For the last three decades, a majestic arch above West 26th Street has served as a gateway to Little Village, the largest and most recognized Mexican immigrant community in Chicago. “Bienvenidos A Little Village,” reads a banner right below a grand mechanical clock that, ironically, did not tell time for as long as most people can remember. But on Wednesday, right after the clock marked 10 a.m., Mayor Brandon Johnson, city officials and the Little Village Chamber of Commerce celebrated its restoration and solidified the significance of the presence of Mexican immigrants and Mexican Americans here. The arch, which resembles the arched entrances found in rural towns in Mexico, underwent a comprehensive restoration over the last year after it was designated a city landmark in 2022. The project, spearheaded by the Chicago Department of Transportation, rehabilitated the structure to preserve its original character.