Andersonville Breaks Ground on Its First-Ever Pedestrian Plaza, Honoring Local Trans Activist Elise Malary

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Andersonville · August 11, 2026

Andersonville just hit a landmark milestone: the neighborhood is getting its very first pedestrian plaza — and it's being named for someone who truly shaped the community. The City of Chicago has officially broken ground on the Elise Malary Plaza, a new public space carved out of a portion of Catalpa Avenue between North Ashland Avenue and Clark Street. Once complete, the plaza will serve as a vibrant community hub, hosting farmers markets, art installations, community events, and green space — right in the heart of Andersonville. The plaza honors Elise Malary, a local Black trans woman who dedicated her life to expanding mental health care access and economic opportunity for the trans community. It's a fitting tribute that reflects Andersonville's deep commitment to inclusivity and its celebrated LGBTQ+ roots.The plaza is expected to be completed next spring, giving neighbors and visitors a gorgeous new gathering spot to look forward to as the 2027 season kicks off. In the meantime, Andersonville's packed calendar keeps rolling: Bingofesten is tonight (Tuesday, August 11!), the Taste of Andersonville hits Clark Street tomorrow, August 12, from 5–8 PM, and The Garden Party at The Nook follows on August 30. Head to andersonville.org to stay up to date on every neighborhood happening — and watch Catalpa Avenue transform into something truly special.

Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/andersonville
2. https://andersonville.org/events/