Paulina Plaza, first phase of Lakeview Low-Line project, opens Friday

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Paulina Plaza, the first phase of the Lakeview Low-Line project, opens Friday.

Southport and Lincoln avenues will now be connected with an art walkway and garden that stretches for a half mile beneath the CTA Brown Line tracks.

Community plazas under the Southport and Paulina stations will feature light installations, public art, seating, space for programming and pathway improvements, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office said.

"This is an exciting step in what promises to be a great addition to a great Chicago community," Mayor Emanuel said. "Projects like the Lakeview Low-Line give residents opportunities to experience and explore their city in new ways and form bonds between residents, families and businesses."

"This unique and creative use of space below the Brown Line is another example of how CTA helps create destinations and focal points in the communities we serve," said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. "More than just a beautification effort, the Lakeview Low-Line will serve as a pilot for similar projects in the future that propose turning viable, unused CTA properties into shared community spaces."

Then second phase of the project will be finished next year, and connect Paulina and Ashland avenues.