As the first phase of the $20.3 million Fulton Market Streetscape Project wraps up from Halsted Avenue to Carpenter Street, work on the second phase from Carpenter to Ogden Boulevard is gearing up to begin in coming weeks.

“The new streetscape is a major milestone in the redevelopment of Fulton Market, an area that was Chicago’s economic engine in the 19th century that has been reborn and is now powering the city’s tech boom,” Emanuel said in a statement. “We have invested to modernize the existing infrastructure and restore this historic area to make it safer for pedestrians and suitable for the mixed-use economy of the 21st century.”

The project includes roadway reconstruction, new wheelchair-friendly ramps and a flex-street design that has no curbs on some blocks.

The Fulton-Randolph Market District has long been characterized by manufacturing and warehouse buildings. The area initially grew as Chicago’s main food market, with the construction of a municipal market hall in 1850, and flourished as a wholesale market and distribution center for agricultural products. More recently, it’s become a hub for the tech industry and brought along amenities designed to appeal to those workers.

In 2015, the district was designated by City Council as a Chicago landmark, a gateway arch was constructed at the entrance west of Halsted Street and the Fulton Market Streetscape Project was approved by the Landmarks Commission.