City of Whiting to Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Sheridan Plaza

Friday, July 8, 2016

The City of Whiting is holding a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Sheridan Plaza on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in Whiting’s newest revitalization project.  The City developed the vision to provide a public space in an area where residents and visitors were already gathering.  The site became available for redevelopment after an unfortunate fire that destroyed the former building which anchored the corner of Sheridan Avenue and 119th Street.  In celebration of the project’s completion, we hope that you will join us for a brief program, official ribbon cutting, refreshments and live entertainment on the new outdoor stage.

The Sheridan Plaza is a civic, open space capable of accommodating activities ranging from daily passive gatherings to large community events and festivals.  This multi-functional plaza design includes edge conditions along both adjacent streets, which allows for traffic to be open or closed along Sheridan Avenue depending on the size and needs of an event.  Connected green space and widened sidewalks allow for ease of pedestrian movement with elements like seat walls, which creates a visually defining space and provides seating.  This also enhances and reorganizes parking along Sheridan Avenue, with flush curbs and bollards along the sidewalk.

Special features of the plaza include a rest room building on the north end of the green space, which the City has discovered is much needed for larger events.  In addition to restrooms, this building provides storage space, utility areas, and a decorative brick screen wall, providing an interesting corner setting for the outdoor pavilion.  The pavilion is an open air shelter that can be used to shade table and chairs sets, but also has the capability to host small performances and concerts.  The plaza will eventually showcase a public art feature, aligning with building faces along 119th.  The City and Arts Council plan to select a design from several local artists proposals.

The City of Whiting encourages all of you to join us on July 13, 2016 to see and enjoy this beautiful new space that celebrates Whiting.  It will be a great opportunity to speak with Mayor Joseph Stahura and the talented designers and contractors who helped bring Sheridan Plaza to life.  For this special event we welcome musical artist, Katie Day, as out live entertainment brought to us by the Tomfoolery Fun Clun, http://www.tomfooleryfunclub.com.  This young singer is a native of Munster, IN and now resides in California.