Summertime Dining on the Five

Tactical Placekeeping & Economic Development

The Chatham neighborhood is blessed with a pride of place about the many success stories it can claim, among them the iconic businesses along 75th Street. Brown Sugar Bakery, Five Loaves Eatery, and Lem’s BBQ, among others, are well-established destinations which collectively tell a powerful story about Chicago’s African-American food and culture.

A tactical economical development approach was proposed to place temporary parklets in front of some of the best businesses to activate 75th street. The Farr design team planned, built, and secured permits for parklet structures, mobile planters, and outdoor seating areas for seven participating businesses.

Based on the overwhelmingly positive response, and with participating business owners reporting a sharp increase in sales, the City agreed to extend the inaugural event’s permits through Labor Day. The design guidelines which will help enhance the visual appeal of the commercial corridors of 75th St., 79th St., and Cottage Grove Ave, with funding available from two new City investment tools.

“Dining on the 5” evolved into a self-sustaining annual event through 2020.