Use this registration page to apply to the Brick Parkway Repair and Replacement Program!
Applications will open on Sunday, February 15th. Applicants must review the information below before submitting an application.
BRICK PARKWAY REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
Introduction
The following information has been developed by the Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC) to define the eligibility, requirements, and responsibilities for the Old Town Triangle Association (OTTA) “Brick Parkway Repair and Replacement Program”. This information has been compiled from a review of recent practices employed by OTTA in similar community programs.
Community Context
The OTTA values the brick parkways as being unique and integral to the character of the Old Town Triangle Historic District in Chicago. OTTA does not have jurisdiction over the parkway areas and is not responsible for their maintenance. However, OTTA does recognize the charm and historic appearance of the Triangle parkways. Therefore, OTTA has established a framework for supporting the repair and preservation of the brick parkways on a long-term basis. OTTA supports this effort in three ways: 1) Establish an ongoing OTTA brick program to support property Owners and incentivize the use of brick; 2) In partnership with property Owners, provide partial funding of the estimated cost of labor required for repair and replacement of brick parkways; and 3) Facilitate communication between property Owners, CDOT, and the Alderman’s office to encourage the use of brick.
Purpose
Safety – many of the parkway areas need repairs due to jagged edges, uneven surfaces, potholes and tripping hazards, posing a threat to pedestrians; Property Value – maintaining the parkway impacts the overall real estate value of, and investment in, our homes in a direct and positive way; Appearance – matching the color and texture of new bricks to historic brick pavers throughout the Triangle neighborhood is aesthetically pleasing and consistent with the historic vision of the community.
Jurisdiction
The “parkway area” in Chicago is defined as the area from the outboard edge of the public sidewalk to the inboard face of the curb at the roadway. This area is the property of the City. Jurisdiction of the parkway area is the responsibility of the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). The City relies on the adjacent property Owner for maintenance of their respective parkway area. The City encourages parkways to be maintained as regularly watered and cut grass. In the Old Town Triangle, most of the parkways have been installed with brick. If the City is required to install or repair parkway areas, it typically will use concrete or stamped concrete, reducing the footprint of brick in the Triangle. The following program is intended to communicate options for parkway improvements to the property Owner.
Eligibility
The following criteria will be used by the Committee to determine eligibility for this program.
a. Any Property Owner(s) within the Old Town Triangle is eligible for parkway repair, understanding that OTTA Members will be given priority;
b. The OTTA will encourage and support property owners, property managers and developers who wish to replace existing parkway concrete with brick;
c. OTTA will pay the property Owner(s) for 50% of the estimated cost of labor to remove and reinstall existing brick;
d. It is understood that the work will include reuse of existing, original parkway brick. If additional brick is required, it may be supplemented from the OTTA stockpile. If additional brick is required beyond the OTTA stockpile, it must be provided at the Owner’s expense;
e. Property Owner(s) can apply for the program between February 15 and May 15 using the attached application form;
f. Property Owner(s) shall identify in the application form the specific parkway adjacent to their property for improvement, and indicate the square footage area to receive brick pavers;
g. Upon receipt of an application, OTTA will provide a contractor’s cost estimate. The cost estimate must be reviewed by and signed by the property Owner or responsible property manager. The agreed estimate shall then be attached to the application;
h. OTTA must review and pre-approve all applications for work to begin;
i. OTTA shall maintain discretionary authority with regard to approval of application(s) submitted by a commercial property and/or a real estate developer property
j. Property Owner(s) must submit to the OTTA a check for 50% of the estimated cost before work begins (this contribution may qualify as a tax-deductible donation);
k. Landscaping or other material above and beyond brick repair is the responsibility of the property Owner, such as edging, rock, gravel or fill-in in tree wells;
l. OTTA will provide a contractor for the work, or review/approve the Owner’s contractor, licensed and insured to City of Chicago requirements.
m. The program is subject to available OTTA funding and shall conclude each year when funding is depleted.
