Globally, rainbow crosswalks have been implemented in LGBTQ+ neighborhoods to symbolize the strength of community and pride.
Currently, rainbow crosswalks are found in 100+ cities, of various sizes, and have acted as a community identifier and tourist attraction. Northalsted Business Alliance is working to bring this symbol of pride to America’s third largest city and now historic landmark neighborhood Northalsted.
It is vital to our community to identify and preserve our neighborhood’s diversity for future generations.
Northalsted is home to a diverse mix of LGBTQ+ businesses, services, residents and internationally acclaimed events. In 2019 Northalsted welcomed:
In addition, Northalsted is home to the Center on Halsted which is Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Community Center, one of the nation’s first LGBTQ+ friendly senior housing developments, Town Hall Apartments and Howard Brown Health Center which focuses on LGBTQ+ health and social services.
Stretching nearly one mile on Halsted Street, Northalsted is home to 20 iconic golden rainbow pylons.
These pylons are home to The Legacy Walk memorial plaques, which is the world’s only outdoor LGBTQ+ History Museum.
This corridor will be enhanced with 14 crosswalks running parallel to Halsted Street (installed on east-west streets) from Melrose north to Bradley. These crosswalks will create an aerial rainbow when viewed from above that hugs both sides of Halsted Street. This will be a visually stunning symbol for those flying into O’Hare International Airport as they fly over Lake Michigan towards Chicago.
The rainbow design will connect Northalsted across 13 crosswalks as a symbol for all those who are part of the greater LGBTQ+ community.
The 14th crosswalk will be dedicated to the transgender community with the inclusion of the blue, pink and white stripes found on the transgender flag.
This crosswalk will be located on Melrose Street south of Howard Brown Health Center which features a wall mural that honors the queer and non-binary community.
For all of the latest information about Chicago’s Rainbow Pride Crosswalks please like us on Facebook @chicagorainbow or @northalsted.
Northalsted Business Alliance is the chamber of commerce working to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in our district through programming, services, and events that celebrate our LGBTQ+ history, promote tourism and foster a welcoming, safe community for all.
[email protected]
(773) 883-0500
3656 N Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60613
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