South West Loop

Home , Chicago River, Harrison station (CTA), The Loop (CTA)

Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-35 August 2009

South West Loop The South West Loop is bounded on the north by Congress Parkway, on the south by 16th Street, on the east by the South Branch of the Chicago River and on the west by the Dan Ryan Expressway. The South West Loop contains light industrial and back office/service operation uses, with significant new retail development along the Roosevelt Road corridor. Zoning in the subdistrict is committed to protecting the existing non-residential uses, and as of 2007 fewer than 1,200 people lived in the South West Loop, mak- ing it the least populated subdistrict in the Central Area.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Page 4-36 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

South West Loop Trends, 2000-2007 Clinton Street that provide direct Consistent with the 2003 Central service into the West Loop. Area Plan, Roosevelt Road has joined Michigan Avenue and State Street as a major retail corridor in the Central Policies & Actions Area. Whole Foods, DSW, Home Depot, Best Buy, Panera Bread, and Financial / Incentive Starbucks are among the new offer- • The Jefferson/Roosevelt TIF and ings along Roosevelt Road. Roosevelt/Canal TIF funds should continue to make a priority of ad- These projects have followed in the ditional River crossings and exten- example of South Loop Marketplace, sion of the grid system. anchored by a Dominick’s grocery store, which opened in 1998 and pro- Regulatory vided the first new shopping south of • Current zoning in South West Congress Boulevard. Loop does not allow residential The new Cook County Family Justice developments and permits greater Image SW-1: The new Cook County Family Courthouse is an important institu- density than typical uses require. Justice Courthouse. tional development located in the Up-zoning could be incorrectly South West Loop at Clinton and Har- perceived as future willingness to rison Streets. allow office and residential uses that are not permitted and would not be desirable. Forecast, 2008-2020 As of 2008, 550,000 SF of retail is under construction for the South West Loop, with additional projects being planned. The Maxwell Street market is scheduled to move within the district from Canal Street to DesPlaines Street.

2020 Vision/Goals • The Roosevelt Road corridor will offer contemporary urban retail serving the residents of surround- Image SW-2: Roosevelt west of the River has attracted retailers serving the Central ing districts, as well as a broader Area’s growing residential population. Chicago market. • Back-office, light industrial and distribution uses will remain as compatible neighbors to the new retailers and as providers of critical services to the Downtown business district. • While active rail yards along the River will continue to be a pre- dominant land use, rail-adjacent parcels are likely to be part of new development projects. • The South West Loop will be better connected to the Central Loop, River South and Near South by street and pedestrian connections that cross the South Branch of the River at several locations. • Public transportation in the South West Loop will be improved to Image SW-3: The Maxwell Street Market will be moving to a new site along Des include new rail station(s) along Plaines Street in the South West Loop.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-37 August 2009

South West Loop Urban Design Signature Street – Roosevelt Roosevelt Road is undergoing mas- Signature Street – Congress sive change as a subregional shop- Parkway ping anchor for Chicago’s South Side. The role and function of Congress High levels of residential development Parkway is changing due to the in the South Loop and Near South, as development of student housing at well as new retail development west University Center, high levels of mar- of the Chicago River in the South ket rate residential development in West Loop, have resulted in increased adjacent areas of the South Loop, and vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian foot expanding office functions in the area traffic within this corridor. associated with the financial industry The visual character of Roosevelt is and government services. Congress appealing as the result of high levels Parkway is transforming from a pre- of investment by the city in the bridge dominantly auto-oriented function Residential design andExisting associated Land Use streetscape. Commercial

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MICHIGAN WABASH COLU Parking ment along Roosevelt, as well as ROOSEVELT ROOSEVELT ROAD Urban design recommendations for BLUE ISLAND this corridor include the following pedestrian access from Roosevelt One of the areas undergoing the most dramatic change in the Central Area is the into development sites immedi- Roosevelt Road corridor. The section of the corridor(see that liesFigure between SW-1 the South below): Improved Streetscape Branch of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue should be comfortable, conve- ately north and south of the cor- Approved Developments nient, pedestrian friendly, and shall function as an attractive• Congress entryway to theParkway Central streetscape en- ridor. Area and Near South community. hancements should include strate- • Wide sidewalks and bike lanes New Developments gies to buffer pedestrians from that connect to Roosevelt should Opportunity Sites vehicular traffic and provide safer (THE FOLLOWING IS TO BE COM- be incorporated into each devel- Open Space intersection crossing conditions. Improved Streetscape opment scheme. Gateway Features PLETED BY TASK FORCE) • New street lights, landscape, fo- Approved Developments cal point features and wayfinding Riverfront Path New Develpments signage should be incorporated. Residential ROW Alignment Existing Land Use Commercial Mixed Use Opportunity Sites Pedestrian Connection ES Open Space S Public

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One of the areas undergoing the most dramatic change in the Central Area is the VAN BUREN Gateway Features WACKER Roosevelt Road corridor. The section of the corridor that lies between the South Image SW-5: The cluster of retail along CBOT Metropolitan Harold Branch of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue should be comfortable, conve- CorrectionalRoosevelt isWashington expected to grow, and sites Lighting Enhancement Center Library should be developed to accommodateAuditorium nient, pedestrian friendly, and shall function as an attractive entryway to the Central SALLE LA Old safe pedestrian access and circulation.Building Riverfront Path Area and Near South community. I-290 Post Office CONGRESS PKWY La Salle Street ROW Alignment Greyhound Station University

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CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/SIGNATURE CORRIDORS Page 4-38 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

South West Loop South West Loop Projects 3. Clinton Subway (see project map below) In the South West Loop, the Clinton subway line would generally be 1. South Branch Bridges located beneath Clinton Street, with Along the River on the south side a potential station located on Roos- of the Central Area, the street grid evelt. Goal: Complete by 2020. is interrupted. As development continues in River South and the South 4. South Branch Riverfront West Loop, east-west connections at In the South West Loop, the western Polk, Taylor and/or 16th Street may riverbank should be enhanced visu- be needed. Initial progress has been ally, though pedestrian access will made on the Taylor Street Bridge in not be encouraged. Goal: Complete the form of a bridge approach east of by 2020. Canal Street. Goal: Complete Taylor by 2016, with additional bridges at Polk or 16th completed by 2020.

