The Reverse Donut finally arrives....what does it spell for our fair city?

Found this article interesting espececially given some predictions of the reverse domut effect several years ago here is link : http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...l=chi-news-hed Change hits many inner suburbs More poor move to towns near city By David Mendell and Darnell Little Tribune staff reporters Published February 16, 2006 Positioned between thriving sprawl communities and evolving city neighborhoods, inner-ring suburbs in the Chicago region and across the country are facing major challenges to their stability, including an influx of poor people, sagging infrastructure and overall neglect, national studies and a Tribune analysis show. A report by the Brookings Institution, released Wednesday, identified 64 counties nationwide that represent suburbs closest to cities and found that, as poverty declines nationally, the counties are seeing an increase in poor residents and declining household incomes. Suburbs in close proximity to Chicago have been experiencing rapid increases in the number of people living below the poverty line over the last decade, according to other studies and a Tribune analysis of U.S. Census data. That's attributable to various factors: immigration from Mexico, gentrification that displaces the poor from city neighborhoods, the dispersal of Chicago Housing Authority residents outside the city. Despite the well-worn path of this migrant pattern, many of these suburbs are ill equipped to handle the poor coming their way. Inner-ring suburbs such as Blue Island, Stone Park, East Hazel Crest, Rosemont, Robbins and Dixmoor all placed in the top 10 of area communities with the biggest increase in residents living in poverty during the 1990s, the Tribune analysis showed. Meanwhile, outer suburbs such as Mokena, New Lenox, Romeoville and Bannockburn all experienced the most significant decrease in poverty during the decade. Poverty in Chicago fell 2 percentage points, from 21.6 percent to 19.6 percent. Throughout the country, demographers and sociologists studying census data found poverty increases in inner suburban areas while seeing less poverty in outer sprawl areas. Paul Jargowsky, an associate professor of political economy at the University of Texas at Dallas, described this flow as a "bull's-eye pattern." "You'd see decreasing poverty rates in the central part of the city, increasing poverty rates in the inner suburbs and then decreasing poverty in the outer suburbs," said Jargowsky, who wrote a paper on his findings titled "The Decline of Concentrated Poverty." "So it was very striking," he added, "when you see Chicago looking like Philadelphia, looking like Cleveland, looking like Memphis, looking like a lot of other places." In Blue Island, the economic shift also has brought significant racial change, since most of the new residents are minorities. From 1990 to 2000, Blue Island lost nearly 4,400 white residents while adding more than 3,600 Latinos and nearly 2,700 blacks, according to the census. Increasing poverty Its number of poor residents skyrocketed over that decade too. In 1990, 1,785 people were in poverty. By 2000, that number had risen to 3,088. And during a decade when poverty fell overall in the six-county region, the number of poor families in Blue Island jumped from 371 to 671, the census showed. Amparo Arreola and her husband, Antonio, settled in Blue Island in May 2004. They, along with three young children, subsist far below the poverty threshold of $22,831 annually for a family of five. The family rents a tidy, modest house for $650 per month using Antonio's roughly $300 per week salary ($15,600 per year) from a job at a gyro restaurant in Tinley Park. In search of work, Antonio Arreola had been shuttling back and forth from Guajanato, Mexico, for several years until Amparo Arreola decided she wanted the family to live in one place and immigrated here with her children. They moved to Blue Island because Antonio's landlord in Crestwood said he had an inexpensive rental home available in the suburb off Interstate Highway 57 just south of the city. Amparo said her husband had come here to earn money to send back to his family in Mexico. Working 50 hours per week in a restaurant is an easier and more lucrative life than hard labor on ranches and farms in Mexico, Amparo said.>

Good Times--Good Times!

