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. A link to the application form will be added to this post once it is available.
For questions about the program, eligibility, or the application process, please contact the Neighborhood Improvement Committee at nic@oldtowntriangle.com