Image SW-6: The rail tracks and yards that cover much of the South West Loop and 2. Bicycle Lanes & Markings feed into Chicago Union Station. A new bicycle lane is planned for Taylor Street, with extensions of existing bicycle lanes along Clinton and Canal. Goal: Complete by 2020.

Figure SW-3: South West Loop Project Map

I-290 Eisenhower Expwy

Image SW-7: The River edge through the South West Loop will be improved aesthetically, but pedestrian access will be discouraged. 1

2 Roosevelt Rd

1 I-90/94 Dan Ryan Expwy Ryan Dan I-90/94

16th Street

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-39 August 2009

River South River South is bounded on the north by Congress Parkway, on the south by 18th Street, on the east by Clark Street and on the west by the South Branch of the Chicago River. This area was formerly a freight railroad corridor, and currently contains large tracts of vacant land targeted for residential and mixed-use redevelopment. River South contains three major planned developments (PDs): 62-acre Riverside Park, 22-acre LaSalle Park and 8-acre Franklin Point. The Roosevelt Road retail corridor runs through the district.

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River South Trends, 2000-2007 • The street grid network will be The first phase of the LaSalle Park introduced to River South, includ- planned development (PD) was the ing roadway connections west Target store at Roosevelt and Clark, across the River and south to the which opened in 2005. This 130,000-SF Expressway. store is an anchor to the emerging Roosevelt Road retail corridor. No residential developments have Policies & Actions been completed since 2000, keep- Financial / Incentive ing the population of River South at • The River South TIF has already nearly 2,000 residents. New devel- funded major infrastructure work, opments included the 233-unit Vetro providing a good example of di- located on South Wells and Amli 900 rected infrastructure investments. with 440 rental apartments. • TIF revenues should continue to be used toward the other capital projects that are in planning or Image RS-1: River South contains the larg- design stages. est collection of large undeveloped parcels Forecast, 2008-2020 in the Central Area, including some near The Roosevelt Collection, a mixed-use the south edge of the Loop. Regulatory development within the LaSalle Park • Existing zoning in River South is planned development, is under con- appropriate. struction and will include 420,000 SF of retail, 600 condominiums, a 4,200- seat cinema and a three-acre park. Urban Design With a change in ownership of the Riverside Park property, plans for Franklin Point 3,500 residential units and 650,000 SF of retail and commercial space are Franklin Point is the area immediately on hold. Franklin Point also changed south of Congress Parkway along the ownership and awaits a new plan. east bank of the Chicago River. This area will likely undergo significant Development of the existing PDs, change in the near future linked to which require major infrastructure the CBOT/CME merger, and the improvements, is likely to continue plan to office at the current Board of through 2020. While large PDs cover Trade location just north of Congress most of River South, some additional Parkway. Large development sites sites remain. exist that are suitable for mixed-use, residential development. Image RS-2: The new Target store at Clark is part of the developing Roosevelt Road The Wells-Wentworth Connector will retail corridor. 2020 Vision/Goals link Wells Street north of Polk Street • The area along the east bank of to the Dan Ryan Expressway south of the South Branch of the Chicago Cermak Road, providing an alterna- River will undergo a dramatic tive route into and out of Downtown. transformation, as residential and This road, in addition to opportunities retail developments replace for- to bridge the Chicago River at Taylor mer rail yards. and Polk Streets, subdivides large • River South will become a trans- parcels into an orderly set of develop- portation, recreational and open ment parcels and provides a grid sys- space amenity for the Central tem to enhance mobility in this area. Area, providing a Riverfront link between the Central Loop and Chinatown. • River South will play an important role in the continued development of Roosevelt Road as a major retail corridor.

Image RS-3: The major existing residential concentration in River South is contained within River City, along the South Branch.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-41 August 2009

Figure: # Urban Design Opportunities FRANKLIN POINT Goals The area known as “Franklin Point” is a large area of land located south of Congress Vision River South Parkway, east of the Chicago River, north of River City, and west of Wells Street. Van Buren Franklin Point is currently vacant, but has great potential to be a centerpiece ofUrban the design recommendations for Urban design recommendations for Figure RS-1: Franklin Point and Policies Roosevelt Road Recommendations Near South/River South community. This area should be developed for a mixthis of area include the following (see this corridor include the following CBOE commercial, residential, and entertainment uses. Figure RS-1 at right): (see Figure RS-2 below): • New development with river • Congress Parkway streetscape frontage must be designed to enhancements should include Congress Parkway OLD LASALLE establish a visually interesting and strategies to buffer pedestriansPOST STATION pedestrian-friendly environment from vehicular traffic andOFFICE provide Urban Design Steetscape Ammenities along the Chicago River. safer intersection crossing condi- Harrison zHardscape Paza Areas with • In addition to the 30-foot mini- tions. Goals intergarted softscape/water mum setback requirement, devel- • New street lights, landscape, fo- To create community with exceptional features residential and commercial amenities zvibrant colors and textures opment should incorporate larger cal point features and wayfinding zvandal proof POST FRANKLIN while highlighting the Chicago skyline areas of open space with passive signage should be incorporated. POINT WELLS zKiosk for Cafe’s and Signage and embracing the Chicago River. recreational uses and destination OFFICE

