[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
/0730 Coastal Zone Information Center A Plan for the Central Area Communities: September, 1973 A Summary COASTAL ZONE INFORI-i!ATION CENTER' JUN 14 1977 In the years since World War 11, The Central Area, more aptly called Residence, work, recreation, goods Periodically each planning American metropolitan areas have the Central Communities, is defined and services should be brought framework will be reviewed grown at an accelerated rate. They for this Plan as the area bounded on closer together. and adjusted or amended to have increased in population and the north by North Avenue, on the accommodate changing needs expanded in area, but the west by Ashland Avenue, on the Significant areas of vacant land can and objectives. phenomenon of this development south by the Stevenson Expressway be developed under new concepts of has been the centrifugal pattern of and on the east by Lake Michigan. city living. Existing neighborhoods Just as the present has been growth. Suburbanization, largely a can be stabilized and strengthened. determined by past decisions and concept at the turn of the century, Two functional assumptions of the actions, the future of the Central has become a dominant force in the proposed Plan are that the Chicago The full potential of Lakefront and Communities will be determined by process of urban expansion. But Central Business District should - River amenities is still to be realized. decisions and actions today. peripheral growth is not without its continue as the dominant focus of consequences; diffusion of commerce and culture for the entire The proposed Plan is a The Plan seeks to define a special population and economic resources Metropolitan Area and that the comprehensive summary of form of human urban settlement. It have drained the vitality of center Central Communities should serve as conclusions and recommendations seeks to restore the historic role of cities. the transportation hub, the seat of for the future development of the the center city and to preserve what government, office and business Central Communities Area. is unique about Chicago. This Plan Unlike the cores of many other center, cultural and entertainment is therefore a vision of the Central cities, the Chicago Central center and central market place. The recommendations in this report Communities in the 21 st Century. Communities have continued to are ideas and suggestions for prosper and grow. As a result, a The structure of the Central consideration. They do not represent strong foundation already exists Communities in the 21 st Century a final plan for the Central from which to launch Chicago 21. should be determined by present and Communities, nor do they cover all future transportation networks. issues. AVE Ti -.,A Aii e/t@ 17-23,b OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 77- CITY OF CHICAGO RICHARD -T. DALEY 4--c MAYOR In a very real sense the City's historic Central Area is its heart ... the governmental, cultural and entertainment focus of the entire met@opolitan area. It has diverse neighborhoods housing 165,000 people and the city's principal shopping facilities. Its vitality has helped to shape Chicago and the surrounding region, and its continuing vigor is of immense importance to .@V all the people of the Midwest. Because of this it has been subject to 01 intensive planning from both the public and private sectors since the city's earliest days. In 1909 the Commercial Club of Chicago sponsored Burnham's now world famous Plan of Chicago, the first effort at comprehensive city planning in the United States. Burnham's dream gave great emphasis to the central area and gave the city a dramatic lakefront park with its museums and splendid Michigan Avenue facade. Again, in 1958, a Central Area Plan was produced that has shaped the modern face of the city's central area. Because of it, we now have the Civic Center, the federal buildings, the magnificent Circle Campus and new residential developments. The importance of the city's central area lies.in its continuing ability to play Ali a major role in providing business leadership, employment, recreational and cultural facilities, a major shopping area, and residential opportunities. What we do here affects not only Chicago but the entire metropolitan area of 7,500,000 persons. Over the last fifteen years the Central Communities, and particularly the Central Business District and the near north and near west sides, have experienced a redevelopment unprecedented since the reconstruction that followed the fire of 1871. Today this area is about to enter a time of even greater development. With the availability of the nearby railroad yards, the emphasis on air-rights construction, the ability to create whole new residential communities, and the recent Lakefront Plan, the bright future of the central area and its surrounding communities depends only upon the strength- of our commitment - public and private. i. ... . JEW JQ The purpose of this Plan is to guide th-e Central Area's development in such A ok IW7%@@ a way as to realize its full economic, recreational, and residential potential for the benefit of the people of Chicago and the Metropolitan area. It deserves the full support of all those it is intended to serve. X1_47 Mayor 44* i@ @_`* ,--Noma partment et Commerce r US Del center Library 19014A Cc Avenue -2413 2 Introduction Form of the Future Concept The vision for the future is of tightly knit communities in the heart of the City with widely diverse options for $ L the use of leisure time and with -Ail plentiful close-in open space. r. 4- AW AW=W*ZW Future urban form should be more 9:!