Section 3: IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Home , Prairie Avenue District, State Street (Chicago)

The Near South Community Plan Key participants in the implementa- Business and Resident Groups and sets forth an agreed-upon "road map" tion process should include the follow- Individuals. A number of neighbor- for improvement and development ing: hood groups exist in the area and during the next ten to fifteen years. City of Chicago. The City must are actively involved in initiatives, It is the product of considerable assume the leadership role in imple- including this Plan, that affect its effort on the part City of Chicago menting the Plan. In addition to carry- future. The Greater South Loop elected officials and staff; other pub- ing out many of the public improve- Association, Near South Planning lic agency representatives; and sev- ment projects called for in the Plan, Board, New South Association, and eral community-based organizations the City will administer a variety of Historic Printers' Row Neighbors, including the Greater South Loop financial and technical assistance pro- among others, should assist the City Association, Historic Printers' Row grams available to local businesses, in monitoring the Plan's implementa- Neighbors, and the Near South Plan- property owners and developers. City tion. Residents, business persons, ning Board. staff, elected officials, and community employees, and other interested individuals should also provide The Plan is the culmination of a groups should monitor the implemen- input as to the Plan's effectiveness. detailed planning process. Adop- tation of the Plan and identify updates tion of the Plan is one of the first as conditions in the area change. Private Property Owners, Builders, steps, not the last. Without continu- Land use control laws, such as the Zon- and Developers. This group has the ing actions to implement Plan rec- ing Ordinance, should be modified as primary responsibility for enhancing ommendations, efforts to this point needed to carry out the recommenda- the overall quality and character of will have little lasting impact. tions of the Near South Community the Near South Community's pri- vately held land. Private property This section presents the recom- Plan. owners, builders, and developers mended Implementation Action Other Public Agencies. A variety of should be encouraged to rehabili- Agenda, which is intended to help taxing districts and other public agen- tate existing buildings as needed the City organize and initiate the cies will need to undertake many of and undertake new construction Plan implementation process. the recommended improvement activi- Action Responsibilities: ties, and participate as a partner in oth- that is consistent with the Plan and ers. Examples include Metra, the enhances the overall quality and In order for the Near South Com- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), the character of the Near South Com- munity Plan to be successful, it must Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago munity. be based on strong and consistent Park District, and the Metropolitan partnerships between the City and Pier and Exposition Authority. Schools, other public agencies, local busi- churches, and other institutions should ness, community groups and organi- continue to maintain their own proper- zations, and the private sector. ties while adhering to the overall guidelines and objectives of the Plan.

Near South Community Plan City of Chicago URS TPAP May 2004 55 Implementation (continued) Zoning The City is currently undertaking a Zoning Issues: l Zoning should foster the comprehensive revision of its Zon- The following sections outline zoning- design and character recommenda- ing Ordinance, which was enacted related issues and opportunities that tions established in the Plan. The in 1957. Redrafting the Zoning should be addressed as the City Plan includes a number of design- Ordinance affects all property own- begins implementation of this Plan. related recommendations that focus ers and residents of the City by on the appearance and character of l Zoning should help ensure that changing the character of develop- sites, buildings, street-level develop- the intensity of new development is ment on private land; therefore, it ment, and public areas. For exam- consistent with existing and proposed should involve significant commun- ple, the Plan recommends that build- neighborhood scale and character. ity participation. The intended out- ings in many Development Districts The intensity of development allowed come of this process is a set of pro- be located very close to the front under existing zoning can exceed the cedures and standards that are user- property line in order to maintain scale of development recommended friendly and more helpful in guiding the "street wall" effect. The Plan in the Plan. The FARs currently permit- future improvement and develop- also promotes upper story building ted in the Near South range from 3 to ment consistent with contemporary setbacks in several Development 12. The FARs of existing buildings conditions and needs. Districts, especially where future vary widely throughout the Study Area. buildings are likely to be taller than Revisions to the Zoning Ordi- Also, the FARs of some existing build- the predominant existing character nance will take place in a series of ings in Planned Developments fall well of the area. While these design- "modules," each covering a subject below the permitted FARs of zoning related characteristics are not or geographic area. The Downtown districts. module covers most of the Near addressed to any significant degree l Zoning should preclude the South Community. Other modules in current zoning regulations, they establishment of incompatible land include residential, industrial, could be advanced effectively uses. The Plan recommends a diverse parks/open space, and business and through new zoning controls. mix of residential, retail, service, office, commercial. l Zoning should allow for some entertainment, public, and recreational flexibility to permit creative devel- uses. However, portions of the area opment solutions. The use of Plan- are currently zoned for manufacturing, ned Developments has been popu- which is not consistent with recent lar in the Near South area due to a development trends or the land use number of special conditions (such and character recommendations of as rail lines and small building sites) the Plan. Furthermore, some uses cur- affecting development. Planned rently allowed in the commercial zon- Developments can encourage building districts (such as poultry slaughter- ing and development patterns and ing, house trailer sales, and materials amenities that provide mutual bene- processing) would be incompatible fits to the developer and commun- with recent development and recom- ity. Planned Developments must mended land uses. Zoning districts still be in compliance with underly- should be established for the area that ing zoning. better reflect the desired land use mix.

* Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The FAR of a site is the ratio of building floor area to parcel size. For example, in simplified terms, an FAR of 7.0 applied to a 10,000 square foot lot would permit a 70,000 square foot building. Precisely how the 70,000 square feet is configured will be guided by other "bulk regulations" such as building height, setback, and yard requirements.

56 l May 2004 l URS l TPAP l City of Chicago l Near South Community Plan Implementation (continued) l Zoning should help conserve l Building Scale and Mass. The The density that is ultimately historic buildings and areas that Plan establishes a variety of guidelines allowed in each Zoning District in are not protected by Landmark sta- intended to encourage new construc- the Near South Community will tus. Historic buildings and areas are tion that promotes continued growth likely be controlled through various important distinguishing characteris- and development, while respecting the methods, including building mass reg- tics of the Near South Community. character that exists in the various ulations; parking and access require- The use of a) planned development Development Districts. ments; and proximity to Landmark procedures, b) building height and The Development District guidelines Districts, transit facilities, and open bulk controls, and c) design guide- in Section 2 of this Plan provide recom- spaces. lines can help protect important his- mendations pertaining to building l Pedestrian Scale and Street toric resources. scale and mass. In addition, building Character. The Plan includes many Zoning Recommendations: height guidelines illustrated in Figures recommendations for enhancing the This section outlines zoning 17 and 18 are intended to provide pedestrian scale and character of the actions and recommendations to guidelines for new development and Near South Community. These rec- address the issues outlined above assist in the review of proposed Plan- ommendations encompass private and to assist in the implementation ned Developments, and to protect and properties and the public rights-of- of the Near South Community Plan. enhance existing neighborhood charac- way, and focus on street-level ter, especially where historic and archi- improvements. Street furniture, way- No single zoning district in the tecturally significant structures exist. finding signs, landscaping, curb current Chicago Zoning Ordinance Current building height limitations that bump-outs at intersections for pedes- can effectively address the full range apply to designated Chicago Land- trian safety, and the provision of of planning and design recommen- mark Districts are included in Figures articulated facades and building dations set forth in the Plan. The 17 and 18. entries along streets are among the ongoing rewrite of the City's Zoning recommendations that may be Ordinance will provide opportuni- The Plan encourages upper story set- addressed in part by the Zoning Ordi- ties to craft and apply new zoning backs in several Development Districts nance. districts that better reflect the in order to respect the character of his- desired character of the area. toric buildings, reduce building mass, l Land Use Mix. The Near South and enhance the pedestrian scale in Community should continue to grow The Plan for the Near South these areas. Zoning regulations and as a diverse, mixed-use urban neigh- Community points to the need for review of proposed Planned Develop- borhood with a strong residential ori- more precise guidance in several ments should promote upper story set- entation. The mix of uses currently categories, including: a) building backs as recommended in the Plan. permitted in several business and scale and mass, b) development den- commercial zoning districts is not sity, c) pedestrian scale and street l Development Density. The Near consistent with this recommended character, and d) land use mix. The South Community, especially Area 2, neighborhood character. Zoning Ordinance modifications will continue to experience new con- will address these four categories. struction and increasing development A variety of housing types, at a The new Zoning Ordinance, includ- density. This is due to both the grow- range of prices, should be encour- ing the planned development techni- ing popularity of the area and its rising aged to meet the needs of a diverse que, should serve as an important land values. While this Plan does not population. Zoning bonuses should tool for Plan implementation. suggest new FAR limitations -- those be considered to promote types of will be considered as part of the Zon- housing and other land uses and ing Ordinance revision process -- it amenities that are recommended in does describe the intended scale and this Plan. character of new development.

