Launched in 2021, Terra Firma is a five-year, $25 million land care initiative to beautify, maintain, and activate over 200 acres of vacant lots on Chicago’s mid-South Side. The work spans three neighborhoods; Washington Park, Woodlawn, and South Shore, and aims to turn a perceived liability (vacant land) into an economic, health and safety asset. Through job training and entrepreneurship programs, Terra Firma directly increases employment and business opportunities for local residents as well as produces measurable community outcomes related to physical, social, and environmental well-being.

urbanAC serves as the lead strategic urban designer and arts and activation consultant. In this role, we led the development of site analysis, site design guidelines, and strategic project management implementation planning for site improvements. Additionally, we help guide the vision for the Arts and Activation scope, including the design, construction and management of a Portrait Pop-up Installation that coincided with the 2021 Chicago Architecture Biennale, and the production of community engagement materials.

In the first two years, Terra Firma stabilized 27 acres, employed 20 adults and 44 youth in green industry jobs, awarded $350,000 to MBE-certified contractors, supported 15 local community gardens, engaged over 300 community members in programming, and graduated 12 participants from an entrepreneurship program.