Chapter 4 Central Area Planning Subdistricts

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Page 4-2 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

CENTRAL AREA SUBDISTRICTS The City of Chicago’s Department of presenting a succinct implementa- set of goals; and lists of policies, ac- of Zoning and Land Use Planning tion plan, this section describes the tions and projects to be undertaken divides the Central Area into twelve key elements of the Plan for each by the City between 2008 and 2020. planning subdistricts. In some cases, subdistrict. Each section forms the basis for fu- the policies and projects contained Each subdistrict report begins with a ture planning and development in within the Central Area Action Plan brief description of the character and that particular portion of the Central are located wholly within one sub- ongoing development trends in that Area. district — in most cases, they span subdistrict; followed by a vision and several subdistricts. For the purposes

Figure 4-1: Central Area Planning Subdistricts

North

Cabrini Near Halsted Area North

Chicago

River North Streeterville

Lake

Near West Central West Loop Loop Ashland

Congress South Loop South- Roosevelt west Loop River South River Near South

China- town

Interstate 55

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-3 August 2009

Cabrini Area Cabrini Area is located in the northwest corner of the Central Area and bounded on the north by North Avenue, on the south by Chicago Avenue, on the east by Orleans Street, and on the west by Halsted Street (north of Division) and the North Branch of the Chicago River (south of Division). Cabrini-Green, one of the largest public housing developments in Chicago, has dominated the area for decades. Demolition of public housing high-rises began in 1995, followed by new developments including replacement housing for Cabrini- Green residents alongside market-rate and affordable housing. Commercial rede- velopment includes Old Town Square, a grocery-anchored shopping center that demonstrates the viability of the Cabrini Area for retailers serving households with a broad range of incomes.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Page 4-4 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

Cabrini Area Trends, 2000-2007 City YMCA site at Clybourn and The Cabrini Area changed dramati- Halsted (1515 N Halsted). The devel- cally between 2000 and 2007, as the oper, Structured Development, has Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) plans for 550,000 SF of retail space continued its “Plan for Transforma- and 280 residential units, with 10% tion” for Cabrini-Green. North Town of these units reserved as affordable Village, Old Town Village and Near housing and another 10% designated North Apartments are among the as low-income housing. Roundy’s Su- projects that have provided town- permarkets, a Milwaukee-based com- houses, mid-rise condominiums and pany, will anchor the retail portion of apartments for households with a development with an 80,000-SF store diverse set of incomes. on two levels. Another major redevelopment area is located in the southwest portion of the district along the Chicago River. 2020 Vision/Goals The former Montgomery Ward cam- • The Cabrini Area will provide Image CA-1: The Old Town Village town- pus has become a new neighborhood housing opportunities for house- homes along Clybourn provide affordable housing as part of CHA’s Plan for Transfor- with both adaptive-reuse and new holds of a variety of types and mation. construction projects with residential with a range of incomes. and commercial space. • Existing residents and newcom- ers will be well served with parks, While the rest of the Central Area schools and other community fa- boomed in the 1990s, the Cabrini cilities. Area lost population. With the imple- • The Cabrini Area will strength- mentation of the Plan for Transforma- en its connection to the North tion, between 2000 and 2007 the Branch of the Chicago River, with area grew by an estimated 1,686 infrastructure projects that en- households and 2,712 residents to hance public access and use of reach a population of 13,353. the River corridor. New institutional facilities, including • As retail pushes south of North the Near North Branch of the Chicago Avenue, the Halsted and Cly- Public Library, 18th Police District bourn corridors will emerge as station, Jenner Academy of the Arts retail corridors with stores and and Seward Park support residential services to meet the needs of redevelopment. A 58,000-SF retail local residents and complement center anchored by Borders Books the adjacent retail concentration was developed at North Avenue and at North and Clybourn. Halsted Street, the highest capacity • The Division and Chicago corri- Image CA-2: River Village is one of many north-south roadway in the Cabrini dors will become important east- new residential developments along the River. Area and its western boundary. west connections with attractive streetscapes and high-density residential and retail uses. • Public transportation options will Forecast, 2008-2020 be expanded by a re-opened Di- In 2008, the Cabrini North Extension vision Street Brown Line station site is being redeveloped with a mix and new stations on the pro- of 760 market-rate, public, and afford- posed Clinton Street Subway that able housing units at the ParkSide of connects to the Red Line. Old Town development. Redevelop- ment of the William Green Homes and Cabrini Extension South will complete the CHA’s Plan for Trans- Policies & Actions formation for Cabrini-Green. Financial / Incentive The retail concentration around the • The Near North TIF and Chica- North and Clybourn intersection con- go/Kingsbury TIF Districts cover tinues its expansion into the Cabrini much of the Cabrini Area and will Area, with projects planned in the provide infrastructure improve- Halsted corridor south to Division ments, as well as support for af- Street. Plans have been unveiled for fordable housing. Image CA-3: The new Schiff Residences redevelopment of the 8.2-acre New (Mercy Housing) along Clybourn through the Cabrini Area.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Residential Existing Land Use Commercial

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Existing Land Use Commercial New Developments MOHAWK Figure: # DR NORTH B Mixed Use

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Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts TE Page 4-5Opportunity Sites E SHO E

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LARRABEE HALSTED DIVISION Industrial CANAL CROSBY Parking August 2009 Open Space