Near South Community Plan l City of Chicago l URS l TPAP l May 2004 l 57 Implementation (continued) The desired mix of uses for each The City has also established the His- Also located in Area 2, as descri- Development District is described toric Michigan Boulevard Chicago bed in the Historic Properties sec- in the Development District Landmark District within Area 1. The tion of this Plan, is the historic Guidelines within this Plan. For Commission on Chicago Landmarks Motor Row Chicago Landmark Dis- much of the Near South Commun- has developed guidelines for building trict. The Development District ity, retail, service, and pedestrian-ori- scale and massing. Landmark District Guidelines in this Plan provide rec- ented uses on ground floors are designation can be a more effective ommendations for appropriate new complemented and supported by way of implementing building heights construction and rehabilitation in residential and office uses on upper than a zoning reclassification. Regard- the Motor Row area. Given the floors. less of approach, the unique contex- level of consistency among build- The mix of permitted uses (author- tual needs and characteristics of the ings in this area - particularly with ized by right) within the Near South Historic Michigan Boulevard Chicago respect to building height, lack of Community should be amended to Landmark District, as recommended in setbacks, fenestration, building be more compatible with a high-den- the Plan, should be maintained and materials, and architectural features sity, mixed-use urban neighbor- enhanced. - promotion of the Landmark District guidelines and Development Dis- hood. Retail and service uses that In Area 2, the Prairie Avenue trict Guidelines will be crucial to the cater to the needs of area residents Chicago Landmark District, home to a future character of the area. The should be emphasized. small but significant group of late nine- variety of uses to which this out- Special Consideration for teenth century structures, is a historic standing group of structures could Landmark Districts. The presence area in need of preservation. The num- be put to in the future points to the of Landmark Districts within the ber of potential infill lots, which are need for close monitoring of devel- Near South Community also has adjacent to but not within the Land- opment proposals in the south part implications for zoning. The City's mark District, points to the need for of Area 2. Commission on Chicago Landmarks guidelines and/or regulations to monitors and approves changes to encourage sensitive, contextual devel- designated Landmark buildings and opment. The City has developed Landmark Districts to ensure com- guidelines for building massing and patibility with existing historic and scale for the Prairie Avenue area architectural character. which, along with the Development The Printing House Row Chicago District Guidelines contained in this Landmark District maintains devel- Plan, will be incorporated into the new opment generally consistent with Zoning Ordinance and used to review the underlying allowable FAR. the compatibility of proposed new Despite existing conditions, the construction. need to control building scale may become an issue. The City's Com- mission on Chicago Landmarks should continue to review development proposals for conformance to both Landmark District guidelines and the Plan for the Near South Community.

58 May 2004 URS TPAP City of Chicago Near South Community Plan Proposed Building Heights, Area 1 l Figure 17

4. River City District. Building heights in the northern portion should be consistent with existing River City development. Taller buildings are CONGRESS PARKWAY CCoonnggrreessss PPaarrkkwwaayy OOvveerrllaayy acceptable along the Roosevelt Road frontage. Northern portion: 280 feet.

HARRISON STREET Roosevelt Road frontage: 400 feet. E T T The tallest buildings should E T

E 5. LaSalle Park District. T E U

1 2 3 T 7 8 E E E E U E N E R E T R T E E E N T R R R T E R E V C S T T E S T U A S V A S R S

A O T

C be along Roosevelt Road and the Metra tracks with

shorter buildings along Clark and Wells Streets as

L L H

T A A E. BALBO AVENUE

I B

R U

R C

A N

E A M

permitted in the adopted planned development.

F D Y

L . . I

S P S F

. .

S S

E Roosevelt Road frontage: 400 feet. V

I 10

POLK ST.

C Along the Metra tracks: 350 feet. I

H E. 8TH STREET

f Elsewhere: 280 feet.

H C E

. N C T

A A

R R

E 6. Dearborn Park I District. No further development

B L

E L K S T L

R A H L

S T A E

L A U L W C

. . . O is anticipated within this District. S S S S E. 9TH 9 STREET 4 5 6 7. Printing House Row District. New buildings N E A T H

G Grant Park A S

K I

R T A A S P H

B should reflect and complement the heights of . .