Vision development such as restaurants Signature Street – Roosevelt A place with exceptional amenities and taverns. Roosevelt Road is undergoing mas- through the mix of land uses and • Public access to the riverfront sive change as a subregional shop- POLK signature architecture with optimal should be guaranteed and new ping anchor for Chicago’s South Side.

green spaces that offer exemplary Existing Bike Path River Chicago views and access to the Chicago River. development should include pe- High levels of residential development RIVER CITY destrian connections to riverfront inImproved the South Streetscape Loop and Near South, Policies features on adjacent properties. Mixed Land Use andLighting new Enhancements retail development west zCommercial access only on of the Chicago River in the South 900 S. Roosevelt Rd. Signature Street – Congress WestApproved Loop Developments are resulting in increased CLARK zOffice and Residential in Highrise Parkway Residential vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian(Future)Taylor foot St. Bridge Commercial

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zOnly on East Bank a DEARBORN WELLS District Office PLACE FINANCIAL New Bridge Courthouse zADA Accessible MIC Post Office zAround Moveable Bridge Equipe- CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/SIGNATUREment CORRIDORS CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/SIGNATURE CORRIDORS CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/DISTRICT FOCUS Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Page 4-42 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

River South River South Projects trian crossings at Taylor and Polk (see project map below left) Streets and visual enhancement of the western riverbank. Goal: Com- 1. Wells-Wentworth Connector plete by 2020. The Wells-Wentworth connector creates a north-south arterial through 5. Clinton Subway River South and Chinatown to The Clinton Street Subway would connect the areas along the South join the Red Line north of the current Branch of the River to the Central Chinatown-Cermak Station. Goal: Loop. In Chinatown, the southern Complete by 2020. end of this new arterial will provide access to the Dan Ryan Expressway. 6. Ping Tom Park Phase II Goal: Complete first phase (Harrison Ping Tom Park is located at 19th Street to 18th Street) by 2012, with continu- and the Chicago River. As one of the ation south to Cermak by 2016. largest neighborhood parks in the City of Chicago, Ping Tom Park may Image RS-4: The River edge through River 2. CTA Station Modernization also be an ideal location for cultural, South offers numerous opportunities to extend the Riverfront open space system. (LaSalle/Congress - Blue) educational and other public facili- The LaSalle/Congress (Blue Line) Sta- ties. Goal: Complete by 2016. tion located at the northern edge of River South is scheduled for upgrades. 7. CTA Infill Station Clark/18th Goal: Complete LaSalle/Congress - Orange) Figure RS-3: River South Project Map modernization by 2020. An infill station on the elevated Congress Pkwy Orange Line tracks would improve 8 2 3. South Branch Bridges access to the Central Loop and Mid- Along the River on the south side way Airport from the Near South and of the Central Area, the street grid Chinatown. Currently, Orange Line is interrupted. As development stations are located more than two continues in River South and the miles apart at Roosevelt and Halsted. South West Loop, creating east-west This station may also be an element of the CTA Circle Line project. Goal: 3 connections at Polk, Taylor and/or 16th Street will improve accessibility. Complete by 2020. Initial progress has been made on the Taylor Street Bridge, in the form of a 8. Congress Parkway Streetscape bridge approach east of Canal Street. The streetscape project on Congress 3 Goal: Complete Taylor by 2016, with will improve the pedestrian environ- an additional bridge at either Polk or ment in the important east-west 1 16th completed by 2020. thoroughfare along the north edge of River South. A streetscaping proj- Roosevelt Rd 4. South Branch Riverfront ect (currently under design) would include trees, planted medians, new 4 Specific components of the continu- ous Riverwalk system in River South lighting fixtures, improved crosswalks include a public park as part of the and bicycle signage extending from Franklin Point development, pedes- Michigan Avenue to Wells Street. Goal: Complete by 2012.

6 7

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-43 August 2009

Chinatown

Chinatown is bounded on the north by 18th Street, on the south by the Stevenson Expressway, on the east by Clark Street and on the west by the South Branch of the Chicago River and Stewart Avenue. This area is a stable mix of residential, retail, and some light industrial uses. The residential population in this subdistrict is almost exclusively Chinese-American, and the accompanying collection of authentic Chinese stores and restaurants has become a major tourist attraction in the Central Area and destination for Chicago residents.

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Chinatown Trends, 2000-2007 Policies & Actions Chinatown residents represented about 3.2% of Central Area house- Financial / Incentives holds in 2007. Between 2000 and • The Chinatown Basin and Archer 2007, the population grew from Courts TIFs, as well as portions of 4,434 residents to an estimated 5,305 the River South and 24th/Michi- residents. With the subdistrict largely gan TIFs, fall within Chinatown built out, the Chinese-American com- and may provide funding for de- munity has expanded into neighbor- velopment projects, streetscapes, ing communities to the south and and park improvements. west. • The City should promote Small Business Improvement Funds The first phase of Ping Tom Park (SBIF) in the Chinatown Basin TIF added an important open space and District, in support of the district’s recreational amenity for Chinatown many small-business entrepre- residents and visitors. The Chinese- neurs. American Service League building Image CT-1: The Chinese-American Service and Chinese-American Museum are League building is a new landmark in the neighborhood. development highlights of recent years.

Forecast, 2008-2020 A new hotel announced for a site at Clark and Archer will support commercial and tourism development. However, with limited infill development sites and lower allowable densi- ties, small-scale residential redevelopment will continue to be the primary development activity in Chinatown.