ORLEANS Riverfront Path Existing Bike Path ROW Alignment Streetscape Improvements New Bridge Approved Developments

CabriniNew Developments Area CTA Train Station OpportunitiesFigure CA-1: Map Division Street Urban Design Recommendations Opportunity Sites Existing Bike Path Open Space CLYBOURN NORTH BRANCH CANALKINGSBURY SCOTT Streetscape Improvements Riverfront Path

ROW Alignment HICKORY HOOKER Approved Developments JEWEL/

HALSTED OSCO New Developments New Bridge

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CLARK DEARBORN STATE SEDGWICK ASTOR STONE

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CLEVLAND DIVISION DIVISION Opportunity Sites CTA Train Station CROSBY

Opportunities Map Open Space OAK

ORLEANS STREET BEACH CLYBOURN Riverfront Path NORTH BRANCH CANALKINGSBURY SCOTT ROW Alignment

HICKORY HOOKER JEWEL/ New Bridge HALSTED OSCO

• While some private-sector de- BROWN LINE fied for pedestrian, vehicularLAKE SHORE DR or

CLARK DEARBORN STATE SEDGWICK ASTOR STONE

WELLS LASALLE LARRABEE UrbanCLEVLAND Design CITY OFDIVISION CHICAGO SIGNATUREDIVISION CORRIDORS CTA Train Station velopment/Central will CROSBY proceed Area without Action Plan/ service/loading orientations. Opportunities Map incentives, others will require TIF • Park and open space investmentsOAK Clybourn South ORLEANS STREET support. that improve access to the River. BEACH CLYBOURN The area around Clybourn Avenue NORTH BRANCH CANALKINGSBURY SCOTT between Division Street and North • Large parcels in public control Development HICKORY HOOKER offer an opportunity for master Avenue is undergoingJEWEL/ major changes, CITYHALSTED OF CHICAGO• Redevelopment/ of CHA sites will /SIGNATUREOSCO CORRIDORS planned communities that should

Central Area Action BROWN LINE Plan LAKE SHORE DR CLARK DEARBORN STATE SEDGWICK ASTOR STONE

WELLS LASALLE LARRABEE CLEVLAND and was identified as a district focus DIVISION create major opportunities for DIVISION include a mix of product types, CROSBY area during the planning process. This mixed-use (residential and com- distinctive projectOAK character, pub-

ORLEANS area includes a portion of the former STREET mercial) development. Cabrini-Green public housing devel- lic amenitiesBEACH and supportive com- • Plans are unfolding for other sites, opment, which is being redeveloped munity retail. including the former White Way as part of the CHA Plan for Trans- CITY OF CHICAGO/Central AreaSign siteAction and the Plan CMHDA/SIGNATURE site at CORRIDORSformation. The urban design study Signature Street – Division Clybourn and Larrabee. Other area also included the area known Division is the key east-west street opportunity sites remain. as the Halsted Triangle. A number of through the Near North and Cabrini large-scale developments are being Area. Unlike most other east-west Regulatory planned or are underway, including streets, Division provides uninter- • Existing zoning is generally ap- OrchardCLYBOURN Courts, New NORTH City Develop- rupted access from Inner Lake Shore propriate and much of the area is ment and North Town Village. Drive and the Lakefront to the Chi- already in Planned Developments cago River and Kennedy Expressway. (PDs). A few remaining industrial Design recommendations for this This street is undergoingNORTH AVE massive

sites are likely to convert to resi- area include the following (see Figure BORDERS change as highBOOKS levels of new residen- dential and commercial develop- CA-2 below):

DAYTON

SHEFIELD tial and commercial projects are be- ment. • The establishment of an inter-con- FREMONT ing developed.WEED With the associated ORCHARD nected street network around increase in residentialCOURT density, and CLYBOURN which new development sites are the proposal for a new CTA Brown BLACKHAWK CLYBOURN NORTH NEW CITY oriented. These streets are identi- Line Station DEVELOPMENT at Division, pedestrian

and vehicularHALSTED use of this street LARRABEE will Figure CA-2: Clybourn South Area Urban Design Recommendations increase.EASTMAN

NORTH AVE OGDEN Design recommendationsNORTH for this TOWN BORDERS VILLAGE BOOKS corridorEVERGREEN include the following (see

DAYTON SHEFIELD Figure CA-1 above): STANTON

FREMONT WEED PARK

KINGSBURY ORCHARD COURT NORTH BRANCH• CANALStreet and sidewalk upgrades are

CLYBOURN recommendedSCOTT to improve the

NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER NORTH BRANCH function and appearance of this BLACKHAWK NEW CITY HOOKER DEVELOPMENT HICKERY CHERRY street (see discussion below of streetscape improvements under HALSTED LARRABEE DIVISION AVE Cabrini Area Projects). EASTMAN • Planted medians should be con- OGDEN

NORTH TOWN sidered along with minimum side- VILLAGE

EVERGREEN walk widths of 14 feet.