S C A I S W M

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H existing historic buildings and comply with Chicago T

U E. 11TH STREET O M Y L Landmark District guidelines. Buildings should be a P

. S minimum of 90 feet tall. 180 feet. RRoooosseevveelltt RRooaadd OOvveerrllaayy 8. South State Street District. Higher intensity ROOSEVELT R OAD development should be permitted, particularly along the east side of the street. NORTH 350 feet. 180 feet 350 feet 9. Wabash Avenue District. Higher intensity 200-225 feet 400-440 feet development could be permitted along both sides 280-300 feet No Change of the corridor, provided it does not detract from the image and character of the Michigan Avenue Throughout the Near South Planning Area, the goal is to have Development District. new buildings at a variety of heights, the indicated numbers are 350 feet. intended to set upper limits. These numbers will assist the 10. Michigan Avenue District. New buildings Department of Planning and Development and community groups should reflect the heights of existing buildings and in their review of future developments. Table 1: Development comply with Commission on Chicago Landmarks District Guidelines includes additional suggestions related to guidelines, indicated below. Somewhat taller building mass and scale. buildings might be considered between 11th Street Where a well established building pattern exists, new buildings and Roosevelt Road to enhance this gateway should generally reflect the predominant scale, massing, and location. heights of the surrounding area. Upper-story setbacks may be Minimum: 55 feet. used in many cases as a tool to achieve appropriate scale and Maximum for street wall: 280 feet. massing. Unless otherwise noted, new buildings should be a minimum of 2 to 3 stories tall. Maximum (with upper floor setback above 280 feet): 425 feet. 1. Franklin Point District. Building heights should "step down" from north Congress Parkway Overlay. New buildings should to south. Buildings along Wells Street should be compatible with existing reflect the strong street wall established by the development along the east side of Wells Street. existing buildings. To this end, new buildings (northern half): 440 feet. should be a minimum of 100' tall (although the lack (southern half): 280 feet. of depth of some lots may make this unfeasible), 2. Wells Street District. New buildings should generally reflect the heights and have a significant cornice/setback at 175 feet to of existing buildings along the east side of Wells Street. 200 feet. Total building heights should conform 200 feet. with the overlapping District guidelines. 3. Clark Street District. New buildings should generally reflect the heights Roosevelt Road Overlay. New buildings are of the existing buildings to remain along and near Clark Street. intended to create a street wall effect; buildings 200 feet. should be built to the sidewalk with tower elements visually integrated with the base. Note: Designated Chicago Landmarks and buildings located within Chicago Landmark Districts are subject to review by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. Heights may reach 400 feet.

Near South Community Plan l City of Chicago l URS l TPAP l May 2004 l 59 Figure 18 l Proposed Building Heights, Area 2 Throughout the Near South Planning Area, the goal is to have new buildings at a variety of heights, the indicated numbers are intended to set upper limits. These numbers SHEDD ROOSEVELT ROAD AQ U ARIU M

E E will assist the Department of Planning and Development Roosevelt RoaE d Overlay T Roosevelt Road Overlay T E U U U E E N N N E R E E E R T V V V T S S A A A

and community groups in their review of future R

V FIELD MU SEU M O F

I H

R L NATU RAL HISTO RY T A U R O E

D 13TH M STREET E Y F L

Table 2: Development District Guidelines

developments. P

. S

provides additional suggestions related to building mass

A C

and scale. I H

14TH STREET C E A N H T S N A A E A A T G I U I B S N

E A H

V . N C A I W I 1 2 S

Where a well established building pattern exists, new

M . .

S S

K . S R A L C

buildings should generally reflect existing heights. Upper-

. SO LDIER

F S FIELD O 14TH PL.

story setbacks may be used as a tool in many cases to E 15TH STREET I R

H I L A

C R A P

N .

