On Chicago’s South Side, a movement is underway to create spaces that foster a productive and thriving community, built on the pillars of health and wellness, arts and culture, sports and recreation, and entrepreneurship and innovation. At the heart of this effort is the South Side Sanctuary—a 13,000-square-foot immersive outdoor green space designed to inspire and engage. The Sanctuary features a performance stage, grassy knolls for picnics and gatherings, outdoor classrooms, and a dedicated market space, creating a dynamic hub for both community and creativity.

This transformative project was made possible with funding from Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and The Chicago Community Trust. The South Side Sanctuary is the final of 11 Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!) sites to open across the city as part of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Road to Recovery Plan. Additionally, the space will be available for private parties and event rentals, fulfilling a much-needed demand for accessible event venues on the South Side.

From 2022 to 2024, the development of the South Side Sanctuary supported more than 35 jobs and provided invaluable internships and workforce development opportunities in architecture and construction for over 75 young women through the Polished Pebbles program and Revolution Workshop. Spearheaded by Cecilia Cuff and her team, the Sanctuary aims to become a national model for transforming vacant spaces into vibrant community assets. Plans are in place to measure the project’s economic and safety impacts, produce a free resource manual to guide similar initiatives in under-resourced neighborhoods nationwide, and expand the creation of community spaces throughout Chicago.

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