THE VIADUCT GALLERIES of DOWNTOWN HYDE PARK
Special Service Area #61 teamed up with Chicago Public Art Group (CPAG) and South East Chicago Commission to revitalize the 53rd Street and 55th Street viaducts connected to Lake Park Ave at the Metra Station.
The Viaduct Galleries at Downtown Hyde Park highlight the work of 19 local artists from across more than 15 Chicago neighborhoods in a beautiful showcase of community and culture.
SSA #61 Commissioners:
The Board of Commissioners of the SSA #61 is comprised of business and property owners within the designated taxing district. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor of the City of Chicago for two- to three-year terms.
In 2021, the Commissioners proposed several large initiatives to beautify the district and attract more visitors to businesses within the corridors. Refreshing the viaduct art is a major piece of the Viaducts Initiative.
The Vision:
The viaducts connect the east and west side of the business districts allowing the art to seamlessly encourage movement throughout.
Successful submissions approached the site with a bold and creative vision that reflects the community’s best qualities – its connectedness, diversity, culture, entertainment, and residents.
Artists were expected to create an attraction that acts as an entry point for visitors to experience the viaducts as a “must see” amenity. This revitalization serves to improve the safety and well-being of pedestrians, bikers, and vehicular traffic by creating a sense of place for surprising, delightful interactions, welcoming visitors and residents alike to venture through Hyde Park.
The Community:
The goal is to make the viaducts welcoming and inviting for all commuters, connecting with two groups:
(1) Hyde Parkers, those who cross the viaducts on the way home or enroute to restaurants, shops, local businesses and attractions that Hyde Park offers.
(2) Non-South Siders, fellow Chicagoans and tourists, who visit Hyde Park for entertainment, shopping and eating.
The Curators:
A curatorial team of three representatives from the South Side were responsible for the artwork selection and sequence. Special thanks to the jurors:
- Monique Brinkman-Hill, Executive Director of South Side Community Art Center
- Mariela Acuña, Exhibitions and Residency Manager at Hyde Park Art Center
- Ciera McKissick, Public Programs Manager at Hyde Park Art Center
The Installation:
Artwork reproduced on vinyl on the existing panels by third party printing and installation company, Moss Inc (Moss). There are a total of 19 landscape-orientation stainless steel panels: 13 on the south side of 53rd Street and 6 panels on the south side of 55th Street.
About SSA 61 and the South East Chicago Commission:
The South East Chicago Commission is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to facilitate and support economic development within the Southeast lakefront communities of Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Washington Park and Woodlawn and to foster collaboration and coordination among businesses, organizations and institutions to promote the creation of jobs, investment and economic vitality.
The SECC serves as the official Service Provider for Special Service Area #61 aka Downtown Hyde Park, which comprises the 53rd and 55th Street corridors connected by Lake Park Avenue. Special Service Areas, known as Business Improvement Districts or BIDs in other cities, are local tax districts that fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous areas.