S E A S

R achieve appropriate scale and massing. New buildings H

B O

E should be a minimum of 2 to 3 stories tall. 5 7

STREET 16TH

e in 1. River Corridor District. The tallest buildings should be along L ir A 17TH STREET s e 3 l r a h C

Roosevelt Road; tall buildings are also appropriate along the St. . t S D

I V

Charles Air Line and the Metra tracks/Clark Street. For the rest of E 18TH STREET U N T E E V E 8 A R

T S H

the site, the majority of buildings should be under 100' with a few

O W T 19TH STREET N E taller structures. W

. Roosevelt Road: 400 feet. S

CULLERTON STREET

E E E E E E U T

E U U U U N U E E N N N N N V R E E E E E Along St. Charles/Metra: 350 feet. A T V V V V V S

A A A

A A

ER Elsewhere in the District: predominantly less than 100 feet. H K

R 21ST C STREET H A

R T A E L E S

A E I

N T C A

. R M

A S I A

B I

T A U

D L S R

A N P W

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No further development is C

2. Dearborn Park 2 District.

. S

. S . S S S McCO RMICK PLACE anticipated west of State Street. East of State Street heights should NO RTH CERMAK CCeerrmmaakk R R o o a a d d O O v veer r l l a a y y ROAD N A

G S HYATT I . be around 300 feet or less. McCO RMICK H C O C PLACE I T T M

T G

. E E S E

G R

T R East of State Street: 300 feet. S

S O

A 23RD STREET

West of State & North of 15th Street: 60 feet. T

I 9

4 6 N L

A L

R U E

West of State Street & South of 15th Street: 120 feet. D T

E H

K McCO RMICK S I N PLACE 3. Dearborn South District. The low-rise character west of State G S

24TH STREET D

R T

Street should be maintained. East of State Street, taller buildings S

B R

A EXPRESSWAY

would allow for vertical separation between the "L" tracks and E SON D VEN E ST

. . AI E S L upper stories of buildings. AD West of State Street: 60 feet. NONRTH East of State Street: 180 feet. 60 feet 280-300 feet 4. South State Street District. Recommended building heights are 100-120 feet 350 feet generally reflective of existing structures. East of State Street, taller 180-225 feet 400 feet heights allow for vertical separation between upper floors and the No Change "L". Taller buildings along Cermak Road "frame" this important arterial. West of State, North of Cermak Road: 100 feet. 8. Prairie Avenue District. Building heights in this area should reflect the low- East of State Street: 120 feet. rise character of the Prairie Avenue Chicago Landmark District, and gradually West of State Street, South of Cermak Road: 100 feet. increase with distance from the Landmark District's center. Along Cermak Road: 280 feet. Along Prairie, Cullerton, and 18th: 60 feet. 5. Wabash-Michigan District. Buildings should be tallest near Elsewhere in the District: 225 feet. Roosevelt Road and gradually step down to the south. 9. McCormick Place District. Mid-rise development is appropriate for the North of the St. Charles Air Line: 300 feet. McCormick Place area, except near the Prairie Avenue Chicago Landmark South of the St. Charles Air Line: 200 feet. District. Along Roosevelt Road: 400 feet. Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast corners of Cermak and Prairie: 280 feet. 6. Motor Row District. Tallest buildings are recommended to Elsewhere in the District: 100 feet. create a street wall along the north side of Cermak Road. Along Roosevelt Road Overlay. New buildings are intended to create a street wall the "L", mid-rise heights allow for vertical separation between the effect, buildings should be built to the sidewalk with tower elements visually tracks and buildings' upper stories. The lowest heights respect the integrated with the base. District's existing character. Heights may reach 400 feet. Along Cermak Road: 280 feet. Cermak Road Overlay. New buildings are intended to create a street wall Within Landmark District: 60 feet. effect; buildings should be built to the sidewalk with tower elements visually Elsewhere in the District: 100 feet. integrated with the base. Heights may reach 280 feet. Particular attention 7. Central Station District. High rise buildings should frame the should be paid to new buildings at Cermak and Michigan to ensure that the south end of Grant Park along Roosevelt Road, tall buildings are massing of these structures is sympathetic to the buildings in the Motor Row also appropriate along the St. Charles Air Line and the Metra Landmark District Tracks/Lake Shore Drive. For the rest of the site, the majority of buildings should be under 200', consistent with the adopted planned development. Note: Designated Chicago Landmarks and buildings located within Chicago Roosevelt Road - 400 feet Landmark Districts are subject to review by the Commission on Chicago Along Metra/LSD/St. Charles - 300 feet Landmarks. Elsewhere in the District - 200 feet