STANTON PARK

KINGSBURY

NORTH BRANCH CANAL Improved Streetscape SCOTT Service Orientation

NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER NORTH BRANCH Pending Developments Riverfront Path

HOOKER HICKERY CHERRY New Developments ROW Alignment

DIVISION AVE Opportunity Sites Pedestrian Orientation

Open Space New Bridge

CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/DISTRICT FOCUS Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Improved Streetscape Service Orientation

Pending Developments Riverfront Path

New Developments ROW Alignment

Opportunity Sites Pedestrian Orientation

Open Space New Bridge

CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/DISTRICT FOCUS Page 4-6 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

Cabrini Area • New buildings should be oriented trees, street furniture, improved cross- along street frontage or setback walks, bike lanes and planted medi- lines with their primary entrance ans. Goal: Complete by 2016. oriented toward Division Street. • Suburban development styles 3. Bicycle Lanes & Markings that feature parking lots between A bicycle lane along Division Street the street and building facades, should be coordinated with the such as Old Town Square, should streetscaping improvements in this be avoided in the future. corridor and will build on existing bike • Ground floor uses should include routes along Halsted and Clybourn. active uses such as retail in order Goal: Complete by 2020. to build and strengthen the pedes- trian utilization of this corridor. 4. North Branch Riverfront The North Branch section of the Riv- erwalk will be completed, creating a Cabrini Area Projects continuous pedestrian walkway and (see project map below) Image CA-4: Suburban-style retail devel- open space network. Improvements opment, such as the Old Town Square are proposed for both the east bank shopping center, should be avoided in the future. 1. CTA Infill Station (Division of the River and Goose Island. Goal: - Brown/Purple) Complete by 2016. A new station on the elevated Brown/ Purple Line near Division and Orleans 5. River Bridges will serve the nearby residents and busi- Though not in the Central Area, the nesses. The Cabrini Area currently only Division and Halsted Street bridges has CTA rapid transit stations along its (and railroad underpasses) will be up- northern edge at North/Clybourn (Red graded to a minimum of four lanes to Line) and Sedgwick (Brown/Purple provide arterial quality access to the Line). Goal: Complete by 2016. Kennedy Expressway and areas north and south. Goal: Complete by 2016. 2. Division Streetscape Division anchors high levels of new 6. Expanded Water Taxi Service private sector investment in housing The water taxi service area will ex- and retail and should receive priority pand by developing new docks at for streetscape enhancement funds. Chicago Avenue and Goose Island. Streetscape elements should include As riverfront development continues wider sidewalks, street lighting, street along the North Branch, the City will work with private developers to iden- tify sites. Goal: Complete by 2016. Image CA-5: The Riverwalk at 1000 N. Figure CA-3: Cabrini Area Projects Kingsbury will become part of a continuous pedestrian corridor that connects into the North Ave Central Loop and the Lakefront. 7. Clinton Subway A new Subway will branch off from the existing Red Line south of North Avenue. Stations would potentially be located near Division Street and Chicago Avenue. Goal: Complete by

Halsted St Halsted 2020.

Division 2 5 1

7 4

3

6 Image CA-6: The re-establishment of a CTA Chicago Ave station at Division will improve access for Cabrini Area residents.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-7 August 2009

Near North Near North is located in the northeast corner of the Central Area, bounded on the north by North Avenue, on the south by Chicago Avenue, on the west by Orleans Street, and on the east by Lake Michigan (between North Avenue and Division Street), and Inner Lake Shore Drive/Michigan Avenue (between Division Street and Chicago Avenue). Near North is currently the most populated subdistrict in the Central Area, con- taining established neighborhoods such as Gold Coast, Old Town and Sandburg Village. Residential uses predominate in the northern half, while a mix of retail, institutional, entertainment, hotel and residential uses coexist in the southern half. Local and national retailers and restaurants are along major corridors, which include a portion of the North Michigan Avenue retail area. The Near North’s institutional assets include the Newberry Library, the Chicago History Museum and the expanded Latin School.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Page 4-8 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

Near North Trends, 2000-2007 2020 Vision/Goals The Near North contained over 35% • Higher densities should be sup- of Central Area households, and a to- ported around existing and tal of 35,298 residents as of the 2000 planned transit stations and along Census. In 2007, with the emergence major street corridors. of other residential subdistricts and • Lakefront access from Near North with few development sites, its share will improve with the expansion of households fell to 25%, even as the of the Lakefront park between estimated population rose slightly to North Avenue and Navy Pier, and 36,849. new pedestrian connections be- tween North Avenue and Navy New hotels in the Near North include Pier. the 415-room Hotel Sofitel. Loyola • The Division and Chicago Street University expanded its Water Tower corridors will mature as bal- campus at Pearson and State, recently anced auto and pedestrian cor- completing a student center and 627- ridors and will feature enhanced bed dormitory. A continuing care Image NN-1: High-density residential de- streetscapes. velopment continues, but is limited due retirement community, the first in the • The Near North will maintain a to a relative lack of development sites. Central Area, is under construction, high quality of life for residents with classroom space for Loyola on supported by enforcement of the lower floors of the 53-story build- parking, zoning and noise regu- ing. Walter Payton College Prepara- lations to mitigate the impacts tory High School, Chicago’s newest of the vibrant entertainment and citywide selective enrollment high tourism district in the southeast school, opened in 2000. portion of Near North.