I was watching the opening sequence of the 70's TV show Good Times last night and found it amazing to see downtown Chicago in those days. You could see Cabrini Green, an eastward view of the river (with the relatively new Marina City towers in the distance), and then another eastward view towards the John Hancock Tower. Chicago looked so GRITTY back then. Not only that, but it blows my mind how much has been added to the skyline since then. John Hancock pretty much stood alone in those days, like a lone pillar sticking out of the ground. And there was nothing close to the river canyon back then that is forming today. Even the L cars were way different. It gives you some perspective how much the central city has changed, you know?>

Should Chicago have its own Info Portal?

Well, probably yes, Better yet, should we actually make one? Kind of comes at a random time, but I saw how NYC's portal became public today (or at least mentioned in the forums) and I always wondered why we never created one (unless we did and I don't know about it, then disregard all of this). I mean, smaller cities with fewer existing buildings and U/C or proposals have their own, so why not us? I guess the first questions would be 1) Do we want or need one? 2) Do we have people that are willing to spend time on it or actually have the skills to make it happen? If yes to the above, what do we need? -People who are willing to lend use of their panos, pictures, construction updates -Fact finders -News updates Feel free to comment, suggest and add, share your opinion, tell me if this has been discussed lately, which I don't think it has, etc.>

TheRegion

With an armpit this beautiful.......who needs haters?? Beverly Shores $2,700,000 only 2,200,000 and for only 600,000 Burns Harbor 270,000 Chesterton 2,500,000 only 2,400,000 for 1,600,000 Crown Point 1,675,000 Gary 300,000 Hammond 365,000 Hobart 990,000 Highland 650,000 La Porte Oprah's old Hoosier hideaway? 3,900,000 for only 1,200,000 Merrilville just 600,000 Michigan City 900,000 870,000 800,000 Valparaiso 2,200,000 [img]http://w>

Chicago's Public Surveillance Cameras

Keeping eyes on the city 13 February 2006 Chicago Tribune Public surveillance cameras have proven to be effective as crime-fighting tools, whether the crime is an assault in Chicago or terrorism in London. Cameras provide police with extra sets of ever-vigilant eyes. Their mere presence can deter crime. When crimes are committed, cameras can help locate and identify the perpetrators. Chicago has spent millions of dollars installing public surveillance cameras. The 100 or so cameras with flashing blue lights the city has hoisted onto poles in high-crime areas have had a measurable impact, according to police. Statistics show that violent crime is declining. Chicago is adding 250 cameras to the 2,000 operated by the city, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago Housing Authority and other local agencies. The result--someday--will be a seamless Homeland Security Grid that will monitor everything from crime to terrorism to traffic tie-ups. Now, the city may take a much broader step: require businesses to install their own surveillance cameras. Mayor Richard Daley supports an ordinance introduced by Ald. Ray Suarez (31st) that would do just that. The ordinance would force businesses that are open to the public at least 12 hours per day to install indoor and outdoor cameras. This would put cameras in hundreds of restaurants, stores, hotels and parking lots. "This is not intended to punish anyone. We are talking about public safety," Suarez said. He is also talking about spending other people's money. The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce estimates that fitting a small store with a four-camera setup for inside and outside surveillance could cost $5,000. Other estimates are even higher. This is not an insignificant sum, especially for smaller businesses that operate on thin margins. The city has failed to make an argument for such a sweeping mandate. How many businesses would be affected? Why not focus on businesses that are prone to criminal activity or located in high-crime areas? Why shouldn't the city pay the cost for general public safety? We don't know the answers to these questions. Daley says more cameras are at the top of his security wish list. The city is expanding its network of surveillance cameras as needs are identified and money becomes available. Thousands of Chicago businesses have installed their own surveillance systems. Like the cameras in public spaces, they can reassure customers, deter crime and help identify perpetrators when crime does occur. They also can help protect businesses from liability and reduce insurance costs. Those are all reasons businesses might be encouraged to install surveillance systems. But telling them they must do so for public safety--and that they must pay for them--goes too far.>

Favorite Movie Theater

This Topic is rather random, but where do you like to go to the Movies? I would say Webster Theatere is the best, there is something great about the ambience of the neightborhood. I love to buy my ticket an hour before, and eat at potbelly's go to Barnes and then go to the movie. I absolutely hate and despise AMC City North 14 on Western and by Diversery.>

move to Chicago?