60 l May 2004 l URS l TPAP l City of Chicago l Near South Community Plan Implementation (continued) Funding Sources and Imple- The increased real estate tax reve- The Near South TIF District. The mentation Mechanisms nues generated by all new private Near South TIF District was adopted Many of the projects and actions development and redevelopment proj- as "Central Station" in 1990 and was recommended in the Near South ects, and all appreciation in the value expanded in 1994 to include the Community Plan can be imple- of existing properties that result in area east of State Street to Michigan mented through administrative and higher property values, are used to Avenue (except the Chicago Hilton policy decisions or can be funded pay for public improvements within and Towers Hotel, the 2 East 8th through existing municipal pro- the TIF District. Street Apartments, and the 1130 grams. Other projects, such as land TIF funds can be used for: South Michigan building), and the assembly, site preparation, new frontage along the west side of l Acquisition, clearance, and other State Street between Congress and building construction, infrastructure land assembly and site preparation Harrison. This TIF District is sched- improvements, and urban design activities. enhancements - especially when uled for expiration in 2013. l Rehabilitation of older, deteriorat- undertaken within a targeted area The Near South TIF District is an ing, or obsolescent buildings. and within a relatively short time improved area with a variety of l Incentives to attract or retain pri- frame - may require special techni- buildings, many of which date to vate development. cal and/or financial assistance. the late 19th and early 20th centu- Tax Increment Financing: l Marketing of development sites. ries. TIF funding within this area has Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a l Area-wide infrastructure improve- been used in a number of beneficial mechanism used to carry out revitali- ments such as road repairs and utility ways, including provision of finan- zation and redevelopment activities upgrades. cial assistance toward the cost of on a local basis. TIF allows a com- l Streetscape and other pedestrian rehabilitation and reuse of the munity to capture the increase in system improvements. vacant Roosevelt Hotel and major streetscape improvements along local property taxes that results from l Construction of park and open Michigan Avenue. a redevelopment project in order to space facilities. pay for the public costs involved. Within the Near South TIF Dis- l Correction or mitigation of envi- trict, funding should be used for the While TIF districts have most typi- ronmental problems. cally been used in commercial and following types of infrastructure and l Job training, workforce readiness, industrial areas of communities community facilities improvements: and related educational programs. throughout Illinois, TIF is increas- l Roadway and intersection l Professional fees related to the ingly being undertaken for mixed- improvements. project, such as legal, planning, and use areas as well. To carry out a TIF l Streetscape improvements architectural services. project, the municipality designates along primary pedestrian routes. an area for revitalization and rede- l Transit improvements. l Construction of gateway velopment, and establishes specific l Affordable and mixed-income design features. boundaries for the project area. housing improvements and develop- l Pedestrian crosswalk improvements. The base equalized assessed valu- ments. ation (EAV) of all properties within The City has already established sev- l Public transit facility improve- the area is determined as of the eral Tax Increment Financing districts ments. date of TIF District adoption. There- within the Near South Community. after, all relevant property taxing dis- These TIF Districts cover most of the l Parks and open space develop- tricts continue to collect property land area of the Near South; establishment and improvements. taxes based on levies against the ment of additional districts is not likely. base EAV for a time period not to The focus will be on implementation exceed 23 years. of the existing TIF District plans.