Forecast, 2008-2020 Policies & Actions New residential development in the Near North will continue to be limit- Financial / Incentive ed by the availability of development • The Near North TIF, which cov- sites. Walton on the Park (450 units) ers a portion of the subdistrict, is being built on the former Scottish could fund a portion of the rec- Rite property, which had a rare large ommended corridor and transit parking lot. Although North Avenue improvements. is largely built out, Chicago Avenue and Division Street corridors have sig- Development nificant redevelopment potential for • As development projects are Image NN-2: Loyola University has ex- higher density residential, retail and proposed, traffic impact studies panded its presence in the area with a new Student Center and 627-bed dormi- mixed-use projects. should consider individual proj- tory. ects in the larger context of other Retail and entertainment corridors projects in development and plan- are located along North Michigan ning in the neighborhood. Avenue, Rush Street and Oak Street, where projects such as the new Bar- Regulatory ney’s store will continue to strengthen • The zoning code should be en- the area retail draw for residents and hanced with performance stan- visitors. The Elysian at State Street dards for noise, vibration, traffic and Walton represents a new type of and waste management to facili- Central Area project, with both con- tate compatibility of uses, where dominium hotel rooms and private needed. condominiums that share a spa and • Entertainment businesses and res- other amenities and services. taurants need to provide sufficient off-street parking, or be adjacent to available off-street parking.

Image NN-3: Old Town is an established res- idential neighborhood in the Near North.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-9 August 2009

Near North Urban Design

Signature Street – Division Division is the key east-west street through the Near North and Cabrini Area. Unlike adjacent streets, Divi- sion provides uninterrupted access from Inner Lake Shore Drive and the Lakefront to the Chicago River and Kennedy Expressway. This street is un- dergoing massive change as high lev- els of new residential and commercial projects are being developed. With the associated increase in residential density, and the proposal for a new CTA Brown Line Station at Division, pedestrian and vehicular use of this Image NN-4: The Division Corridor is street will increase. expected to become a site for increased Design recommendations for this residential development. corridor include the following (see Figure NN-1 below): • Street and sidewalk upgrades will Residential Existing Land Use Commercial

improve the function and appearMOHAWK - Figure: # DR NORTH B Mixed Use

CLEVELAND RE ance of this street (see discussionCLYBOURNE Office RANCH DIVISION AVENUE HOOKER Public HICKORY

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LARRABEE HALSTED DIVISION Industrial der NearCANAL NorthCROSBY Projects). Parking

• Planted medians should be con- ORLEANS sidered along with minimum side- walk widths of 14 feet. • New buildings should be oriented along street frontage or setback lines with primary entrances ori- ented toward Division Street. • Suburban development styles that feature parking lots between

the street and building facades, Residential Existing ExistingLand Use Bike Path Commercial

MOHAWK Figure: # DR NORTH B Mixed Use

CLEVELAND such as Old Town Square, should RE CLYBOURNE Office

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HICKORY OR

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LARRABEE HALSTED DIVISION Image NN-5: Streetscaping improvementsIndustrial • Ground floor uses should include ApprovedCANAL CROSBYDevelopments are recommended to improve the pedes-Parking

active uses such as retail in order trianORLEANS environment along Division. to build and strengthen the pedes- New Developments trian utilization of this corridor. Opportunity Sites Residential Existing Land Use Commercial

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New Bridge Existing Bike Path CTA Train Station Streetscape Improvements Opportunities Map Figure NN-1: Division Street Recommendations Approved Developments

CLYBOURN New Developments NORTH BRANCH CANALKINGSBURY SCOTT Opportunity Sites

HICKORY HOOKER JEWEL/ Existing Bike Path Open Space HALSTED OSCO

BROWN LINE LAKE SHORE DR

CLARK DEARBORN STATE SEDGWICK ASTOR STONE

WELLS LASALLE LARRABEE CLEVLAND Riverfront Path DIVISION DIVISION Streetscape Improvements CROSBY ROW Alignment OAK Approved Developments

ORLEANS STREET BEACH New Developments New Bridge CTA Train Station Opportunities Map Opportunity Sites Open Space

SIGNATURE CORRIDORS CLYBOURN CITY OF CHICAGO KINGSBURY Riverfront Path /Central Area Action Plan/ NORTH BRANCH CANAL SCOTT ROW Alignment

HICKORY HOOKER JEWEL/

HALSTED Chicago Central Area ACTION PlanOSCO New Bridge

BROWN LINE LAKE SHORE DR

CLARK DEARBORN STATE SEDGWICK ASTOR STONE

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CLEVLAND DIVISION DIVISION CTA Train Station CROSBY

Opportunities Map OAK ORLEANS STREET BEACH

CLYBOURN NORTH BRANCH CANALKINGSBURY SCOTT

HICKORY HOOKER JEWEL/ CITYHALSTED OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/SIGNATUREOSCO CORRIDORS

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CLEVLAND DIVISION DIVISION CROSBY

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CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/SIGNATURE CORRIDORS Page 4-10 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

Near North Near North Projects 4. North Lake Shore Drive Improvements & Lakefront Trail (see project map below) Expansion 1. CTA Infill Station (Division - Roadway improvements to Lake Brown/Purple Line) Shore Drive, combined with a rede- A new infill station on the elevated sign of the Lakefront Trail between Brown/Purple Line tracks is needed North Avenue and Navy Pier, will sig- near Division and Orleans. The only nificantly improve traffic flow, safety existing CTA rapid transit station and enjoyment of the Lakefront. The in Near North is on the Red Line at roadway will be relocated to the east, Clark/Division. Goal: Complete by smoothing the sharp curve at Oak 2016. Street. Goal: Completed by 2016.

