Logan Square stretch of 'Hipster Highway' could get special zoning

Logan Square
The Whale in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood on August 12, 2020. Photo credit (Photo by Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/TNS/Sipa USA)

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The city of Chicago is looking to preserve a stretch of Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square with special zoning.

WBBM Newsradio’s Nancy Harty reports a public meeting on the proposal is slated for Wednesday night.

The two-mile stretch of Milwaukee from Western to Central Park is home to the Logan Theatre and the Congress Theatre, plus plenty of restaurants and shops. Milwaukee Avenue, which also runs through Wicker Park, is sometimes referred to as the "Hipster Highway."

A special overlay district would protect the character of the Milwaukee corridor and affordable housing, as well as set guidelines for renovations and redevelopment.

If approved, the district would be the seventh in the city. Others are in communities that include Norwood Park, Sheridan Park and Beverly.

The Department of Planning and Development will host workshops and focus groups with the Logan Square community through this summer.

Featured Image Photo Credit: (Photo by Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/TNS/Sipa USA)