Near South Community Plan l City of Chicago l URS l TPAP l May 2004 l 61 Implementation (continued) TIF funding should also be used 24th/Michigan TIF District. A TIF Business relocation costs. for other projects including: District established in 1999 covers the Improvements to public rights- Assistance with the rehabilita- geographic area south and west of the of-way and parks and open space. Michigan/Cermak TIF District, encom- tion of older, deteriorating, and obso- The Michigan/Cermak TIF District. passing much of Motor Row, Hilliard lete buildings, especially those with The Michigan/Cermak TIF District Homes, and Ickes Homes. Its primary architectural or historical interest. covers the Cermak Road Corridor implementation emphasis will be on Building acquisition and prop- (and several properties to the north public improvements, site assembly, erty assembly assistance for develop- and south thereof) from approxi- and administrative and financing costs. ment projects that further goals of mately Calumet Avenue on the east Public improvements may be made in the Near South TIF District. to State Street on the west. This TIF the following areas: The River South TIF District. The District is intended to help pay for: Provision for streets, public rights- River South Tax Increment Financing Incentives to encourage reno- of-way, and public transit facilities. Project Area was adopted in 1997, vation and redevelopment projects. Provision of utilities necessary to and includes most of the area west Utility improvements. of the Historic Printing House Row serve the redevelopment. Construction and improve- District and the Dearborn Park devel- Public landscaping, street light- ments of infrastructure. opment area from Van Buren to ing, and general beautification. Property acquisition and Cullerton. This TIF District is sched- Public parking facilities. assembly, demolition and site prepa- uled to expire in 2020. Public schools. ration, and relocation expenses. Much of the River South TIF Dis- Public parks and open space. Other Potential Resources and trict, including large sections south Assistance with the rehabilitation Programs: of Polk Street and west of Clark of older, deteriorating, and obsolete Street, is vacant and lacking basic The City's Department of Planning buildings, especially those with archi- infrastructure. TIF funding should be and Development administers a tectural or historical interest. considered to assist in the cost of number of other economic develop- providing the following: Building acquisition and property ment programs that may also apply Street grid extension, such as assembly assistance for development to initiatives described in this Plan. Wells Street extension from Polk projects that further goals of the Dis- Programs and resources that may Street to Roosevelt Road. trict. be useful in the Near South include: Intersection improvements. The Calumet/Cermak Road TIF Dis- The Property Tax Incentive Pro- trict. The Calumet/Cermak Road TIF Pedestrian and/or vehicular gram, providing financial assistance District was formed in 1998, covering bridges or underpasses. to attract new industry, stimulate three blocks of Area 2 north of expansion of existing industry, and Continuous greenway and Cermak Road and west of the Metra increase employment opportunities. pedestrian promenade along the Electric railroad tracks. This District The Class L property tax reduc- River. was formed to facilitate the redevelop- tion, available to owners of individ- Neighborhood parks and pla- ment of several historic industrial build- ual Chicago Landmark buildings. zas. ings that were part of the R.R. Donnel- Owners can have their taxes ley & Sons printing company. Redevel- Public transit facility improve- reduced for a 12-year period when opment activities funded or encour- ments. they invest at least half the building's aged through the Calumet/Cermak TIF In addition to the TIF Districts assessed value in an approved reha- District include: listed above, which cover parts of bilitation project. both Near South Areas (1 and 2), Property assembly, site prepara- three additional TIF Districts are tion, and capital expenditures. located within Area 2.

62 May 2004 URS TPAP City of Chicago Near South Community Plan Implementation (continued) The Bank Participation Loan river edge easements, wetlands and The Department of Planning and Program, which provides low-inter- natural areas, plazas, and industrial Development and the Department of est business loans through banks for area landscapes. Transportation will assume lead eligible business expansions. The Special Service Area Program responsibility for the further study The Micro Loan Program, (SSA), a mechanism for contiguous and coordination with other agencies which provides business loans up to areas to fund expanded services and and property owners leading to imple- $20,000 to existing small businesses programs through a localized property mentation of the following projects, in Chicago for projects that create tax levy. described in greater detail in the jobs. City-wide Technical Assistance Sup- Framework Plan section. The Community Development port Groups, providing funding to not- Areas 1 and 2: Block Grant (CDBG) Float Loan Pro- for-profit organizations that offer sup- Extend Wells Street south from gram, which provides City financing port services to groups seeking to cre- Polk Street to 18th Street or beyond. ate and retain jobs in local businesses. up to 100 percent of project costs Design and construct additional These support services may include for acquisition of fixed assets, reno- new public plazas at key locations legal, training, financial, and administra- vation, and new construction for eli- along primary pedestrian routes. gible companies that create jobs. tive support and strategic planning. Assess the need for and feasibil- The Business Infrastructure Assis- Technical Assistance to Business ity of additional bridges at Taylor and tance Program (BIA), which helps Groups, a program to develop the Polk Streets over the Chicago River. pay for infrastructure and utility capacity of neighborhood-based busi- improvements and landscaping in ness and economic development Provide for Riverwalk construc- certain commercial, retail, and groups to retain and create jobs, tion as development occurs. Work mixed-use industrial areas of the increase the quality and quantity of with developers to encourage ameni- City. goods and services to low/moderate ties along the Riverwalk. TIF Works, providing funding for income residents, and promote the Provide special sidewalk and small and medium sized businesses health of local economic areas. streetscape treatments and amenities along primary pedestrian routes (such for workforce development and Retail Chicago, an outreach pro- as Michigan Avenue and the River- training activities. TIF Works is avail- gram to link retailers, brokers, develop- walk), especially those linking focal able within the Near South, River ers, and neighborhoods underserved points and recreational features. South, Michigan/Cermak, and by commercial businesses. Retail Calumet/Cermak TIF Districts. Chicago offers planning, informational, Promote the preservation and CitySpace, a cooperative pro- and project management services to improvement of buildings with histori- gram of the City of Chicago, facilitate retail development. cal or architectural interest. Chicago Park District, Forest Pre- "Business Express" services, Design and construct attractive serve District of Cook County, and which provide direct assistance to busi- and distinctive "gateways" at key inter- Chicago Public Schools. The pro- ness people on City operations, capital sections. gram is intended to expand open improvements, resources, and service- Provide safe, convenient cross- space and park land by converting related questions. walks throughout Areas 1 and 2. underutilized property into com- Priority Projects and Actions Reconstruct the Roosevelt munity gardens, parks, and other The following projects and actions Road station along the Metra Electric forms of open space. recommended in the Near South Com- line. Neighborspace, a program sup- munity Plan should receive priority porting the creation and preserva- Consider a future stop along the consideration for funding and imple- tion of community-managed open Lakefront Busway at Roosevelt Road mentation. spaces such as community gardens, to serve the Museum neighborhood parks, greenways, The City of Chicago: Campus.