@, = ; S@ heterogeneous and complex. All jl, AW The life support systems of the City .3. @X_ AW' 7- !mWj P will thus become increasingly A'*% efficient in their use of resources ................. and in their distribution of services and benefits to people. @N The accessibility network should be used as a spine for future development. Building intensity should vary directly with the or D 4 @,@n accessibility of any given sites. High i7 density nodes or clusters of nodes should develop in the north and west segment should be developed at south segments of the network. The A 7 LA 444, more moderate levels of density. In the northwest and southwest corners of the planning area, low intensity am, W zones are recommended. Al.@ One of the chief characteristics of Chicago is its strong and positive response to pressures for change. It has proven many times that it has the capacity not only for vision but for action. The clearest evidence of this City's response to crucial past events. Ty dynamic character can be seen in the Many cities have plans, but few have been as effective as Chicago in implementing their visions. well, 7, j "N Sol, AF Copies of this Summary (at no cost) and the 4.;J complete Chicago 21 Plan (cost@ $8.50) are K, available from the Chicago Department of Development and Planning, Room 1000, City Hall, Chicago, Illinois, 60602. Reference copies of the complete Plan are available for use at the Chicago Public Library and the Municipal 11, 77@ Reference Library. J pow Consultants: @x Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Architects, Planners and Engineers Real Estate Research Corporation Alan M. Voorhees and Associates, Inc. Communities Communities -X V u;g The vigor of a community finds The neighborhoods that now exist in expression in civic pride and identity. the Central Communities are degree of participation in civic A key indicator of this vigor is the relatively small, isolated by barriers of various sorts and quite different processes. But for people to care, in character from one another. Most JA, for people to participate, they must are deficient in one or more of the V.: be made to feel secure in their elements essential to a good community. They must also have community. confidence in its future development However, significant opportunities and unfolding opportunities. exist to reinforce or reconstitute these areas. To be satisfied with their communities, residents must enjoy The Central Communities must be the widest possible range of revitalized to again become desirable opportunities for housing, both for living and for working. They !i i1nNE", employment, recreation and must be efficient, economic and education. In the Central secure, and they must also provide K Communities today few areas offer maximum opportunity for human these advantages. fulfillment. 10, 7W, V 'U3 XW@, vm J, Z" Pilo VE]. 4MI-1 P FIF 11P7 Chicago Central Communities PF A ME Now 4 4 --mod A -Edo" No ww@ kk, AN 4 Communities South South Loop New Town The South Loop New Town will be the most concentrated and dramatic development. It will offer a wide range of lifestyle alternatives. Proximity to Lake Michigan and the Chicago River provides the opportunity for creating a variety of water-oriented amenities. These amenities will in turn be complemented by a well-developed system of open space designed to 17, Tp cill li . . . . . . r77 rluut 771 TI U121 accommodate both active and passive users. Major public park spaces will be a feature of this open space system. Six or seven levels of terrace apartments would rise above ground level, stepping back so that the roof of one dwelling becomes the yard or patio of the one above. Within the terraced building space there would be levels for parking and building services. The focus for each block should be 7: o an elementary school, community facility or convenience shops. Each would help lend individual character to its complex. Typical Block, Exterior View South Loop New Town The South Loop New Town will be developed in phases, reflecting both the capacity of the market and the character of the development. Pilsen The proposed Plan for this community emphasizes continued renewal of the existing residential environment through t --tt, rehabilitation and infill housing. fill I Community f acil ities -schools and other public buildings-should be J rehabilitated and expanded where appropriate. Chinatown Expansion of Chinatown should occur north across Cermak Road, be primarily residential in character and @t Units J T@rrd,& A15artkentLUnift be oriented toward the Chicago River. A new boat basin could also be Le 7F_ @Lkt "'te Stre t created to provide water-oriented Clark Stre recreation for residents and non- residents alike. Typical Block, Section South Loop New Town 5 Communities North Future Communities Substantial new residential communities will reinforce the existing mixture of uses. These communities should contain primarily family-oriented housing at moderate development densities. GOOD00cloollu U 00 110 El 11 U a0Q D 0 0 r Plan recommendations U are as follows: L, Ct 1, 0 a, Gold Coast-Streeterville Ir Strengthen the area through transportation improvements, and expansion of open space. Coordinate the expanding Northwestern Memorial Hospital center with appropriate adjacent clevelopment. Ogden Slip Establish aplanning framework ILL which provides for a predominantly residential development of this large area and relates it to the River, the Lakefront, and the transportation system. Cabrini-Green Foster a new sense of community through a broad range of improved social and public services paired with Typical Block Interior View, Chicago-Orleans self-help and new home ownership programs. Chicago-Orleans Develop new residential neighborhoods in the Chicago- r Orleans and Evergreen-Sedgwick areas. Replace existing elevated tracks with a new subway and other .0 -A related development. North Branch Industrial Area jig 1= 17 1 P I Strengthen and improve this .41 concentration of industry. North Loop Opportunity Area 1H Accommodate development supporting intensified Central Business District activity. T East Humboldt Park Provide the framework for J revitalization of this neighborhood. 