Hello. I have only been to chicago a couple times. Once for a wedding in the early 90s and two more times during flight layovers. I liked the airport....I thought it was easy to get around like the airport here in Pittsburgh.....even though it was much bigger. Anyway, I am still thinking about places I may want to move to after grad school and one of the top things influencing my decision is transportation. I skimmed a couple pages on the transit threat and see that its pretty efficient despite a few flaws that every system has....for the most part it works and thats whats important. I do not drive. Another thing is safety. I am a female living single so I want to make sure I am in a good area that I feel safe in. Can anyone suggest good neighborhoods that have easy access to transit and have decent priced apartments? What's your experience with different neighborhoods? Thanks!>

Skyline size from year to year or decade to decade

The thread Good Times.....by TUP got me thinking..... I wonder does anyone out there have Chicago's skyline size say starting at the turn of the 19th-20 th centruy.....then running maybe at 5 year intervals until present.... It would be interesting to see which periods were ones of quick growth and which periods stalled.... Also it would be interesting to see how the current boom compares historically.... also numbers for NY as compared to CHi would be interesting to see how the two cities developed in comparison to each other.....and to witrness boom / stall periods in boths history thoughts>

Is South Michigan Ave poised to develop into an awe-inspiring canyon?

Walking down Broadway St in lower Manhattan, I see one of the greatest manmade canyons yet made. Driving down Michigan Avenue, I enjoy the famed streetwall. Then I happen upon Roosevelt and keep heading down. What I see is many tall buildings forming the earliest portions of an imaginary canyon in my mind, reminding me of my walks along Broadway. But this is truly quite special. If plenty of high and mid-rise buildings are built all the way from Roosevelt to Cermak and even beyond, this particular avenue will be INCREDIBLE in the future! Lets keep in mind, also, that the River North portion of MIchigan Avenue, Rush St., etc etc, all end abruptly. Clark St continues north but it curves a whole lot. But South MIchigan Avenue is one straight road--going all the way into the 100's streets. The same goes for State Street, and Wabash, I believe. State St is still tainted by Dearborn Park, but still has a ton of potential. Community plans call for attractive housing and boulevard development of State St all the way down to at least 63rd st. In other words, the potential for never ending urban canyons may even be more pronounced on the south side than on the north side, with the South MIchigan Avenue canyon being the most awe-inspiring. I can't wait to see this happen>

Pridmore and Edgewater??

Like a lot of houses in my area (Edgewater), my house is quite threatened by developers. I was contacted by the historical society recently. Our house is one of the 9 last tract Cochrane (the person who developed Edgewater) homes in the area. So, it is a three story Victorian on a wide lot that was designed by an archtect named Pridmore for his sister. It is about 103 years old. We have a few changes to the house, but generally it is quite intact, with pocket doors original fireplaces, etc. I'd like to find out more about the architect and maybe find some old pics of the place. We need to expand...but I REFUSE to sell ouut to a developer and have a five story condo building replace it. Anybody have some sources?? Thanks. >

Chicago headed back to 1920?