Materials and Contractor
After significant research and assistance from the Illinois Brick Association, OTTA has identified a specific brick that closely matches the color, shape and texture of historic brick pavers seen throughout the Triangle. The specific brick we recommend and encourage to be used is: Heartland Flashed ST Edge PVR 2-1/4 STD
The OTTA preferred contractor is Roy’s Landscaping, LIC# 1986060.
Review and Approval
The Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC) will provide designated Committee members to manage the Program. An OTTA (NIC) point-of-contact will be assigned to administer each project. OTTA will assist in notification to CDOT and the Alderman’s Office of all approved applications, and, if required by the City, in obtaining a permit by the contractor.
Release of Liability
It is understood that the support of OTTA to the property Owner/Manager is for a one-time repair or replacement of the designated brick parkway area, and any future maintenance of the designated parkway area remains the responsibility of the Owner. If not approved for improvements, the property owner may re-apply for consideration by OTTA. The property Owner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Old Town Triangle Association, its agents, employees and consultants from any claims, damages, losses and expenses arising out of, resulting from or in connection with performance of the work.
The Old Town Triangle Association is an Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation – FEIN 36-2336401
1763 N North Park Avenue Chicago IL 60614 312-337-1938
Application Form
Brick parkways are a defining feature of the Old Town Triangle Historic District. They add character to our streets, support walkability, and contribute to long-term property value. To help preserve this important part of our neighborhood—and to encourage the repair of aging and uneven brick—the Old Town Triangle Association (OTTA), through its Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC), has established the Brick Parkway Repair and Replacement Programas an ongoing, annual initiative.
This program provides a clear, consistent framework to support eligible property owners who wish to repair, restore, or replace parkway areas using brick in a way that aligns with the historic character of the Triangle.
Parkway areas are owned by the City of Chicago and fall under the jurisdiction of the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), with maintenance handled by adjacent property owners. While OTTA does not have authority over these areas or responsibility for their upkeep, it recognizes the unique historic and aesthetic value that brick parkways bring to the Old Town Triangle.
Over time, brick parkways can become uneven or deteriorated, creating safety concerns and affecting the overall appearance of our streets. In addition, when the City undertakes parkway repairs, concrete or stamped concrete is typically used, which reduces the presence of brick in the neighborhood. This program is intended to both encourage the repair of existing brick parkways and support the continued use of brick as improvements are made.
Specifically, the program supports:
Safety by addressing uneven surfaces, potholes, and tripping hazards
Property value by improving curb appeal and neighborhood investment
Historic appearance by preserving brick materials consistent with the Triangle’s character
OTTA supports this effort by maintaining an ongoing brick program, partnering with property owners to partially fund labor costs, and helping facilitate communication with the City to encourage the use of brick.
Any property owner within the Old Town Triangle may apply, with priority given to OTTA members
OTTA encourages homeowners, property managers, and developers to replace existing parkway concrete with brick
OTTA will contribute 50% of the estimated labor cost required to remove and reinstall brick parkways
Existing, original brick must be reused wherever possible
Additional brick may be supplemented from OTTA’s brick stockpile; any brick needed beyond that supply must be provided at the property owner’s expense
Landscaping or materials beyond brick repair (including edging, gravel, fill, or tree well treatments) are the responsibility of the property owner
The program is subject to available OTTA funding and concludes each year when funds are fully allocated.
Applications will be accepted beginning February 15
Applications will be accepted through May 15, or until available funds are fully used
Applications are reviewed in the order received, subject to program criteria and funding availability
Property owners whose applications are not approved in a given year may reapply in future years, subject to available funding.