7t, 7 6 Communities West Future Communities New development should add residential, commercial, industrial and CBD support uses to the West Community Area. Examples include the new high-density housing proposed adjacent to the Eisenhower Transportation Corridor, industrial and support facilities and infill housing in the West Central Area and the new Maxwell Street shopping center. Plan recommendations are as follows: Near West Side Complete urban renewal rehabilitation programs, construct new infill housing, and improve public service programs, especially the educational system. Balance and coordinate the growth of the neighborhood with the adjacent University and Medical Center. West Central Concentrate industry, construct the Police Academy and undertake the development of new housing. These efforts should be coordinated with the expansion plans of the University of Illinois Chicago Circle campus and the completion of proposed urban renewal projects. Roosevelt-Blue Island Construct new commercial, residential and industrial developments, and improve conditions in the public housing projects through expanding services and programs. Proposed urban renewal projects should be completed. 7 Communities Central Business District Diversity Pedestrian Walkway Systems A variety of new activities, integrated Opportunities to develop an enclosed with concentrations of residential, pedestrian walkway system occur in commercial, entertainment and office the blocks between State Street and uses would help to restore a sense Dearborn east of the major downtown of community by making the CBD plazas: the Civic Center, First more lively, interesting and responsive National Bank and Federal Center. to human needs. This underground, grade-level and above-grade system, lined with shops Corridors for Development in galleria fashion, would connect The zone where concentrated new development in adjacent blocks while development is expected to occur providing direct access to existing generally lies at the edges of the subway lines. Loop. Land use intensity is now relatively low there, and numerous Environmental Quality buildings are marginal or obsolete. Improvements required for the Replacement of the elevated tracks Central Business District include with a subway should make the area modification and/or expansion of the considerably more attractive for vehicular and pedestrian circulation redevelopment. systems- upgrading the quality of building development; specific beautification projects;and air, water and noise pollution control. Conservation Area Development Corridors Corridors For Development New Development Prototype 8 Communities Central Business District State Street T==@7"@ 0" A revitalized State Street should set the tone and establish the precedent for the ultimate redevelopment of co) many other streets in the Loop, 3 including Monroe Street, which is proposed to be transformed into a D, pedestrian-oriented artery when the Distributor Subway is built. The subway will have a platform with connections to the First National Bank Plaza and the Dearborn Street underground passage. Connections to additional new development should be encouraged. 7 The entire length of State Street and Wabash Avenue within the Loop should become pedestrian-oriented shopping streets with transitways for "\1-Z buses. New retail and residential i@ development on the east side of Wabash should be encouraged when the subway replaces the Y, elevated transit line. The State-Dearborn Corridor should retain a continuous street < level retail facade with retail, entertainment, office and 9d) All residential uses above. In this State Street Transitway Mail at Washington Street corridor new public development such as the proposed library, should LEH also be provided. U::H H:H 04 A., A "L Service Lane, Ap*vl T State Street, Plan Historic Preservation Because of the concentration of historic buildings, it is recommended that an historic preservation area be IX established to include important It building development within the Irv, X CBD. The Astor Street area in the north communities and the Prairie Avenue I @J district in the south communities have also been recommended as preservation areas. I @he Rookery Building Lobby The Rookery Building 9 Transportation Transportation Reorient the system of streets in and around the Loop to provide The historic concentration of business separation between various types and commercial activities in the of traffic. Central Communities has been closely Parking tied to the area's accessibility. Future Build an inner and outer ring of change cannot be accommodated parking garages for commuters unless this high level of accessibility bound for the Loop. is sustained and enhanced. The following system improvements are Coordinate the location and recommended: operation of new parking garages with rail transit to the Loop. Mass Transportation Accommodate future increases in Pedestrian traffic to and within the Central Emphasize convenience and comfort Communities through improvements for shoppers and commuters in the mass transit system. traveling within the Loop. Build a second level pedestrian Complete key projects,- build the skyway between the Franklin Street Distributor Subway and a subway to development corridor and State replace the Loop elevated. Street as a demonstration project. Initiate supplemental transit system. Build and landscape the State Street transitway mail and improve the Roadways State Street Subway stations. Construct the Franklin Street Connector. Improve Lake Shore Drive and Proposed Transit extend Columbus and Wacker Drives. Proposed Street