Gentrification processes may involve both racial and class demographic transitions. In these cases, questions about racial segregation and integration become particularly pertinent. Neighborhoods appearing racially diverse, according to quantitative neighborhood-level measures, may not necessarily exhibit sustained interracial contact. In these contexts, I ask: how do local events and businesses contribute to racial segregation or integration? Using qualitative observations and interviews, I examine racial segregation and diversity in two previously majority-Latino Chicago neighborhoods. Looking specifically at public and semipublic spaces, I identify patterns of segregation and diversity. I argue that racially or ethnically diverse or segregated spaces can be the product of design or circumstance, with some actively fostering diverse and integrated communities and others becoming integrated largely due to convenience or necessity (as may be the case in grocery stores and other retail outlets). Thus, neighborhood-level diversity may not necessarily foster integration, but additional actions can be taken by place-producers.

Commercial gentrification often accompanies residential gentrification. Both processes contribute to the real or perceived threat of displacement for longtime residents of ethnic enclaves experiencing gentrification. Cultural displacement is a related concern among residents who may experience a declining sense of ownership, control, or belonging as newer residents and commercial establishments move into their communities. Yet, other longtime residents experience an increased sense of safety as their neighborhoods gentrify and they may appreciate the new amenities gentrification brings. I highlight the symbolic significance of local businesses in gentrifying neighborhoods and identify two different patterns of longtime residents experiencing their communities as something alien to them—a phenomenon I call alienation from place. Alienation from place may be a product of social and cultural displacement or may be alleviated by changes to a neighborhood accompanying gentrification processes, a posteriori alienation from place and a priori alienation from place, respectively.

Urbanists and race scholars have been attentive to issues relating to race and space for over 100 years. Though some scholars allude to how race is spatialized or space is racialized, that is, to say race is constructed in space and space is inscribed with race, a transportable and multifaceted theory of the racialization of space has yet to emerge. This paper advances a theory integrating racialization theory and Lefebvre’s trialectic theory of the social production of space. I consider how physical, mental, and social facets of space constitute intersecting “racial projects” in the context of societies in which race plays a determinative role. I illustrate this perspective pointing to findings from studies approaching issues of race and space from a variety of vantage points and conclude with suggestions for the further application of this theory.

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