2020 Vision/Goals • Chinatown will thrive as a distinct residential community and visitor destination. Image CT-2: New residential development in Chinatown has typically been in the • The developing Cermak corridor form of townhomes or low-rise condo- will connect Chinatown residents miniums. with the Lakefront and link visitors from McCormick Place and Motor Row to Chinatown to pa- tronize its shops and restaurants. • Development will include mid- density housing, hotels and ground-floor retail. • The district will continue to accommodate small-scale industrial and commercial uses.

Image CT-3: Chinatown is a unique cultural and tourism resource in the Central Area.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-45 August 2009

Chinatown Urban Design

Signature Street – Cermak Road Cermak is an important street that anchors McCormick Place and Motor Row within the Near South and also provides the primary east-west connection between Chinatown and the Lakefront. Recent streetscape enhancements have improved the visual appeal of this corridor, but additional urban design recommendations include Residential Existing Land Use Commercial Figure:(see Figure CT-1 # below): Mixed Use • New buildings should be oriented Office CERMAK ROAD Open Space towards Cermak in order to es- TE Industrial Boundary excerpt ARCHER WENTWORTH CLARK STA WBASH MICHIGAN INDIANA PRAIRIE Parking tablish a pleasant streetwall for CANAL CERMAK

CALUMET pedestrians. • Cermak should tie into the charm- Image CT-4: Ping Tom Park is the focal point of the Riverfront in Chinatown, and improved access to

ing scale of development and mix this park should be provided from the neighborhood and along the River. MLK DR. MLK of entertainment uses concentrat- Residential Existing Land Use Commercial Figure: # Mixed Use ed in Motor Row and Chinatown, Office CERMAK ROAD Open Space as well as areas immediately north TE Industrial Boundary excerpt ARCHER WENTWORTH CLARK STA WBASH MICHIGAN INDIANA PRAIRIE Parking along Wabash. CANAL CERMAK CALUMET Existing Bike Path

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Chinatown Chinatown Projects This station may also be an element (see project map below) of the CTA Circle Line project. Goal: Complete by 2020. 1. Wells-Wentworth Connector The Wells-Wentworth connector 3. South Branch Riverfront creates a north-south arterial through Ping Tom Park has created a desti- River South and Chinatown to con- nation for the southern end of the nect the areas along the South Branch Riverwalk. Plans include Ping Tom of the River to the Central Loop. In Park Phase II and visual enhancement Chinatown, the southern end of this of the western riverbank. Goal: Com- new arterial would provide access to plete by 2020. the Dan Ryan Expressway entrance and exit ramps. Goal: Complete by 4. Bicycle Lanes & Markings 2016. New bicycle lanes are planned for Archer Avenue. Goal: Complete by 2. CTA Infill Station Clark/18th 2020. - Orange) Image CT-5: Cermak Road is a busy pedestrian street and the streetscape should An infill station on the elevated provide a safe and walkable environment. Orange Line tracks would improve access to the Central Loop and Mid- way Airport from the Near South and Chinatown. Currently, Orange Line stations are located more than two miles apart at Roosevelt and Halsted.

Figure CT-2: Chinatown Project Map

Image CT-6: Access to Chinatown by auto will be improved by the Wells-Wentworth Connector. 18th St 2

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Image CT-7: Pedestrian and bicycle safety I-55 Stevenson Expwy need to be prioritized in this popular tourism district.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-47 August 2009

South Loop The South Loop planning district is bounded on the north by Congress Parkway, on the south by Roosevelt Road, on the east by Lake Michigan and on the west by Clark Street. South Loop has a diverse mix of land uses, including retail, institutional and educational developments, residential and parks. Several universities and colleges, with enrollment of 52,000 full- and part-time students, are located just north of the South Loop subdistrict and are now purchasing and developing sites in the South Loop for expansion.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Page 4-48 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

South Loop Trends, 2000-2007 2020 Vision/Goals The population of the subdistrict • The South Loop will continue its expanded from 6,219 in 2000 to an role as an expansion area for the estimated 10,067 by 2007. concentration of high learning institutions in the southwest loop. Educational institutions continued to • Residential projects, which may expand, and new student housing include ground-level retail, will contributed to the distinct character take advantage of the diminishing of the South Loop. University Center, supply of infill opportunity sites. completed in 2004, provides 1,700 • Situated between Millennium dormitory beds for Columbia Col- Park and McCormick Place, lege, DePaul University and Roosevelt South Loop will expand its hotel University. segment, which is currently an- A 10-story home for Spertus Institute chored by the Chicago Hilton & on Michigan Avenue was completed Towers. in 2007. Reopened after a full renovation, the Blackstone Hotel helps meet Image SL-1: University Center provides 1,700 dormitory beds for Columbia Col- demand from tourists and McCor- Policies & Actions lege, DePaul University and Roosevelt mick Place visitors. University. State Place, a mixed-use project with Financial / Incentives 243 housing units and 70,000 SF of • Portions of the River South TIF retail space, was completed at State and Near South TIF fall within the and Roosevelt. South Loop and can help fund infrastructure and transportation Larger new-construction residential investments. development projects included the 170-unit Wells Street Tower at 701 Development South Wells, the 247-unit 1111 South • As the South Loop builds out, site Wabash and the 220-unit Colombian assembly may be necessary to as- at Roosevelt Road and Michigan sist institutional expansion needs. Avenue. Regulatory • The parking policy in the South Forecast, 2008-2020 Loop merits review as surface lots give way to new development. Surface parking lots provide most Minimum parking ratios may not of the opportunities for current and be creating enough spaces for future infill development. Redevelop- visitors and business customers ment sites include 901 South State, Image SL-2: The Michigan Avenue Corridor and, therefore, contributing to facing Grant Park has seen significant insti- 1001 South State, 1140 South Wabash localized parking shortages and tutional and residential redevelopment. and 830 South Michigan. circulation problems. Columbia College’s expansion plans include adaptive-reuse and new- construction buildings in the South Urban Design Loop. Tall residential buildings along and Signature Street – Congress behind Michigan Avenue, such as Parkway and 46-story Colombian, will enjoy The role and function of Congress views of Grant Park and the Lakefront. Parkway is changing due to the devel- Smaller infill projects such as the 88- opment of student housing at Univer- unit Printers Corner on West Polk, are sity Center, high levels of residential oriented to historic Printers Row. development in adjacent areas of the South Loop, and expanding office functions in the area associated with the financial industry and government services. Congress Parkway needs to be upgraded to accommodate high levels of pedestrian mobility while also maintaining its role as a key east/west vehicle arterial. Develop- Image SL-3: Access to the Lakefront has been improved with a Lake Shore Drive underpass at Roosevelt.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-49 August 2009

