3-Oct-20 – An organization devoted to downtowns has given an award for excellence to Chicago Loop Alliance for its ACTIVATE series of pop-up events held in Loop alleys.

International Downtown Association says the series, on a break this year due to the pandemic, should serve as a “model example” to all its member communities.

There were 29 entries in the Public Space Management & Operations category of the 2020 Downtown Achievement Awards, with the winner selected by a jury of peer professionals.

(Left) ACTIVATE event at MacChesney Court near Lake Street & Garland Court on June 6, 2019. Photo by Sean Su.

“Chicago Loop Alliance has shown expert application of professional urban place management principles with ACTIVATE,” said David Downey, President/CEO of IDA.

The series will resume someday, assures Kalindi Parikh, CLA’s Director of Planning.

“While the nature of ACTIVATE – which involves thousands of people gathering in tight spaces like alleys to enjoy art, music, performances, and refreshments – led us to cancel the series this year due to COVID-19,” said Parikh, “we look forward to bringing the program back when it is safe to do so.”

Chicago Loop Alliance estimates that ACTIVATE has had a $3.1 million economic impact since the series started in 2013.