Near South Community Plan City of Chicago URS TPAP May 2004 63 Implementation (continued) Areas 1 and 2: Develop an "intermodal transit Area 2: Require that parking lots be center" at LaSalle/Congress, including Consider the removal of freight well lighted and edged with land- a CTA bus turnaround. rail uses and subsequent re-use of the scaping and/or decorative fencing. Provide convenient pedestrian St. Charles Air Line as a recreational Improve signage for both moto- connections from the Metra LaSalle trail and pedestrian link. rists and pedestrians to direct them Street Station to LaSalle/Congress sub- Extend new east-west streets in to museums and cultural facilities, way station and the LaSalle/Van Buren the River Corridor District between transit stops, parking, entertainment "L" station. Roosevelt Road and 18th Street. venues, and other places of interest. Improve existing Metra under- Improve and upgrade 18th Require that accessory parking passes to enhance pedestrian comfort Street through Area 2. lots be located behind buildings and convenience, particularly at Polk Provide or promote gateway wherever possible. and Harrison Streets (in cooperation treatments at the following entryways with Metra). Provide new pedestrian Provide pedestrian connec- to Area 2: Roosevelt Road and and/or vehicular underpasses as tions between Roosevelt Road and Columbus Drive; Clark and Cermak; opportunities arise. the Wells Street extension to allow Roosevelt and Clark, State, and for transfer between bus lines. Construct the new "Campus Park" Michigan; the Stevenson Expressway Improve the Clark Street and at the northwest corner of State Street and Michigan, State, and Martin Roosevelt Road intersection to pro- and Harrison Street. Luther King Drive; Cermak and the vide stronger pedestrian links, help Improve pedestrian connections Metra Rock Island Line viaduct; and separate turning movements from along east-west streets. 18th Street and the Rock Island through traffic, and improve access Provide new east-west bicycle viaduct. to adjacent development sites. corridors between Polk Street and Improve pedestrian connections Roosevelt Road. across Cermak Road. Area 1: Improve Wabash Avenue and Require that new buildings along Design and construct traffic State Street as pedestrian links to the commercial corridors in Area 2 be operational improvements along Loop. built out to the property line. Congress Parkway to improve traffic Provide one or more new north- and pedestrian safety and conven- south pedestrian routes west of the ience. Metra tracks. Improve crosswalks and traffic Consider changes to the one- operations in the vicinity of way streets within the Printers Row Harrison/State and Polk/8th Streets. District. Assess the impact of closing Improve the Wells/Polk intersec- selected east-west streets within the tion. Historic Printing House Row District Extend Polk Street west to the to obtain additional open space. Chicago River, and improve Polk as an important east-west route through Area 1.

64 May 2004 URS TPAP City of Chicago Near South Community Plan