Gaps in the Grid: Chicago’s Vanishing Third Spaces

By Sofia Ingham |

In a city as large as Chicago, IL, one might think that there are plenty of places to foster social connections outside of living and working spaces. Over 3 million people in this vast city gather in third spaces- places outside of the home (first spaces) and work (second spaces)- to connect with others and cultivate a sense of belonging. Historically, these places include libraries, coffee shops, parks, and even local restaurants. However, third spaces in Chicago are noticeably diminishing, and we should all be worried.

The dissolution of welcoming public spaces can be traced to urban change and economic pressures. Neighborhoods, such as Logan Square and Wicker Park, are experiencing rising rates of gentrification. This notion is the process by which urban neighborhoods experience an influx of high-income residents, leading to rising property values and rents, often resulting in the displacement of long-term, low-income residents and businesses. For instance, Taqueria Chingón in Bucktown, a popular taco spot, is closing on November 26th due to financial constraints and competition from larger chains. Post-pandemic shifts additionally have left small Chicago businesses struggling to recover from business closures and reduced operations. Without proper municipal support, Chicagoans will lose more than just meeting spots; the elimination of community hubs will threaten community engagement, cultural identity, and sense of belonging. Additionally, the disappearance of third spaces in Chicago will perpetuate health risks associated with social isolation such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and neurocognitive disorders. 

Drawing on Homi K. Bhabha's Third Space theory, these places are not just physical locations but the very sites where cultural identities are formed and negotiated. Bhabha's notion of the "Third Space" suggests that cultural identity is dynamic and constructed in an "in-between" space that allows for interaction, blending, and sharing of different cultural narratives. These spaces are the core of bonding and relationship building, the very reason why Chicago has been voted the best city in the United States for eight years in a row. Without third spaces, people have fewer opportunities to engage in informal conversations, build trust with others, and create bonds that strengthen the fabric of neighborhoods. Furthermore, for many immigrant communities and long-standing Chicago neighborhoods, third spaces serve as a cultural touchstone. Their disappearance threatens to dilute the unique identities of various parts of the city.

The implications of losing these third spaces extend beyond cultural identity; they impact public health and social cohesion. 

According to Sociospatial Disparities in “Third Place” Availability in the United States by Danielle Rhubart, the United States experienced notable reductions in various third places between 2008 and 2015, with food and beverage stores decreasing by 23%, religious organizations declining by 17%, and personal services seeing a 22.94% reduction. These declines in third spaces are directly tied to increased loneliness, social isolation, and adverse mental health outcomes. The link between loneliness and harmful health impacts have only been expressed as a public health crisis in recent times. The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, raised concerns about the repercussions of social isolation and the loneliness epidemic in 2023. In a Surgeon General Advisory, Dr. Murthy stated that, “we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders.” Research uncovered that, from 2014 to 2019, Americans reported a 37% decrease in time spent with friends, dropping from about 6.5 hours to 4 hours per week. Loneliness has been found to be associated with various health risks. According to the CDC, social isolation has been linked to a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke. Moreover, a lack of social connections raises the risk of premature death by over 60%. Altogether, these findings underscore that loneliness and social isolation not only harm mental well-being but also pose serious physical health risks.

The lack of third spaces is especially pronounced in underserved communities, where access to gathering places like community centers is limited despite the community's need. In Chicago, it is evident that northern neighborhoods are provided with more resources for success, compared to southern neighborhoods that have a higher concentration of poor and non-white residents whom have faced historical redlining and racial discrimination. This disparity of assets will only continue to increase for neighborhoods such as Englewood and Humboldt Park, perpetuating cycles of loneliness and adverse health to those who already endure grave health disparities. Historically, residents of South Chicago have faced institutionalized racism, leading them to have fewer economic opportunities, reduced access to quality healthcare, and limited investments in community infrastructure. The dissolution of third spaces has grave implications on social capital and cultural identity. Social capital refers to the network of relationships and connections that help communities thrive. As third spaces disappear, people lose valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate, and support one another, leading to a weakening of social ties. 

As a resident of Chicago, I have seen these imperative spaces diminish first-hand. I’m a fourth year student at Loyola University in Roger’s Park. I’ve witnessed cherished businesses close around our neighborhood, leaving students and community members devastated. A notable example is Archie's Cafe, a small but beloved establishment that recently closed in August of 2024. Archie’s closure occurred after Loyola purchased its building in December, 2023, with plans to redevelop the site. This closure has left many scholars and residents disheartened, as they feel the university's expansion may not align with the neighborhood's best interests, nor the University’s Jesuit social commitments. Archie’s served as a pillar of the Roger’s Park community, providing students and residents alike with fresh food, live music, and countless memories. The forced closure of Archie’s Cafe underscores the crisis Chicago is experiencing as essential community spaces are increasingly displaced by institutional expansion and redevelopment. This loss reflects a broader trend in which beloved neighborhood establishments are sacrificed, leaving residents and students feeling disconnected and voiceless.

To address this decline, the city must support local businesses and enhance public spaces that foster inclusive community connections. Offering grants, tax breaks, or subsidies to small, independent businesses would help them remain viable and accessible to residents. Additionally, the city could revitalize vacant lots, turning them into vibrant community areas with seating, greenery, art, and programming that encourage gatherings. Public-private partnerships could also be fostered to host events like open markets, festivals, and workshops in these spaces, benefiting both the community and the local economy. It is imperative to cherish these spaces and nurture them to subsequently provide opportunities for Chicagoans to flourish. 

Critics may argue that social connections online are able to replace these in-person interactions, but fail to recognize that they cannot replicate the spontaneous, face-to-face interactions that local third spaces foster. These connections are ones that build community strength and nurture shared experiences. Additionally, digital spaces often reinforce cultural silos rather than bridge them, unlike physical third spaces that invite diverse groups into dialogue. In a recent study, the National Institute of Health Social disclosed that “higher levels of social media use were related to higher levels of loneliness.” Social media is a gateway to unrealistic standards and portrayals. It hinders people's abilities to socially interact with those around them, subsequently leading to adverse mental health outcomes. 

Chicago must take immediate steps to protect and revitalize their local businesses and third spaces. This can be accomplished through increased funding for public spaces like libraries and community centers, offering rent help to keep small businesses open, and making city planning focus on spaces that welcome everyone. Keeping these places alive is important to make sure our city stays diverse, healthy, and connected.