South Loop ment proposals for areas immediately Signature Street – Roosevelt south of Congress along the Chicago Roosevelt Road is undergoing mas- River will further increase pedestrian sive change as a subregional shopping traffic. anchor for Chicago’s South Side. High Urban design recommendations for levels of residential development in this corridor include the following the South Loop and Near South, and (see Figure SL-1 below): high levels of new retail development • Congress Parkway streetscape west of the Chicago River in the South enhancements should include West Loop, are resulting in increased strategies to buffer pedestrians vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian foot from vehicular traffic and provide traffic within this corridor. safer intersection crossing condi- The visual character of Roosevelt is Residential tions. Existing Land Use good as the result of high levels of Commercial

Figure: # Mixed Use KER VAN BUREN WAC Office • New street lights, landscape, fo- investment by the city in the bridge Public CONGRESS PARKWAY Institutional Boundary excerpt cal point features and way-finding design and associated streetscape. Parking I-290 SALLE LA CONGRESS PKWY

signage should be incorporated. E

ON Urban design recommendations for

PLAC

PLAINES

FRANKLIN CANAL

CLINT JEFFERSON DES

HARRISON this corridor include the followingTE Image SL-4: Roosevelt Road has recently

STA PLYMOUTH CLARK DEARBORN WABASH

FINANCIAL FINANCIAL WELLS (see Figure SL-2 below): MICHIGAN seen streetscape investments. • Focus on the pedestrian orienta-

tion of new commercial develop- Residential Existing Land Use ment along Roosevelt as well as Urban Design Commercial

Figure: # Mixed Use KER Figure:VAN BUREN # pedestrian WAC access from Roosevelt Improved Streetscape Office Opportunities Goals Public CONGRESS PARKWAY into development sites immedi- Institutional Boundary excerpt FRANKLIN POINT Approved Developments Parking The area known as “FranklinI-290 Point” is aately large area north of land and located south south ofof Congress theSALLE LA CONGRESS cor -PKWYVision Parkway, east of the Chicago River, north of River City, and west of WellsE Street. New DevelopmentsResidential Existing Land Use ON ridor. Commercial

PLAC Van Buren

PLAINES FRANKLIN

Franklin Point is currently vacant, but hasCANAL great potential to be a centerpiece of the Policies Mixed Use

CLINT JEFFERSON DES

ES OpportunityOpen SpaceSites S

HARRISON • Wide sidewalks and bike lanes TE

Near South/River South community. This area should be developed for a mix of Public

STA PLYMOUTH DEARBORN CLARK WABASH MBU

TE CBOE

FINANCIAL FINANCIAL WELLS

Institutional MICHIGAN

CANAL DESPLAIN CANAL

HALSTED

CLARK STA I-90/94

Figure: # MORGAN MICHIGAN commercial, residential, and entertainmentthat uses. connect to RooseveltWABASH should COLU Parking ROOSEVELT Open Space ROOSEVELT ROAD BLUE ISLAND be incorporated into each devel- One of the areas undergoing the most dramatic change in the Central Area is the opment scheme. Gateway Features Congress Parkway Roosevelt Road corridor. The section of the corridor that lies between the South Branch of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue should be comfortable, conve- Riverfront Path OLD LASALLE nient, pedestrian friendly, and shall function as an attractive entryway to the Central POST STATION Area and Near South community. ROW Alignment OFFICE Improved Streetscape Urban Design Steetscape Ammenities Pedestrian Connection Harrison zHardscape Paza Areas with (THE FOLLOWING IS TO BE COM- Improved Streetscape Approved Developments Opportunities Map Goals intergarted softscape/water Lighting Enhancements PLETED BY TASK FORCE) Figure SL-1: Congress Parkway Urban Design Recommendationsfeatures Approved Developments To create community with exceptional New Developments zvibrant colors and textures residential and commercial amenities New Develpments zvandal proof POST FRANKLIN VAN BUREN while highlighting the Chicago skyline Opportunity Sites POINT WELLS zKiosk for Cafe’s and Signage Opportunity Sites OFFICE WACKER and embracing the Chicago River. Harold CBOT Metropolitan Open Space Correctional Washington Open Space Vision Center Library Auditorium

A place with exceptional amenities SALLE LA Marina Old Building Gateway Features POLK I-290 Post through the mix of land uses and Office signature architecture with optimal CONGRESS PKWY Gateway Features La Salle RiverfrontExisting Bike Path Path

green spaces that offer exemplaryStreet Lighting Enhancement River Chicago Greyhound views and access to the ChicagoStation River. University RIVER