2. CTA Station Modernization (Clark/Division - Red) The Clark/Division (Red Line) station is programmed to be upgraded with Image NN-6: The existing Brown/Purple Line elevated tracks at Division will be the new interior treatments, pedestrian site of a new CTA station. access from LaSalle Street and im- proved platforms. Goal: Complete by 2012.

3. Division Streetscape Division Street is a signature street that will anchor high levels of new private sector investment in housing and retail and should receive priority for streetscape enhancement funds. Streetscape elements should include wider sidewalks, street lighting, street trees, street furniture, improved cross- walks, bike lanes and possibly planted medians. These improvements should connect to the existing LaSalle Street streetscape. Goal: Complete by 2016. Figure NN-2: Near North Projects Image NN-7: The recent LaSalle Streetscape project and its planted medians (shown above) should be emulated on Division. North Ave

4

Division Ave 2 3 1 State St State LaSalle St

Chicago Ave

Image NN-8: Lakefront Trail expansion will enhance the open space amenities for Near North residents.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-11 August 2009

Streeterville Streeterville is located north along the Lakefront, generally bounded on the north by Division Street, on the south by the Main Branch of the Chicago River, on the west by Michigan Avenue, and on the east by Lake Michigan. Streeterville contains a mix of residential, institutional, hospitality, office, retail and entertainment uses. It features an established residential concentration at its northeastern edge, and a growing residential neighborhood along the Chicago River. The cluster of medical campuses located in Streeterville is a major eco- nomic engine of the Central Area, fueling much of the recent and anticipated job growth. The Museum of Contemporary Art, destination shopping on Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are among the diverse cultural and tourism attractions.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Page 4-12 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

Streeterville Trends, 2000-2007 Forecast, 2008-2020 In 2000, Streeterville was the second Children’s Memorial Hospital is re- most populated Central Area district located from Lincoln Park to a new with 15,421 residents. By 2007, even $750 million facility adjacent to the though Streeterville had grown to new Prentice Women’s Hospital. It an estimated population of 19,398, broke ground in 2008, is scheduled it was the fourth most populated for completion in 2011, and is ex- district behind the Near North, Near pected to treat over 12,000 patients a South and River North. year. The hospital has 3,500 employ- Northwestern Memorial Hospital has ees in its present location, and this is brought significant new investment to expected to grow at its new Streeter- Streeterville. Since 1980, it has more ville campus. than doubled its facilities on the 33- With the strong pace of residential acre campus to nearly 9.8 million SF. development, primarily in the south- Recent developments include the ern portion of Streeterville, large de- Robert H. Lurie Medical Research velopment sites are becoming scarce. Image ST-1: McClurg Court north of the Center and expanded visitor and The former Kraft Building property on River provides a view of high-density resi- dential area of Streeterville. employee parking facilities. In 2005, Peshtigo Court will be redeveloped, the hospital had approximately 6,500 as will the former site of the CBS Stu- full-time equivalent employees, and dios on North McClurg Court. The served 42,200 inpatient visitors and 1,200-unit, 124-story Spire designed over 70,000 emergency room visi- by Santiago Calatrava will add dra- tors. Overall, nearly 20,000 people matically to Chicago’s skyline and visit the campus daily. The new Pren- become the tallest building in North tice Women’s Hospital opened in America. October 2007. Planning is underway for improve- Residential and commercial develop- ments to Navy Pier, which has de- ment continued at River East, a large veloped into Chicago’s most visited planned development on the former tourist attraction. With plans for new Dock & Canal property. A 250,000-SF hotels, Streeterville will be positioned retail/entertainment center at River to attract even higher numbers of East includes 21 movie screens, and tourists and visitors in the future. the adjoining Embassy Suites Hotel has 455 rooms. The mixed-use City- Front Plaza contains two residential towers and a Dominick’s grocery 2020 Vision/Goals store. On Michigan Avenue, the Pal- • Northwestern Memorial Hospital molive Building was adapted for 102 and associated medical facilities Image ST-2: Retail and commercial de- velopment continues to become more condominium units. will continue to expand and be a prevalent, including the AMC Theaters major contributor to Central Area complex. A total of 761 hotel rooms have been employment growth. added in Streeterville since 2000, • Streeterville will have many of its including a Marriott Courtyard with remaining vacant sites, including over 300 rooms. While other com- the large Veterans Administra- mercial sectors expanded, office tions site, developed with a mix- space in Streeterville and the North ture of residential, retail and hos- Michigan Avenue corridor contracted pitality uses. by more than one million square feet • Navy Pier will continue to be a vi- through conversions to other uses. tal element in the character and This is indicative of Streeterville’s economic vitality of Streeterville comparatively weak competitive po- and the Central Area. sition in the downtown office market. • Expansion of the Lakefront Trail A countervailing trend has been the and straightening of the Oak leasing of office space by Northwest- Street curve on Lake Shore Drive ern Hospital in nearby office buildings will improve the safety and func- as it continues to expand. tion of auto and pedestrian mobil- ity in the area. • The new Carroll Avenue and Lake- front Transitways will significantly Image ST-3: The Streeterville skyline as seen from Navy Pier

