Park at N. 56th Street and W. North Ave Nears Completion

Multidisciplinary artist Brandon Minga, who designed and fabricated the park’s winged sculpture Together Feathers, also designed and constructed the two shipping containers.

Work on Uptown Crossing’s pocket park located at 5531 W. North Avenue continues to progress, even as the park draws enthusiastic crowds to events such as BID 16’s Uptown Get Down. By fall, the park should have two colorful sun sails, festive overhead string lighting on permanent poles and the installation of sod at the south end of the site.

Already in use are rolling picnic tables that provide seating for parkgoers to enjoy a bite and a drink from one of the many nearby restaurants and event vendors, and two substantial sections of a metal shipping container repurposed for food and beverage service and performances. The containers were designed and constructed by Brandon Minga — who also designed and fabricated the park’s winged sculpture Together Feathers. The containers feature bold graphics based on BID 16’s logo and large windows and doors that can be opened for events.

The sun sails will match the vibrant colors of the Uptown Crossing business improvement district’s logo. They will be installed over the north/central section of the park, while the shipping containers anchor the south and east sides.

“The sun sails and overhead lights will add additional color, visual interest and opportunities to further enjoy the park during the day and after sunset” said Jim Wood, account executive and safety coordinator for Kujawa Enterprises Inc., which is leading the project. “The renovated park will provide an exciting new draw for businesses, residents and visitors into the daily life of the Uptown Crossing community.”

Landscaping includes pavers and planting beds, with an emphasis on native perennials that attract pollinating insects, such as bees and butterflies.

Work on the park upgrades began in Fall 2022 and has moved forward in planned stages. As can occur with any project, unexpected challenges caused some delays. Electricity was added for food service and entertainment needs, but as of mid-August, it hasn’t been finished or inspected by the city. To adapt, BID 16 rented generators for its Uptown Get Downs. The biggest obstacle by far, though, turned out to be a buried fuel tank discovered while digging a hole for a light pole. The tank was successfully emptied of fuel and removed, but it did push the project completion timeline back several weeks.

“Construction projects always come with their surprises. We learned how to roll with it,” says Tracy Staedter, BID 16’s executive director.

BID leaders and KEI focused on overcoming the challenge to create a contemporary neighborhood meeting space that fulfills the vision for the park while staying within the project’s budget.

“The BID 16 Board and executive director have been great to work with on shaping the design of the space and the installation process.” Wood said. “Once the park renovation is complete, it will provide visitors with daily access to a welcoming, well-planned recreational space and BID members the flexibility to schedule a wide variety of special events.”

The finishing touches for the park are on track — in fact the only thing left to decide is the park’s name. The board is accepting proposals for names until August 31. Ideas can be added to the form on this webpage or emailed to info@uptowncrossing.com.