Station Center FRANKLIN

CANAL Riverfront Path ROWImproved Alignment Streetscape CITY

JEFFERSON DES PLAINES DES CLINTON

HARRISON ASH Policies ROW Alignment

HIGAN PedestrianLighting Enhancements Connection

CLARK WAB PLYMOUTH STATE

Mixed Land Use DEARBORN WELLS District PLACE FINANCIAL Courthouse MIC 900 Post zCommercial access only on Pedestrian Connection Approved Developments S. Office Roosevelt Rd. Lighting Enhancements CLARK OpportunitiesOpportunities Map Map Existing Bike Path zOffice and Residential in Highrise New Developments (Future)Taylor St. Bridge SIGNATURETowers CORRIDORS Clark CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area ActionFigure SL-2:Plan Roosevelt/ z RoadCafes withinUrban Open Design Space Recommendations WHOLE VAN BUREN FOODS zIntergrate Marina into Open 900 S.. Opportunity Sites

WACKER Space CLARK zParking structures that serve Metro Harold Open Space CBOTDEARBORN Correction Washington LOFTS multiple tenants PARK @ Facility Library I ROOSEVELT Signiture Architecture CLARK AuditoriumUrbanized Plaza Space

LA SALLE LA COLLECTION ST Old WHOLE zRespect River City Views Building KOHLS IGNATIUS Post LOFTS @

I-290 FOODS z ROOSEVELT DSW TARGET 40 story buidings at Roosevelt Rd AN HS Office CONGRESS PKWY Riverfront Path and river UIC TARGET La Salle Roosevelt

z Street

Parking structures STATE

DESPLAINES CANAL

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I-90/94

MORGAN

HALSTED COLUMBUS DR COLUMBUS

MICHIG ROW Alignment Greyhound zMid rise buildinga along riverCOLUMBUS Station University

Station ROOSEVELT Tower

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JEFFERSON DES PLAINES DES CLINTON Pedestrian Connections BLUE ISLAND BEST BUY/ MUSEUM

Pedestrian Access at River’s Edge ASH HARRISON UNIVERSITY HOME PLACE VILLAGE

DEPOT zOnly on East Bank a CONDOS HIGAN

PLYMOUTH WAB CLARK STATE

DEARBORN New Bridge WELLS District zADA Accessible PLACE FINANCIAL DEARBORN Courthouse PARK MIC DOMINICKSPost zAround Moveable Bridge Equipe- II Office ment CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action PlanCITY/SIGNATURE OF CHICAGO CORRIDORS/Central Area Action Plan/DISTRICT FOCUS CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/SIGNATURE CORRIDORS Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Page 4-50 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

South Loop South Loop Projects 4. Bicycle Lanes & Markings (see project map below) A new bicycle lane is planned along Wabash to connect into an existing 1. Grant Park and Central Station lane along Roosevelt. Goal: Complete Railscape by 2020. Railscape improvements beginning in Grant Park going south to Museum 5. Pedestrian Connection at Park should be implemented to Queen’s Landing improve the visual character of the Pedestrian mobility between Buck- area and create more green space. ingham Fountain and the Lake will be Goal: Complete by 2016. restored. An at-grade street crossing is preferred, although a more expensive 2. Lakefront Transitway alternative could be the construction Using an existing, improved right-ofof a grade separated underpass at this way traveling north-south through location. Goal: Complete by 2012. Grant Park, this transit service would 6. Lighting Enhancement Projects Image SL-5: An existing busway through provide a connection between Grant Park will be utilized for express transit service along the Lakefront. McCormick Place and the Carroll Michigan Avenue should receive top Avenue Transitway in Streeterville. It priority for streetscape and lighting would also connect at Monroe Street enhancement funds and serve as the with the East-West Transitway. Goal: location for a pilot lighting enhance- Complete by 2016. ment project. Additional lighting enhancement projects should follow 3. CTA Station Modernization for Congress and LaSalle. Goal: Com- (Harrison - Red) plete all by 2016 The station modernization program has improved numerous key stations in the Central Area. In the South Loop, station upgrades are scheduled for the Harrison Station (Red Line). Goal: Complete by 2012.

Image SL-6: The railscape through Grant Park will be enhanced visually.

Figure SL-3: South Loop Project Map

Congress Pkwy 5

3 2 6

4 State St State 1 Shore Dr Lake

Roosevelt Rd

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-51 August 2009

Near South

Located at the south end of the Central Area, the Near South planning district is bounded on the north by Roosevelt Road, on the south by the Stevenson Express- way, on the east by Lake Michigan and on the west by Clark Street. This area is characterized by residential, tourism/hospitality, cultural and open space uses. The eastern portion of the district contains Northerly Island, Soldier Field and the Museum Campus, including the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium. McCormick Place, one of the nation’s largest and busiest convention centers is located in the southeast portion of the district.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Page 4-52 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