For decades after 1950, Chicago was headed towards becoming a modern-day LA or Houston. Sure, downtown remained fairly healthy with highrise development, but otherwise developers had their way, and highways were carved through town. Strip centers were built, auto-oriented development raped its way into historic neighborhoods. But now Chicago is entering a new phase. Strip mall development is more regulated. There is a new zoning ordinance. Mixed-use development is back in a big way, and new houses/flats/condos are looking like they looked 80 years ago. There is once again a new crop of buildings with ground-level retail, and the old commercial thoroughfares are back. New pedestrian-oriented thoroughfares are being built. Transit is getting revamped. Ridership is slowly, but surely, starting to rise. Okay, so the industrial city is mostly gone, but it is being replaced with the world city. Money and pride are going back into the core in away that has not been seen in nearly a century. And most notably, the south side is making a great comeback. Vacant ghettos and industrial land are being redevoped, mostly in the form of urbanism that first defined Chicago and its neighborhoods. Despite the fact that much of the architecture is new, a thought comes to mind: Will Chicago begin to look the way it did in the 1920's? Is Chicago reversing the tides of decline, loss, and suburbanization to finally reach (and soon exceed) a high point that it once achieved decades ago?>

Best CTA "L" Line

Vote for which "L" line is the best to ride on in the CTA system. I accidentaly forgot to put a poll with it so to any mod reading this: - RED LINE (95/Dan Ryan to Howard) - BLUE LINE (O'Hare to Cermak/Forest Park) - GREEN LINE (Oak Park to Ashland/E 63rd) - ORANGE LINE (Midway to Loop) - BROWN LINE (Kimball to Loop) - PURPLE LINE Local (Howard to Evanston) - PURPLE LINE Express (Loop to Evanston) - YELLOW LINE (Howard to Skokie) - LOOP (all the way around it) >

Chicago: its place and its role in the USA

Stick with me on this one, guys. It may take some explanation. But if you oh-so-articulate Chicago forumers get what I'm saying, it should provide for some scintilating discussion on your part. Like a lot of you I read New York, Chicago, Los Angeles. Published in 1999, the book obviously contained research and data that preceeded that date by a number of years. So, in essence, the Chicago that we have seen blossom in most recent years was beyond the scope of the book. At the time of her research, Janet Bu-Lughod observed a Chicago that was a major American metropolis, but one that had suffered greatly in the post-industrial era. The city had yet to find itself. One observation that Bu-Lughod made was so interesting to me that it has stayed with me years after reading the book. In questioning Chicago's inclusion in the US super cities, Bu-Lughod articulated the slippage, but pointed out the statement that most stayed with me: despite the slippage, despite the fact that others may question Chicago's inclussion, Chicago, to Bu-Luhod still remained SOMETHING FAR MORE THAN A REGIONAL CITY. Far more than a regional city: in other words, Chicago serves a national role. And if that was true when Bu-Luhod did her research, it is more true today. I am fairly certain she would not be questioning Chicago's inclussion on any level if the book were being published today. Chicago is not only a global city; it's one of the few cities whose importance makes America work, makes America tick. SO THAT LEADS ME TO WHAT'S DISCUSSABLE: WHAT EXACTLY IS CHICAGO'S ROLE, ITS PLACE IN AMERICA? HOW DOES CHICAGO SERVE A NEED FOR AMERICA? Look, with no sense of put down, there is no unique role in our country for Kansas City, Cleveland, Seattle, Phoenix, Atlanta, or Baltimore. They're imporant. But they serve no national role. However, Chicago does. We have a role, just as certain other cities do: New York does in finanace, in theatre, in fashion, in advertising, (and many more spheres, as well). DC has the obvious role in government. Miami serves the US as our link to Latin America. LA controls the dream machine; it also serves us as a window on the Pacific. We look to Boston in its role in higher education. Vegas dominates our naughty side. Detroit served our country in its day as the automotive capital. I could think of a number of rolls Chicago fills for the US, but I'll remain silent. Since I brought the topic up, I'd rather hear what you think it is.>

If nothing taller than the Sears Tower were built in Chicago, would it matter?

I realize that it was nice to have the world's tallest building in our city, but in reality, does Chicago absolutely have to have that title again? If many new tall buildings are built, yet none of them taller than the Sears Tower, will it make a big difference? If the Central Area Plan comes into fruition, transit is improved, and the population continues to slowly rise, what more will Chicago really need?>

Was anything built in Chicago from 1960-1990 worth preserving?