Property owners submit an application identifying the parkway area and square footage proposed for improvement
OTTA provides a contractor cost estimate
The estimate must be reviewed and signed by the property owner or responsible property manager
All applications must be reviewed and pre-approved by OTTA before work may begin
Approved applicants must submit a check for 50% of the estimated cost prior to the start of work (this contribution may qualify as a tax-deductible donation, subject to individual tax circumstances)
OTTA retains discretionary authority regarding approval of applications submitted by commercial property owners or real estate developers.
OTTA has identified a brick that closely matches the historic brick pavers used throughout the Old Town Triangle and encourages its use to maintain a consistent neighborhood appearance.
OTTA has a preferred contractor for this work. Property owners may propose an alternate contractor, subject to OTTA review and approval. All contractors must be licensed and insured in accordance with City of Chicago requirements.
The application form will go live on February 15th. Click here to submit an application.
For questions about the program, eligibility, or the application process, please contact the Neighborhood Improvement Committee at nic@oldtowntriangle.com
If you still need help getting into the holiday spirit, we have just what you need. Join us on Thursday, December 11th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM for All is Possible : An Evening with Author Rebecca Plotnick. The author of Paris Every Day will join us for a lively discussion and signing of her latest book, which will make the perfect holiday gift for anyone in your life who might love the City of Light or beautiful photography.
She’ll also bring prints of some of her most sought-after photographs of Paris, which will warm your heart with the magic of the most romantic city. With a healthy dose of l’esprit des fêtes françaises, wine and hors d’oeuvres, we’ll look forward to holidays and the coming New Year.
Up your holiday quotient with friends and neighbors in your favorite community space!
Join us for the OTTA’s annual Oktoberfest celebration! You’ll quickly find out why this is one of the neighborhood’s favorite events as you enjoy our German food and drink, dance to music from a live band, and spend time with your Old Town neighbors while sporting your most stylish lederhosen!*
Tickets are $30 and include food and drink! OTTA member tickets are $20.
This event is sure to sell out! Buy your ticket at the link here: Tickets
*Lederhosen not required though is encouraged!
The class catalog is now live for Fall Quarter at the Old Town Art Center!
We’re excited to announce two 8-week classes with our newest Art Center instructor, Don Yang. Don will lead a Beginner/Intermediate Oil Painting class on Mondays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (August 25th – October 27th) as well as a foundational Drawing and Painting class on Mondays from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM (August 25th – October 27th).
The Fall catalog also includes classes from Tom Francesconi, Kathleen Newman, and Joe Taylor! The Old Town Art Center has classes for every ability, so whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned artist, there is a course for you. Browse the full catalog: Click here
We are excited to welcome Yoga back to the Triangle now that we have completed renovations to our space! Yoga is a great way to exercise and increase mobility and we are proud to offer classes to our community with our amazing instructors Eva Yam and Emily Chou.
Class schedule:
Yoga with Emily Chou: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Yoga with Eva Yam: Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Note: Yoga with Emily Chou will begin September 17th.
Fee: $15/class with the purchase of a series determined by the teacher, or $18/class, payable to the teacher.
Thank you to everyone who came to the Grand Re-Opening Celebration! It was lovely to see so many new faces and old friends and to be able to welcome everyone into our new community space. We got to hear words from advocates of the project about what the Old Town Triangle Center means to them and see before-and-after pictures of the space during the remodeling.
We heard from State Representative Margaret Croke, Alderman Timmy Knudsen, State Senator Sara Fengieholtz, Matt Clock from our wonderful contractor, Brookwood Builders, and OTTA president Ray Clark.
Visitors were given tours of the new space by OTTA ambassadors. The Leslie Wolfe Gallery was also open to view the latest Exhibition by Jeff Grunewald, with the artist himself in attendance! To top it all off, the event featured a hot dog cart from Lincoln Dogs which served Chicago-style Vienna beef hot dogs in steamed poppy seed buns.
Thank you to Nick Robins Photography for generously donating his time to this event and providing such amazing photography! Check out more from Nick at his website here: robinsfoto.com.
To view the entire event photo album, click here!