City breaks ground on Andersonville's first pedestrian plaza, named for local trans activist Elise Malary

The city has broken ground on Elise Malary Plaza, the first pedestrian plaza in Andersonville. Located on Catalpa Avenue between North Ashland Avenue and Clark Street, the site will feature greenery, art installations, and farmers markets upon its completion next spring. The plaza is named after Elise Malary, a Black trans woman who advocated for economic opportunity and mental health care access through the Chicago Therapy Collective, aiming to connect independent businesses with the community.