PEOPLE SPOTS
People Spots are temporary platforms that turn an existing parking spot into an outdoor space for public enjoyment. They help increase pedestrian volumes, foster walkability, promote economic development and strengthen a community’s sense of place. For additional information on the economic development impacts of People Spots, please visit the Metropolitan Planning Council website.
People Spot Standard Design
The City of Chicago Department of Transportation provides a free standard People Spot design for local community groups interested in installing a standard Make Way for People People Spot. Utilizing the pre-approved standard design can greatly reduce or eliminate design costs associated with People Spot installations. The standard design allows for local community groups to modify some of the components of the standard People Spot to adjust length and tailor to community design character (art panels, alternative cladding options and plantings). Below please find links to the People Spot Standard Design plans and related Design & Assembly Manual. These documents were made possible due to the generous support from AARP.
People Spot Standard Design
People Spot Design & Assembly Manual
Community groups can also design and install a customized People Spot in their communities following the People Spot Design Guidelines as shown in the examples below.
Project Examples
47th Street People Spots
Quad Communities
Development Corporation
641 – 643 & 916 – 920 E. 47th Street
Andersonville People Spots
Andersonville Development Council
5214 – 5216 N. Clark Street
Lakeview People Spots
Lakeview Chamber of Commerce
3329 – 2229 N. Lincoln Avenue
Lakeview East People Spots
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce
2863 N. Clark Street
Six Corners People Spots
Six Corners Association
4030 – 4032 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Design Guidelines
The People Spot Design Guidelines provide guidance to sponsoring organizations and their contractors on requirements established by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) for the construction of People Spots throughout the City. The Design Guidelines delineate application submittal requirements for design drawings, including platform, landscaping, accessibility, maintenance, and operations requirements. All People Spot design proposals are reviewed by CDOT for final approval. The Design Guidelines for People Spots are available here.
Application Schedule
People Spot applications should be submitted by the end of February to accommodate installation in May of the same application year. While applications will be accepted after February, installations might be delayed. A general timeline for the People Spot application process can be found here.