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-13 August 2009

Streeterville improve access to the West Loop link Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier, train stations, Millennium/Grant and also serve new residential high Parks and the Loop. rises, neighborhood stores and down- • A Lakefront Trail bridge over the town entertainment venues. Chicago River will improve the Design recommendations for this safety and function of this area corridor include the following: and add vital connections to the Lake and nearby attractions. • Streetscape enhancements are • A high quality of life for Streeter- needed to establish a safe environ- ville residents will be supported ment for neighborhood residents, by provision of open space and as well as for pedestrians walk- performance standards that ad- ing between Michigan Avenue dress noise, waste management, and Navy Pier (see discussion of and other factors, and mitigate Streetscape improvements under conflicts that may arise from the Streeterville Projects). mix of residential with other uses. • New, easily accessible pedestrian and handicapped access features are needed to move pedestrians Image ST-4: Grand Avenue provides a between these lower level streets poor visual image for Chicago in its current Policies & Actions condition as a primary corridor for visitors and Upper Michigan Avenue. between downtown and Navy Pier. • A unique visual character that is Financial / Incentive distinguishable from adjacent ar- • The City and neighborhood orga- eas should be established. nizations should explore creation • Ground floor uses should include of business improvement or rede- active uses such as retail in order velopment districts to fund new to build and strengthen the pedes- services and selected capital proj- trian utilization of this corridor. ects. Currently there are no TIF districts in Streeterville.

Development Streeterville Projects • Street rights-of-way should be (see project map, following page) expanded where feasible to im- prove traffic circulation. 1. Carroll Avenue Transitway • The scale and importance of This new transit corridor will connect recent and planned projects re- the West Loop train stations, River quires open communications be- North and Streeterville via a dedi- tween community groups and the cated east-west right-of-way north of City. Impacts on traffic, parking, the Chicago River. In Streeterville, and pedestrians must be studied the transitway would use the existing Image ST-5: The Grand/Illinois Corridor and considered. street network to provide limited-stop provides a direct connection to Navy Pier. • Curb cuts on major east-west service to Navy Pier, the Northwest- streets should be minimized, with ern Hospital Campus, and other des- alley access encouraged instead. tinations. Goal: Complete by 2012.

Regulatory 2. Lakefront Transitway • Permissible zones for street enter- tainment in Streeterville should Using an existing, improved right-of- be defined. way traveling north-south through • The Illinois-Grand Traffic Manage- Grant Park, this transit service will ment Authority (TMA) should be connect McCormick Place and Street- reactivated to deal with impor- erville. In Streeterville, the service tant transportation issues. would connect to the Carroll Avenue Transitway. Goal: Complete by 2016.

Urban Design

Signature Streets – Grand Avenue & Illinois Street The Grand Avenue and Illinois Street corridors serve important functions Image ST-6: Pedestrian crossings and way- within the Central Area. These streets finding need to be improved.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Page 4-14 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

Streeterville 3. Grand & Illinois Streetscape intersection to be rebuilt to improve Grand Avenue and Illinois Street are access to the Northwestern Memo- one-way streets that link Michigan Av- rial and Children’s Memorial Hos- enue and Navy Pier for both vehicles pital campuses, in particular. Goal: and pedestrians. New pedestrian Feasibility study completed by 2010, and handicapped access features are Lakefront improvements completed needed to move pedestrians between by 2016. the lower level streets and Michigan Avenue. Target streetscape amenities 7. Lakefront Trail Bridge include street trees, planted medians, A pedestrian and bicycle bridge over new lighting fixtures and improved the Main Branch of the Chicago River crosswalks. Goal: Complete by 2012. will address a major bottleneck and safety concern for bikers, runners, and 4. Bicycle Lanes & Markings walkers. While the Lakefront Trail is New bicycle lanes are planned for separated from street traffic through- Grand and Illinois and should be un- out the Central Area, in this location dertaken as part of the streetscaping trail users are currently directed along Image ST-7: A flyover bridge will remove the existing bottleneck on the Lakefront Trail project in South Streeterville. Goal: a sidewalk. The pedestrian bridge Complete by 2020. also connects to DuSable Park. Goal: Complete by 2016. 5. Main Branch Riverfront Completion of the continuous River- 8. DuSable Park walk along the Main Branch of the The building of DuSable Park will be Chicago River would include under- coordinated with the completion of bridge connections at Michigan The Spire. The park will be acces- Avenue and Lake Shore Drive. Goal: sible from the new pedestrian bridge. Complete by 2016. Goal: Complete by 2012.

6. North Lakeshore Drive 9. Gateway Harbor Improvements & Lakefront Trail Gateway Harbor, adjacent to Navy Expansion Pier, will draw larger crafts and attract Roadway improvements to Lake boaters from the entire Great Lakes Shore Drive, combined with a rede- Region. Goal: Complete by 2012. sign of the Lakefront Trail north of Navy Pier, will significantly improve 10. Expand Water Taxi Service traffic flow, safety and enjoyment Image ST-8: The pedestrian and open space In Streeterville, options will be network along the River will be improved. of the Lakefront. The roadway will explored for extending service to be relocated to the east, smoothing directly serve the southern edge of the sharp curve at Oak Street. These Navy Pier if access is created to the improvements will also allow the Chi- Chicago River. Goal: Complete by Figure ST-1: Streeterville Projects cago Avenue and Lake Shore Drive 2016.

