Woodard Plaza was installed in 2014 at the corner of Milwaukee and Kimball avenues by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Make Way for People program as a gift to the neighborhood.  It was designed by award-winning landscape architect Terry Guen and includes an innovative storm water drainage system that irrigates the beds of native plants.  The design also includes a community gathering space with a small area for performances.  But what should’ve been a neighborhood jewel gradually became overtaken by weeds, rats, and trash.

The Woodard Cultural Alliance was formed in July 2018 to bring the plaza back to life culturally as well as horticulturally.  Led by local artists Lynn Basa (The Corner Project), Kristina Daignault (Basic Studios), and Enrique Morales (Northwest Arts Connection) with the support of neighborhood volunteers, 35th Ward Alderman Carlos Rosa, and the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce, CDOT restored the plaza’s infrastructure.  

Today the WCA is focused making Woodard Plaza available for events by the community.