People Spots are temporary platforms that turn an existing parking spot into an outdoor space for public enjoyment. They help increase pedestrian volumes, foster walkability, promote economic development and strengthen a community’s sense of place.

People Spot Standard Design

The City of Chicago Department of Transportation provides a free standard People Spot design for local community groups interested in installing a standard Make Way for People People Spot. Utilizing the pre-approved standard design can greatly reduce or eliminate design costs associated with People Spot installations. The standard design allows for local community groups to modify some of the components of the standard People Spot to adjust length and tailor to community design character (art panels, alternative cladding options and plantings).

Please find links to the People Spot Standard Design plans and related Design & Assembly Manual in the Resources section below.

Design Guidelines

Community groups can also design and install a customized People Spot in their communities following the People Spot Design Guidelines.  The Design Guidelines provide guidance to applicants and their contractors on requirements established by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) for the construction of People Spots throughout the City. The guidelines delineate application submittal requirements for design drawings, including platform, landscaping, accessibility, maintenance, and operations requirements. All People Spot design proposals are reviewed by CDOT for final approval.

The Design Guidelines for People Spots can be found in the Resources section

Timeline
People Spot applications should be submitted by the end of February to accommodate installation in May of the same application year.  While applications will be accepted after February, installations might be delayed.