Near South Trends, 2000-2007 2020 Vision/Goals Between 2000 and 2007 the Near • Near South will continue to South district experienced the largest develop as a mixed-use urban residential growth of any Central Area neighborhood containing a di- district with the addition of over 7,300 verse blend of residential, retail, households. As a result, the Near commercial, recreational, and South currently contains the second institutional uses. largest concentration of households • The Michigan-Wabash-State corri- in the Central Area at 12.6%, after dor will continue development of Near North. From a 2000 Census uses that include street-level retail. population of 8,030, Near South • The Museum Campus will provide grew to an estimated population of a regional residential amenity and 20,915 in 2007. tourist destination. • As Motor Row becomes a distinc- Development continued in Central tive retail and entertainment dis- Station, which encompasses 80 trict, it can benefit from improved acres and reaches south almost to linkages to McCormick Place and Image NS-1: Perspectives Charter school McCormick Place. New infill resi- Chinatown. has joined a number of new public and private school options for Central Area dential development occurred along • The Cermak corridor will emerge residents. Wabash, State, Michigan and Prairie. as an important east-west con- Helping to maintain diversity in the nection anchored on the east by Near South, CHA’s Hilliard Homes McCormick Place and hotels, and has been completely renovated. on the west by Chinatown and the A new Jewel grocery store opened in Chicago River. Mid-density hous- 2001, but, despite retail growth fur- ing and mixed-use developments ther west on Roosevelt Road, other with ground-floor retail will locate new retail offerings have been limited along the corridor. to neighborhood-oriented restaurants • New park space will be added and shops in new buildings. to keep pace with the needs of a growing population. The latest expansion of McCormick • Transit access will be expanded Place, McCormick Place West, with a new Green Line station and opened in 2007 and substantially other transit service upgrades. increases Chicago’s convention and meeting capacity. Policies & Actions

Forecast, 2008-2020 Financial / Incentive Image NS-2: Residential tower construction With many residential projects in the • The Michigan/Cermak TIF, Calu- has been focused along Michigan Avenue pipeline, the recent strong growth will met/Cermak TIF and portions east toward the Lakefront. continue. Lexington Park on Cermak of the River South, Near South will add 333 condominium units to and 24th/Michigan TIFs should the area. Ickes Homes (522 units) help fund infrastructure improve- is currently providing apartments ments. for residents who have moved from • Continued support by the City is other CHA developments. Plans for needed for the fledgling entertain- this property’s future are under con- ment district in Motor Row. sideration. Development Columbia Collage will complete its • Consider a new public school to Media Production Center located at serve growing number of house- 16th and State. New hotels, in addi- holds. tion to the McCormick Place Hyatt expansion and Imperial Hotel at 20th Regulation and Clark are also in planning. • The accessory parking policy in Renovation of historic Motor Row this district merits review; mini- supports a new entertainment district mum residential parking ratios are in the Near South. A large parcel at not creating enough spaces. The 16th and Clark is among the sites that loss of surface parking lots is also could accommodate much needed contributing to parking shortages Image NS-3: The expansion of McCormick neighborhood retail space. or circulation problems. Place has substantially increased Chicago’s convention and meeting capacity.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts Page 4-53 August 2009 Figure: # McCORMICK PLACE

NCOLUMBUS ear South Urban Design this corridor include the following Figure NS-1: McCormick Place

(see Figure NS-2 below): SHEDD McCormick Place/Central Station • Focus on the pedestrian orien- ROOSEVELT AQUARIUM Near South is being transformed with tation of new development as Adler the development of large residential well as pedestrian access from Planetarium FIELD projects, conversion of warehouse Roosevelt into development sites MUSEUM buildings into condominiums, and immediately north and south of 13TH

opportunities associated with the the corridor. MUSEUM recent opening of McCormick Place • Wide sidewalks and bike lanes Figure:PLACE # West. The future will include a new should be incorporated into each Residential 14TH Existing Land Use development scheme. Commercial McCORMICK PLACE generation of development over the Mixed Use

ES Open Space S BURNHAM

railroad air-rights facing the Lake, and Public HARBOR MBU

TE Institutional

CANAL CANAL DESPLAIN

HALSTED

STA CLARK I-90/94

Figure: # MORGAN Signature Street – Cermak Road

MICHIGAN WABASH new hospitality and commercial devel- COLU Parking ROOSEVELT BLUE ISLAND ROOSEVELT ROAD opment along Cermak Road and in Cermak exemplifies the important but SOLDIER One of the areas undergoing the most dramatic change in the Central Area is the SOUTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE FIELD Roosevelt Road corridor. The section of the corridor that lies between the South Motor Row. identity-challenged east-west streets COLUMBUS Branch of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue should be comfortable, conve- in the Central Area. It connects the nient, pedestrian friendly, and shall function as an attractive entryway to the Central New development should be oriented lakefront, McCormick Place, Motor SHEDD Area and Near South community. toward Cermak as opposed to the tradi- ROOSEVELT AQUARIUM tional development pattern that fronted Row, and Chinatown. 16TH Adler (THE FOLLOWING IS TO BE COM- buildings onto north-south streets. To Recent streetscape enhancements Planetarium Improved Streetscape FIELD MUSEUM the extent possible, new developments have improved the visual appeal of 13TH Approved Developments PRAIRIE

PLETED BY TASK FORCE) INDIANA Northerly Island should incorporate adjacent lots to cre- this corridor, but additional urban MICHIGAN New Develpments MUSEUM ate larger sites suitable for taller build- design recommendations include PLACE Opportunity Sites ings (see Figure NS-1). (see Figure NS-3 below): 14TH • New buildings shouldOpen be Space oriented 18TH BURNHAM HARBOR Signature Street – Roosevelt Road is towards CermakMarina in order to

SOLDIER establish a pleasant streetwall for SOUTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE Roosevelt Road has changed as a Gateway Features FIELD

regional shopping anchor. High levels pedestrians. NATIONAL Lighting Enhancement GUARD of nearby residential and retail devel- • Cermak should tie intoExisting the Bike charm Path - ARMORY Riverfront Path opment are resulting in increased ing scale of development and mix CULLERTON Improved Streetscape vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian of entertainment usesROW concentratAlignment - 16TH

ed in MotorResidential Row and Chinatown, traffic within this corridor. PRAIRIE

Pedestrian Connection INDIANA Existing Land Use Commercial Approved Developments Northerly Island Figure: # Mixed Use MICHIGAN as well as areasOffice immediately north 21ST Opportunities MapCERMAK ROAD The visual character of Roosevelt Open Space Existing Bike Path MC CORMICK TE along Wabash.Industrial New Developments RR MCCORMICK PLACE Boundary excerpt ARCHER WENTWORTH CLARK STA WBASH MICHIGAN INDIANA PRAIRIE Parking DONNELY PLACE LAKESIDE CANAL is strong as the result of significant CERMAK