Improvements Transportation Plan 10 Open Space Open Space The Lakefront Plan recommends creation of a Lakefront Protection A network of community and regional District comprised of Private Use, recreation and open space should Public Use, and Off-Shore Zones. evolve throughout the Central Lakefront Protection Ordinance, and Communities, providing each additional legislation related to neighborhood with facilities it most community environment impact vitally needs. Larger facilities should delineates the boundaries and be shared by several neighborhoods, regulates the character of these while special facilities should be used Zones. This legislation should serve by the entire metropolitan area and to ensure the highest quality be located where access is easiest environment along the Lakefront and from all points in the region. Thus in adjoining communities. several tot lots and playgrounds would be provided for every Meigs Field should eventually be neighborhood, while one swimming deactivated, and the entire Northerly pool would be shared by several Island reused for open space and neighborhoods, and the Lakefront recreational purposes. The small and Riverfront would be used by number of passengers which use it the entire region. can easily be accommodated at Midway Airport, which presently Grant Park operates far below its capacity. The great formal open space contemplated in its original design should be maintained in Grant Park. The Monroe Street parking lot will be decked over to provide additional landscaped open space. On that deck land forms should be designed to accommodate spectators at outdoor musical events. The Park's eventual westward expansion over the railroad Lake and River Zones property will create additional parkland and improve pedestrian access. Chicago River The Chicago River and adjacent areas represent one of the greatest opportunities for significant environmental improvement anywhere in the Central Communities. Along with determined efforts to greatly improve water quality there should be an active program to improve the use and environment of adjacent lands. It is recommended that a River Zone be established and guidelines created relative to development within that Zone. Lakefront The entire Lakefront, designated the Public Use Zone, should be devoted to parks and other public uses. In no instance should further private development be permitted east of Lake Shore Drive. Chicago Lakefront IMPLEMENTATION New Tools The task of implementing this Plan 120,000 residents of this new town is threefold:(1) to assure that together with residents from other planning and construction of the proposed developments will more Plan elements which are underway than double the population of the continue and in some cases be Central Communities. intensified; (2) to create the necessary institutions to accomplish Programs to improve public housing Plan elements which due to financial, areas will also require new public legal or organization constraints are and private efforts sustained over a not now underway; and (3) to long period of time. Public services develop new sources of funding. must be intensified, coordinated and made more readily available. A key to the successful realization of any plan is the establishment of If this Plan is to be accomplished, mutual commitments to action by private organizations and public both governmental and private bodies. bodies must not only continue to function in their traditional roles, but Commitments must be accompanied must find new ways of working by an on-going method of review and individually and cooperatively, with control to guide and coordinate new tools and/or methods. activities. A limited dividend development The implementation process includes corporation, the Chicago 12 Corp. programs and actions required to has been established as the vehicle create the spatial plan of the Central to enable private investment in the Communities, and equally important, major portions of the plan and to those policies, incentives and controls coordinate public and private efforts. which affect its non-spatial character as well. Recommendations for Major implementation are therefore both Minor physical or project oriented and non-physical or program orented. Communities The proposals having highest 1 South Loop New Town priority are those which will have 2 I.C.G.South Air Rights the most dramatic impact on the 3 Pilsen Central Communities and which 4 Chinatown will contribute most toward its 5 Gold Coast Streeterville long-term vitality and desirability. 6 Illinois Center-Ogden Slip 7 Cabrini-Green 8 Chicago-Orleans 9 Near West Side 10 West Central 11 Roosevelt-Blue Island Of the critical proposals, the major public works projects-- The Central Business District Distributor Subway and the Franklin 12 Above-Grade Walkways Street Connector--have been a part 13 Historic Preservation of the City's planning for some time 14 Ground Level Environment and are identified in its current 15 New Development Zones Capital Improvements Program. The necessary legal and organizational Transportation tools for their accomplishment 16 Distributor Subway already exist, as well as the local 17 New Loop Subway share required for their funding. The 18 Supplemental Transit System remaining tasks in this area, 19 Lake Shore Drive therefore, are to complete detailed 20 Functional Street System engineering Studies and to obtain 21 Peripheral Parking Federal and State funding for 22 State Street Transitway Mall right-of-way acquisition and construction. Open Space One of the most important and 23 Lakefront Park dramatic proposals of this Plan is 24 Monroe Street Harbor the construction of the South Loop 25 Navy Pier New Town on the 600 acre south 26 River Zone of the Loop itself. The projected 27 South Loop River Development Existing Proposed 12