I am growing to hate the urban development of those 3 decades (60's, 70's, 80's). Anytime I see something in Chicago that I don't like, I am not surprised to find out that it was built in one of those 3 decades. Dearborn Park was built in the 70's. So were the Presidential Towers and that soulless parking garage at its base. Even McCormick Place's Lakeside facility was built then. Then, of course, we have all of the freeways that pillaged their way into town. The only exceptions I can think of are the John Hancock Tower, Sears Tower, and Aon Center. Yet individual skyscrapers weren't really a problem in that era. What seemed to lack in those 3 decades is that architects and urban planners seemed, almost with a hubris, to disregard human beings altogether--they seemed to think that the automobile was the revolution of the future. WHAT A MISTAKE! Streeterville is probably the best example of a neighborhood that largely developed during this era, and it shows. Isolated, individual highrises with no concept of community. Only now, with new zoning laws, are new developments starting to correct this mistake. On the flip side, can anyone say anything critical about a single development built before 1940? Anyway, those are my thoughts. What do you guys think?>

ABLA to Roosevelt Square

Sources on the CHA ABLA (Addams, Robert Brooks, Loomis Courts, Grace Abbott) redevelopment plan: Map of entire UICABLAIMD area (PDF). Roosevelt Square master plan (PDF). Overview of the CHA ABLA plan. A Chicago Defender article on CHA plan that push out the new public housing starts to 2010-2015. CHA claims 1467 public housing units will be built. This includes 330 rehabs units in a thinned out Robert Brooks and 383 other off-site CHA replacement units. The balance are labeled part of the Roosevelt Square development but as mentioned aren't going up until 2010 and appear from the cac map to be planned for possible placement in North Lawndale. Contiguous to an expanded Tri-Taylor but effectively segregated by the railroad embankment and industrial strip west of Maplewood. 845 "affordable" housing units which seem to be CHA speak for rent controlled at 30% of income. That number doesn't square with the development releases and stories. Included in that count are 126 rehabbed units in the 2 Loomis Towers. Not sure if the remainder are all in the Roosevelt Square or if some are planned for the North Lawndale site. Also unclear is if CHA counts the NewberrryWright site which is privately owned & HUD subsidized. 1351 for sale units of which half are market rate and half "affordable" on initial sale. Greater Tri-Taylor Development Area. Not sure what is being developed as the strip between Western and Campbell is already filled with existing housing. Pushing Tri-Taylor out to the rail embankment as a neighborhood bulwark. The net effect of this and overall UICIMD development is alot more on and off campus student housing, some but not enough rent controlled housing for the working class, creation of needed commercial corridors and the poor get mostly screwed. Comments, corrections, additional data and opinions are all welcome.>

Are Chicago Business and Political Leaders Doing Enough for the Economic Future

I am often concerned about the future economic health of the city and metropolitan area. Everyday I read the SSC economic thread, real estate journals, newspaper articles and other business reports. Although many of the articles are positive and have promising reports about the city's future, there are thoses that cause uncertainty. Last month's ULI's publication "Real Estate Trends" potraits the real estate market here as weak and a secondary market. World Business Chicago and Northwestern University completed a survey that shows that Chicago image in China, although positve, needs a boost. Some financial journals are reporting that the economic conditions are improving on both coast and, that most of the economic activity is caused by investment from Asia. The condo markets in those coastal cities have stabilized and are rebounding. Many experts believe that Chicago's condo market will stay flat for another six to eight months. They say part of the problem is there has been very little job growth overall in the city/metro area. There has been very little investment from overseas especially from Asia. I don't know if this is true so, if someone knows the exacts please inform me. One of Chicago's problems is its low profile image overseas. I believe that the city leaders and the state leaders can improve Chicago's image around the world by aggressively working together. Mayor Daley should try to convince suburban residents how important the city is to their lives. He needs to articulate to residents of the city and suburbs the importance of working to transform the region economically and socially. He could do this through a weekly or bi-weekly public service announcement. More money is needed from the state and region to properly sell Chicago to the world over the next 5-10 years. We need to do what ever it takes to assure the City gets a fair shot at succeeding economically. I personally believe that being an alpha city is not everything. There are many non alpha cities that have that special energy and offer just as much culturally and socially as those at the top of the food chain. I am not saying that we have slip on the food chain so for all you opportunist who are looking to debate if the city is alpha or not, I don't care what you think. What I would like to know from all of you forumers, especially those who love the city (metro area), Do you think Chicago's leaders are doing enough to lead the city to a prosperous economic future? What will it take to keep the city at the top of the economic elite class of cities? Should we stop expecting the world to discover the city by word of mouth and aggresively market it? What are your thoughts?>

Are Chicago Business and Political Leaders Doing Enough for the Economic Future

I am often concerned about the future economic health of the city and metropolitan area. Everyday I read the SSC economic thread, real estate journals, newspaper articles and other business reports. Although many of the articles are positive and have promising reports about the city's future, there are thoses that cause uncertainty. Last month's ULI's publication "Real Estate Trends" potraits the real estate market here as weak and a secondary market. World Business Chicago and Northwestern University completed a survey that shows that Chicago image in China, although positve, needs a boost. Some financial journals are reporting that the economic conditions are improving on both coast and, that most of the economic activity is caused by investment from Asia. The condo markets in those coastal cities have stabilized and are rebounding. Many experts believe that Chicago's condo market will stay flat for another six to eight months. They say part of the problem is there has been very little job growth overall in the city/metro area. There has been very little investment from overseas especially from Asia. I don't know if this is true so, if someone knows the exacts please inform me. One of Chicago's problems is its low profile image overseas. I believe that the city leaders and the state leaders can improve Chicago's image around the world by aggressively working together. Mayor Daley should try to convince suburban residents how important the city is to their lives. He needs to articulate to residents of the city and suburbs the importance of working to transform the region economically and socially. He could do this through a weekly or bi-weekly public service announcement. More money is needed from the state and region to properly sell Chicago to the world over the next 5-10 years. We need to do what ever it takes to assure the City gets a fair shot at succeeding economically. I personally believe that being an alpha city is not everything. There are many non alpha cities that have that special energy and offer just as much culturally and socially as those at the top of the food chain. I am not saying that we have slip on the food chain so for all you opportunist who are looking to debate if the city is alpha or not, I don't care what you think. What I would like to know from all of you forumers, especially those who love the city (metro area), Do you think Chicago's leaders are doing enough to lead the city to a prosperous economic future? What will it take to keep the city at the top of the economic elite class of cities? Should we stop expecting the world to discover the city by word of mouth and aggresively market it? What are your thoughts?>

What do the North Shore, NW and West suburbs lack?

Draw a circle around the area that includes the North Shore from Chicago city limits to the WI line, the Northwest suburbs adjacent to it clear out to the Fox and also up to the Wi line, the West suburbs south of this point, from Chicago city limits to the Fox and beyond.....and, for good measure, throw in S.W. suburbia clear out to Joliet. And what, prey tell, is this huge, influencial area, marked by stellar school systems and a power base that is based, in good part, on education lacks? How about a state university, a four year public school. Can there be any comparable suburban area in the United States so underserved and yet so incredibly BIG????? Why aren't we looking into the conversion of places like CLC, Harper, CDP into 4 year state schools? Why isn't the state even considering the (admittedly expensive...but with a pay off) construction of a 4 year university from scratch? Is it obvious that areas around Argonne or Weston or the Silicon Prairie Corridor (the huge eastern portion...not DeKalb) would be fertile ground for a major state university. Chicagoland dominates the state's population at 2/3. Does it make sense to see state universities in places like Macomb, Charleston, Springfield, etc., when there are none in the largest sections of suburban Chicago. Excluding the U of I and its state wide role, does it make sense that there are major universities like NIU, ISU, and SIU downstate and UIC in the city of Chicago....and the areas described above in suburban Chicago don't even have a minor public university....let alone a major one? IS IT JUST ME, OR DO OTHERS THINK THE STATE DOES A MISERABLE JOB OF DISTRIBUTING PUBLIC EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES?>

10 years from now: Near North vs. Near South

Let's give this one ten years to boil and to simmer, to let the boom continue on the Near South Side, and to let its gritty reputation fade into history. So it's now 2016 (or so) and the question comes up: which of the near Loop areas is more interesting, more exciting, more desirable: THE NEAR NORTH SIDE -OR- THE NEAR SOUTH SIDE? Who's the winner? They both have the lakefront with its parks. Old industrial, warehouse properties have been converted to current use in both areas. Near North has all that sumptuous Mag Mile shopping, but Near South counters with culture (Museum Campus) and conventions (McCormick Place). Near North has the Gold Coast; Near South has the original Gold Coast (Prairie Avenue reborn). Old money rules north of the river. South of downtown, innovation is more than evident as it grows during this exciting urban era. WHO COMES OUT ON TOP IN TEN YEARS: NEAR NORTH OR NEAR SOUTH? And while not an issue (and not a real player), how does the lake-less Near West Side stack up against these two behemouths? Does its educational (UIC), medical (Med Center), and entertainment/sports (UC) complexes, its trendy restaurants, the ethnic joys of Greektown and Taylor Street help it stack up with its more impressive neighbors?>

Riverside Park Plan (done by me)

After hearing all the complaints in the Roosevelt Collection thread, I thought I would draft a plan myself for something MUCH better, that integrates parkland, the existing streetgrid, and transit. So here's my plan, rendered from Google Maps screencaps and composited in Photoshop. Here's the idea - since there are several South Loop residents here, and because the forumers here obviously care about urbanism. Basically, I'm soliciting comments and suggestions from you guys to improve my plan. As it goes along, I will gradually move to 3dsMax to give rough-draft renderings for the new neighborhood. Then, for the inevitable, eventual public hearings on the development of this parcel, we as CBP can hopefully bring up the ideas that we agree upon from this plan. We could even take it further and contact the developer with our concerns. So, we have here a HUGE parcel in the South Loop, with no streets running through it. Difficulties come from the fact that there are several rail tracks running through it, and the community of Dearborn Park along the eastern edge, which for privacy concerns limits through streets. The basic form of the grid-block portion will be medium-density residential, anywhere from 4 to 20 stories, with ground-level retail and parking planned for. This is desirable because many blocks front onto the park, which allows them good views of the river and park. Also, for the relaxation and enjoyment of the residents, nearly half the total area of the property has been set aside for park usage. Wells Street will be buried at the south end of the park, so the park can be continuous and undisturbed. The elimination of the St. Charles Air Line, which is the rail line that runs east out of this property, has been considered. If this happens, the two east-west rail tracks on the property will become unnecessary. They can then be removed, allowing a more connective park. They can also be replaced with bike trails, if desired. 15th Street has been extended across the river, and connected with 14th Place across the river. This is a good location for a new bridge because it is roughly halfway between the nearest bridges to the north and south at Roosevelt Road and 18th Street. Wells Street has been extended from its current end all the way through this property to connect with the other segment of Wells Street in Chinatown. The name LaSalle Street has been chosen for the middle street in the grid portion because on a strictly east-west basis, it is very close to the northern portion of LaSalle. Also because the next closest street, Financial Place, does not sound very desirable as an address. However, this segment of LaSalle Street cannot continue north underneath Roosevelt without interfering with the Roosevelt Collection project immediately north of Roosevelt. Therefore it ends in a cul-de-sac just south of Roosevelt. Lastly, the southeast corner of the parcel has several active rail uses. Therefore, Wentworth Street has been extended and linked with an extension of 16th Street, creating a block. In this block, a CTA Red Line station will be built. If Metra is amenable, this can become a transfer station between the two transit systems.>

Chicago's Sustainable Development

Hey guys. I am doing research for a class at Texas A&M on Chicago. One aspect of my research is 'Sustainable Development'. I have only been to Chicago once(really great expirence) so I am not that familiar with the city. I was wondering if I could get some names of developments, old or new, that are 'sustainable' or that you just really like. I'm trying to show off your great city to all these Texas country people so feel free to brag and give me great stuff!! Thanks! -txaggie>

Top 5 Suburban Downtowns, 5 that need improvement

Well we talk about Chicago 99 percent of the time, as well we should. But how about the suburban downtowns. Here are my Top 5 Suburban and 5 that could use improvements: 1./2. Tie Evanston/Naperville -Well both are charming Downtowns with lots of restaraunts, foot traffic etc. for Chicago suburbs. Evanston is very urban, lots of great places to eat, NU right in there, medium built skyscrapers, excellent public transportation to the city via purple line. -Naperville has probably the best collection of restaraunts in the burbs, along with a beautiful lake front and walking path, North Central college, lots of bars and foot traffic. 3.Geneva/St. Charles - These Fox Vally towns are small and quaint, but with excellent downtowns. St. Charles has the most pubs per square mile in the burbs, while Geneva has tons of thriving shops on 3rd street. 4. Arlington Heights - A few good restaraunts in the mix with some pretty impressive high rise condos for the suburbs 5. Park Ridge - Really going through some great changes right now, gotta love the Pickwick, great downtown, extremely close to Edison Park restaraunts. Top 5 needed improvements 1. Aurora- Where I currently reside. Aurora is going through some major redevlopments right now where hopefully in 5-10 years the downtown with start to thrive. As of right now downtown is as dead as can be. Only attractions being Hollywood Casino and Paramount. 2. Elgin- Same thing, going through some redevelopments 3. Waukegan- See a trend here, the big satellite suburbs all have one thing in common, larger populations and mixed(lots of Hispanic, African American Population) relative to other western/northern burbs. 4. Mount Prospect - Downtown has really done well with the new library and condos, but needs something to draw people into this suburb. For now, most residents just head north on NWHWY to Arlington Heights 5. Skokie- Downtown Skokie is dead, wife and I used to live near Lincoln, not much has changed. It has much promise, but Old Orchard just killed downtown, continues to Well here are mine, feel free to add your thoughts, add your own. Love to hear other opnions>

Chicago Sports Thread

I just thought we could give this a try. Outside of Olympics discussions, how about having a thread devoted to all sports-related discussion in Chicago? It could even be a potential sticky if people are interested. After all, wasn't Chicago rated the #1 sports city this year??? >

is it just me or.....

does nothing really compare to Chicago's skyline/architecture. Maybe I am biased, but Ive been viewing some other forums and although other cities may seem large and have many "tall" buildings, they just dont compare...... Dont get me wrong, I still think they are beautiful cities (i.e Toronto, Vancouver, Hong Kong,Tokyo etc.) it just seems however that there are arbitrarily built buildings just for the sake of having tall buildings.. Im not a big fan of the white condo look that many of these cities have...Id rather sacrifice quantity for quality, ala Chicago. The only city I find to compete with Chicago's personality is NYC, but thats not even a decent comparison....Two different cities with two different characteristics. Just curious to see why people like Chicago ? I love it and will be moving back in a few months. Btw, first post here and I love this forum >

various housing in Chicago

Over the year, I've gathered quite a number of pics of various architectual housing styles around Chicago. (omitted from this is commercial street housing because I wouldn't want to put 100 more pics in the thread) Rowhouses Various 2-flats Triangle roofs/Workmen's shacks Various 3-flats Bungalows Highrises (duh) Woodframe Crap Infill Greystones Apartment blocks 60's beyond >