonville-pedestrian-plaza-construction-to-start-in-may-after-years-of-planning/