11. Pedestrian Bridge Over River Dedicated pedestrian bridge con- 6 necting the Central Loop to Streeter- ville (over the Chicago River) would ease pedestrian congestion at a key Chicago Ave point in the area. Goal: Complete by 2020.

7 Michigan Ave 3 4

1 9 5 8 11 10 2

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-15 August 2009

River North River North has a north central riverfront location and is bounded on the north by Chicago Avenue, on the south by the Main Branch of the Chicago River, on the east by Michigan Avenue, and on the west by the North Branch of the Chicago River. River North contains a mix of land uses, including office, residential, entertain- ment, hospitality, arts and retail, with small enclaves of institutional uses. Residen- tial uses are becoming increasingly concentrated in the northwestern portion of River North, while a mixed entertainment, restaurant, retail and tourism district emanates from the Michigan Avenue Magnificent Mile on the eastern edge of the subdistrict. Major office developments are occurring along the southern edge of River North, a district which is anchored by the Merchandise Mart.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Page 4-16 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

River North Trends, 2000-2007 Forecast, 2008-2020 With over 6,000 new residential Residential development in River units, River North experienced the North is expected to continue, par- Central Area’s second-highest level ticularly in the western portion where of residential growth since 2000. The sites are more readily available. population of River North more than Six other hotels are proposed or doubled, and grew to an estimated under construction in River North, 20,599 in 2007 (up from 9,466 in including the 339-room Trump Inter- 2000). While residential develop- national Hotel. ment occurred throughout River North, activity was heaviest along Two major office towers, 300 North the North Branch of the River, which LaSalle and the second phase of River contained the southern portion of the North Center, are now under con- former Montgomery Ward Campus struction on sites north of the Chicago and old industrial sites ideal for rede- River. These projects will add another velopment. Erie Park along the North 2.4 million SF of office space. Branch provided needed open space Image RN-1: The North Branch riverfront Plans for Wolf Point include three tow- has become a major residential develop- in this new neighborhood. Further ers that will house 350 hotel rooms, ment zone. east in River North, the Cathedral 1,500 condominium units, 850 rental District emerged with the completion units and 1 million SF of office space. of projects such as the Fordham (247 The tallest tower is envisioned to be units) and 55 East Erie (214 units). 89 stories tall and will provide a ma- Another development cluster in the jor visual focal point at the southern heart of River North centered around corner of the district. Grand Plaza, which contains two residential towers with over 100,000 SF of retail space anchored by a Jewel grocery store. 2020 Vision/Goals The Magnificent Mile was bolstered • River North will continue to mix by the addition of NorthBridge, the restaurant, retail, entertainment, largest retail addition to the Central office, hotel, and residential uses. Area during this period. The his- • The character of the Gallery, toric Medinah Temple became the Courthouse, and Mart districts 130,000-SF Bloomingdale’s Home will be maintained through sen- Store, as retail activity spilled over sitive rehabilitation and develop- to Wabash, State and Ontario. River ment controls. North captured roughly 30% of Cen- • The Ontario/Grand corridor will tral Area hotel rooms developed since feature new residential buildings Figure RN-2: The former Montgomery Ward 2000, with the single largest addition with retail, restaurant, entertain- headquarters has been transformed into ment and other commercial uses The Montgomery, a condominium tower. coming in 2001 with the completion of the 339-room Peninsula Hotel, a at street level. tower built over an existing retail de- • The Chicago Avenue corridor will velopment. add high-density residential devel- opment to its vibrant mix of uses, The area’s office inventory grew by particularly around the transit sta- 1.3 million SF between 2000 and tions. 2007, with major developments clus- • LaSalle Street will attract residen- tered near the River at the southern tial and hotel development. edge of the River North district. The • High-density office and mixed- Reid-Murdoch Building, which had use development will line the Chi- housed Chicago’s traffic court, was cago River’s Main Branch. renovated for 280,000 SF of office • High-density residential devel- space with additional ground level opment will continue along the retail space. North Branch of the Chicago River. • New parks will provide open space for the growing residential and office populations.

Image RN-3: Erie Park has provided needed open space along the River.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-17 August 2009

River North Policies & Actions within the Central Area. These streets provide linkage between areas west Regulatory of Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier, as • Rights-of-way for the Carroll Ave- well as anchor high levels of new resi- nue Transitway must be preserved dential development, neighborhood as new development projects are stores WOLFand downtown POINT entertainment undertaken adjacent to the desig- venues. nated route. Design recommendations for this GRAND • The Ohio/Wabash TIF may pro- corridor include the following: vide funding for River North infra- ILLINOIS • Streetscape enhancements are structure projects. EAST BANK ATHLETIC needed to establish a safe environ- CLUB • Performance standards should ad- HUBBARD ment for neighborhood residents, dress noise, waste management, as well as for pedestrians walking ORLEANS and other factors to mitigate con- KINZIE between shopping and hotel de- flicts that may arise from the mix NORTH BRANCH velopment located in River North MERCHANDISE APPAREL MART of residential with other uses. CENTER and Navy Pier (see discussion ofWAYMAN NORTH BANK DRIVE

