Lincoln Yards gets ‘Alphabet Monster’ street art hidden within development

In Lincoln Yards, a series of murals that feature playful, 26-foot letters of the alphabet are in the process of getting installed throughout the megadevelopment site. A local graffiti artists Merlot created the project called “Alphabet Monsters.”

Twenty-six letters on industrial surfaces such as garage doors, brick walls, and corners of empty warehouses will be painted with bright colorful letters. Starting in September, Chicagoans will be able to hunt for each one on rackety roll downs and empty buildings.

The artist, Merlot, is known for a detailed and graphic approach to letting and typography. The graffiti art incorporates itself with the industrial elements bringing the environment into the art and vice versa.

“As a longtime champion of infusing our City with thoughtful public art, I’m excited to see this installation come to life at Lincoln Yards,” said Alderman Hopkins who helped the developer with the project. “We hope that these murals encourage both locals and visitors alike to explore different areas of the North Branch Corridor.”

The projects represents the first step in a larger arts and culture initiative, a series of rotating programs that spotlight local artists, planned by the developer, according to a statement from Andy Gloor, chief executive officer of Sterling Bay.

In the spring, as Rahm Emanuel was on his way out of office, Sterling Bay won approval for its $6 billion dollar megadevelopment in Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Lincoln Park along the North Branch corridor.

Sterling Bay