CALUMET investment by the city in the bridge Opportunity Sites 18TH Residential CERMAK RD design and associated streetscape.900 S.. Commercial

Existing Land Use DR. MLK Figure: # CLARK Open Space Mixed Use Office Urban design recommendations for Open Space NATIONAL CERMAK ROAD DEARBORN GUARD TE Industrial PARK ARMORY Boundary excerpt ARCHER WENTWORTH CLARK STA WBASH MICHIGAN INDIANA GreenscapePRAIRIE Trellis Parking Existing Bike Path CANAL I CERMAK

CALUMET CLARK Existing Bike Path CULLERTON ST WHOLE Vehicular Access Needs Improved Streetscape IGNATIUS LOFTS @ Improved Streetscape FOODS Figure NS-2: RooseveltROOSEVELT Road Urban Design Recommendations

HS AN Approved Developments Approved Developments UIC TARGET Street ViewDR. MLK Corridors 21ST MC CORMICK New Developments PLACE

STATE New Developments DESPLAINES

CANAL RR MCCORMICK

WABASH

I-90/94

MORGAN

HALSTED

COLUMBUS DR COLUMBUS MICHIG COLUMBUS DONNELY PLACE LAKESIDE OpportunityGrade Separated Sites Crossing ROOSEVELT Opportunity Sites CERMAK RD BLUE ISLAND BEST BUY/ Open MUSEUMSpace Existing Bike Path UNIVERSITY HOME PLACE Open Space VILLAGE DEPOT IntersectionCONDOS improvements Improved Streetscape Greenscape Trellis DEARBORN CITYVehicular OF Access CHICAGO DISTRICT FOCUS PARK /CentralApproved Developments Area Action Plan/ DOMINICKS II Pedestrian Connections Vehicular Access Needs New Developments Gateway Intersections Street View Corridors Opportunity Sites Figure NS-3: Cermak Road Urban Design Recommendations CTA Stops Opportunities Map OpenGrade Space Separated Crossing

CITY OF CHICAGO LAWRENCE’S SIGNATURE CORRIDORS Intersection improvements /CentralFISHERY Area Action Plan/ Vehicular Access RR CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/DISTRICT FOCUS HILLIARD DONNELY CLARK HOMES Pedestrian Connections

CERMAK Gateway Intersections CERMAK CTA Stops TEACHERS

GREEN LINE

STATE

WABASH

Opportunities Map CALUMET TRAINING MICHIGAN INDIANA

PRAIRIE CANAL CHINATOWN INSTITUE ARCHER MCCORMICK HYATT

RED LINE RED

MCCORMICK MOTOR Place

WENTWORTH

I -94 HILLIARD ROW ROCK ISLAND METRA ISLAND ROCK CLARK HOMES

23RD STREET . MLK DR MLK LAWRENCE’S FISHERY CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/SIGNATURE CORRIDORS RR DONNELY

GREEN LINE

STATE

WABASH

CALUMET

MICHIGAN INDIANA

PRAIRIE CANAL CHINATOWN MCCORMICK HYATT RED LINE RED Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan CERMAK ARCHER MOTOR

WENTWORTH

I -94 ROW ROCK ISLAND METRA ISLAND ROCK TEACHERS MCCORMICK TRAINING 23RD STREET Place .

INSTITUE MLK DR MLK CITY OF CHICAGO/Central Area Action Plan/SIGNATURE CORRIDORS Page 4-54 Chapter 4: Central Area Planning Subdistricts August 2009

Near South Near South Projects of open space, as well as visitors from (see project map below) the City and Region. Design and construction plans, which have not 1. Central Station Railscape been finalized, envision the park as an “outdoor museum” for environ- Railscape improvements that begin in mental conservation and sustainable Grant Park and extend south to the design. Goal: Complete by 2012. Museum Campus should be implemented to improve the visual character of the area and create more green 4. CTA Infill Station (Clark/18th - Orange Line) space. Goal: Complete by 2016. An infill station on the elevated 2. Lakefront Transitway Orange Line tracks would improve access to the Central Loop and Mid- Using an existing, improved right-of- way Airport from the Near South and way that travels north-south through Chinatown. Currently, Orange Line Grant Park, this transit service would stations are located more than two provide a connection between miles apart at Roosevelt and Halsted. Image NS-4: The existing railscape south of McCormick Place and the Carroll Roosevelt will be improved visually. This station may also be an element Avenue Transitway in Streeterville. It of the CTA Circle Line project. Goal: would also connect at Monroe Street Complete by 2020. with the East-West Transitway. Goal: Complete by 2016. 5. CTA Infill Station (Cermak or 18th - Green Line) 3. Northerly Island Park Improvements An infill Green Line station is needed at Cermak. Currently, Green Line sta- The design and construction of tions are located nearly three miles Northerly Island will be completed. apart at Roosevelt and again at 35th This amenity will serve residents of Street-IIT. Goal: Complete by 2016. the Near South area, which is in need

Figure NS-3: Near South Project Map

Image NS-5: Northerly Island will be Roosevelt improved as an “outdoor museum” for conservation. 1

w 5

- I I-55 Stevenson Expwy Image NS-6: An existing busway through Grant Park will be utilized for express transit service along the Lakefront.

Chicago Central Area ACTION Plan