Streetscape improvements under FRANKLIN Culture Image RN-4: Wolf Point is locatedCC at the River North Projects). confluence of the Main, NorthLL and South • The City should continue to sup- Branches of the Chicago River. • A unique visual character that is WACKER DR port special events such as block FULTON CCLL MAIN BRANCH distinguishable from adjacent ar-JEFFERSON parties and tours. CANAL 333 W. eas should be established. WACKER LAKE

Urban Design CLINTON

WELLS

FRANKLIN

WACKER DR WACKER RANDOLPH RANDOLPH Wolf Point STREET RIVERSIDE MARKET BUILDING

BOEING Wolf Point is located at the conflu- TOWER

CHICAGO RIVER ence of the Main, North and South WASHINGTON Branches of the Chicago River adja- cent to the Merchandise and Apparel WOLF POINTMarts. Opportunity sites in this area Existing Bike Path Naturalized Open Space with Urban Features

also include land west of the Chicago Improved Streetscape Urbanized Plaza Space River. This is one of the most visible Lighting Plan (Wacker Drive & Randolph) development sites in downtown. Approved Development Residential Riverfront Path Design recommendations for this Opportunity Sites ADA Access Points area include the following (see Figure GRAND Figure RN-1: Wolf Point RN-1 at right): • Building height recommendations include utilization of Wolf Point ILLINOIS for a signature building that is CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/DISTRICT FOCUS taller than buildings on adjacent EAST BANK ATHLETIC parcels. A target height in the 80 CLUB -story range is recommended with HUBBARD an adjacent building target height in the 50-story range. • The natural character of the river- ORLEANS front edge on Wolf Point should KINZIE be maintained to balance and

complement the hard edge char- NORTH BRANCH

acter of adjacent developments. MERCHANDISE • Pedestrian access via land, and APPAREL MART CENTER potentially water, should be in- WAYMAN corporated. NORTH BANK DRIVE

FRANKLIN CCLL Signature Streets – Grand Avenue & Illinois Street WACKER DR Grand Avenue and IllinoisFULTON Street corridors serve important functions CCLL MAIN BRANCH

JEFFERSON

CANAL 333 W. WACKER

LAKE Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan

CLINTON

WELLS

FRANKLIN

WACKER DR WACKER RANDOLPH RANDOLPH STREET RIVERSIDE MARKET BUILDING

BOEING TOWER

CHICAGO RIVER WASHINGTON

Existing Bike Path Naturalized Open Space with Urban Features

Improved Streetscape Urbanized Plaza Space

Approved Development Lighting Plan (Wacker Drive & Randolph)

Residential Riverfront Path

Opportunity Sites ADA Access Points

CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/DISTRICT FOCUS Page 4-18 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

River North River North Projects existing lanes at Wells and Dearborn. (see project map below) Goal: Complete by 2020.

1. Carroll Avenue Transitway 5. Main Branch and North Branch Riverfront This new transit corridor will link River North residents and workers to The River North section of the River- Streeterville and the West Loop train walk includes a pedestrian walkway stations. With a dedicated east-west and open space. The North Branch right-of-way at the north edge of the has several existing points of access Chicago River, station stops in River needs that need to be connected, with North will be along the below-grade improvements proposed for the east right-of-way. Goal: Complete by 2012. sides of the River and Goose Island. Goal: Complete by 2016. 2. CTA Station Modernization (Grand -Red) 6. Clinton Subway The modernization of the Grand Red The Clinton Subway, located below Larrabee and Kingsbury, has potential Image RN-5: The Carroll Avenue Transit- Line station will begin in 2008, bring- way will directly connect River North with ing improved access, a new mezza- for stations near Chicago and Grand. Streeterville and the West Loop. nine level, and a better platform envi- The new line will connect River North ronment. Goal: Complete by 2012. to West Loop and provide residents with improved access to the Metra/ 3. Grand & Illinois Streetscape Amtrak train terminals. Goal: Com- plete by 2020. Improvements have begun along Grand and Illinois, one-way streets that link Michigan Ave and Navy Pier. 7. Fort Dearborn Park New pedestrian and handicapped A new open space to serve the fast access features are needed to move growing River North population. pedestrians easily and safely from The City is will partner with a private lower level streets up to Upper Michi- developer to redevelop the square gan Avenue. Streetscape elements block site currently occupied by the include trees, light fixtures, improved Fort Dearborn Post Office. Part of the crosswalks and possibly planted me- redevelopment will include the con- dians between Navy Pier and LaSalle. struction of a new public open space. Goal: Complete by 2012. Goal: Complete by 2020.

4. Bicycle Lanes & Markings 8. Expand Water Taxi Service New bike lanes along Kinzie, Illinois, Water taxi service will be extended and Grand will be coordinated with along the North Branch as far as Proposed Mezzanine ProposedImage RN-6: Platform Modernization of the Grand Red Line Station will improve platforms and Streetscaping projects and connect to Chicago Avenue and Goose Island. mezzanines. Goal: Complete by 2016. Figure RN-2: River North Projects Chicago St

RED LINE - Grand/State Mezzanine and platform Renovation Project - CDOT No.: D-3-055 PHASE III 6

Proposed Design DIVISION OF ENGINEERING EXHIBIT 7A LaSalle Ave

8 Michigan Ave 7 2 Ohio St

3 5 4 1

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan