Since the beginning of March, the stretch of Oak Park Avenue between Ontario and Randolph streets has been through the wringer.
Between full road and sidewalk closures, deafening machinery, overhaul of century-old infrastructure, and dust and gravel galore, local businesses, patrons and area residents have faced a highly disruptive environment.
While the project is on track to be substantially complete by Thanksgiving, the Hemingway District is happily previewing its new look by hosting its “On the Road Again” community block party on Saturday, Nov. 14.
From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Hemingway District volunteer board is hosting a full day of family-friendly activities throughout the district to help the community reconnect, support the businesses that have weathered the construction and look ahead to the district’s new chapter.
Featuring everything from a classic cars display and opportunity for kids to bike, ride scooters or roller skate through the street in the morning, to local dance and music performances throughout the afternoon and evening (including local musicians from Oak Park’s School of Rock, the 101.9 FM The Mix Road Crew and classic rock sounds from Chicago-area band JudsonMain), the day is poised to be jam-packed with upbeat activities and camaraderie.
Throughout the block party, Hemingway District businesses will showcase special promotions, discounts and exclusive items, with restaurants and cafes offering product samples alongside selling grab-and-go items.
Wendy Giardina, president of the Hemingway District board, says everyone in the district is itching with excitement for the project’s completion and the opportunity to reacquaint the community with the variety of amenities the district has to offer.
“The Hemingway District is full of a lot of really special businesses and people,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of challenges this year, and I know that our businesses are really excited to re-introduce themselves to Oak Park and hopefully encourage people to come back and spend some time here.”
New design highlights which visitors will finally be able to see at On the Road Again include new district banners on light posts, new sidewalks and brick-lined streets, over 40 new landscaping planters lining the road, refreshed street light posts and overhead bistro lights, a new obelisk and plaza on South Boulevard, viaduct and railroad improvements and new illuminated panels underneath the Green Line featuring Oak Park-themed art, both to improve visibility and enhance pedestrian safety. Underneath the district are also replaced, state-of-the art water pipes, delivering water to residents and businesses alike.
Giardina said that while the district updates are breathing new life into the Hemingway District, the project was mindfully executed to protect the neighborhood’s rich history and neighborhood value. She hopes locals will come to On the Road Again to celebrate the project’s grand finale and enjoy a fun-filled event with something for everyone.
“We are super excited about the event, but success for us isn’t about how many people show up — it’s how many people discover something that they love and come back for the holiday season,” she said.