CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Uptown's entertainment district has a new vibrant sculpture to represent the community's diversity and rebirth of its arts scene.
The colorful wheel is part of the Broadway Streetscape Project, a project unveield today by the Chicago Department of Transportation, Alderman James Cappleman and Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
The new artwork is only one side of the Broadway Streetscape Project, which also includes modernizing other Uptown streets. The first phase modernized the streetscape on Broadway Street between Leland Avenue and Gunnison Street, and Lawrence Avenue between Broadway Street and the Wilson CTA Red Line Station.
The second phase of the Streetscape project is starting later this month and will extend on Broadway Street from Leland to Wilson Avenues.
Emanuel, who helped cut the ribbon on the project, said it represents the future of the community's art scene that will create more jobs, bring in modern infrustructure in and shows a coordinated, holistic approach.
The projects brings new sidewalks, roads and pedestrain plazas, as well as more planned rehab of other Uptown CTA stops. According to the mayor's office, public transit will be enhanced by the planned renovations of the Lawrence and Argyle CTA stations, part of a $2.1 billion initiative to expand the North Side capacity of the CTA’s Red and Purple lines.