Chicago launches ‘Al Fresco’ street space programme

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is seeking proposals for its Chicago Alfresco programme to encourage neighbourhood businesses to open up streets and sidewalks and create spaces to support the community.

Businesses and community organisations can now apply for funding to design and build long-term outdoor spaces for dining and public enjoyment, and proposals will be accepted for projects of a variety of types and scales.

“Chicago has never needed its streets more, and we’ve never needed more out of our streets,” said CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi.

“As the crises mounted last year, we supported neighbourhoods with streets open for healthy activity, community connection, ...