Lakeshore City: A proposal for social sustainability

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I would like to sincerely thank my advisor, George Schipporeit, for patiently guiding me through producing a complete and meaningful architectural thesis. His constant encouragement and faith in my purpose helped me overcome difficulties along the way and find renewed passion for my project.

This project would have never arrived to the degree of needed well roundedness without the invaluable input of my thesis committee; Ullica Segerstrale, Nik Rokop, and Leroy Kennedy. Thank you for critically examining my work and constructively helping it evolve.

My mother, my father, and my brother have been my rock as always; the mental and emotional support I have received from them day and night has been essential and indispensable to my work and performance. You are my drive, my motivation, and my goal. I can never thank you enough for everything you have given and continue to give me.

Lastly, to all of my friends in and out of the college of architecture, thank you for understanding and pushing me to reach my goals.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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vi

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vii

GLOSSARY

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ABSTRACT

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LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

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1

1.1 History of South Works Brownfield ..........................................

1.2 The neighborhood of South Chicago Today .............................

1.3 Social Sustainability Proposal ...................................................

2 4 8

2. SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE TRANSIT

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10

2.1 Regional Transit .......................................................................

2.2 Local Transit .............................................................................

11 16

3. SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY ............................................

24

3.1 Building Scale ...........................................................................

3.2 Block Scale ...............................................................................

3.3 Neighborhood Scale .................................................................

24 29 37

4. SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE PROGRAM

...........................................

41

4.1 Anchor Program........................................................................

4.2 Block Supporting Program ........................................................

4.3 Other Program ..........................................................................

45 60 64

5. URBAN RESULTS AND FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS ..................

69

5.1 Socially Sustainable Lakeshore City ........................................

5.2 Urban Observations and Suggestions ......................................

70 72

APPENDIX A. SOUTH CHICAGO HEALTH PROFILE

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74

B. TRANSIT EQUITY MATTERS REPORT ..............................................

76

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C. LIGHTRAIL TECHNICAL DATA ............................................................

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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78 80

LIST OF TABLES

Table

Page

3.1. Shared Amenities Per Block Population........................................................

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure

Page

1.1. Proposed Site Related to the City of Chicago ...............................................

1

1.2. South Works Steel Mill Circa 1970 ................................................................

3

1.3. South Works Brownfield Site Today ..............................................................

4

1.4. Unemployment Rates per Chicago Neighborhood ........................................

5

1.5. Crime Report for the South Chicago Neighborhood ......................................

7

2.1. Extensive Regional Map................................................................................

13

2.2. Metra Electric Line Connection Times to Downtown Chicago .......................

15

2.3. Proximity of Site to Metra Stops ....................................................................

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2.4. Final Light Rail Layout ..................................................................................

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2.5. Map of Limited High-Traffic Streets within the Lakeshore City site ...............

21

2.6. Detail of Lakeshore Drive Boulevard within Lakeshore City Site ..................

22

2.7. Final Street Grid for Lakeshore City .............................................................

23

3.1. Transitional Building Density – East/West Section View ...............................

25

3.2. South Chicago Single Homes .......................................................................

25

3.3. Proposed Apartment Building Floorplan in Block ..........................................

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3.4. Proposed Apartment Building Elevation ........................................................

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3.5. Residential Block with Inner Courtyard Section View ....................................

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3.6. Visualization of Gradual Increase in Building Density ...................................

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3.7. Passive Monitoring of Spaces .......................................................................

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3.8. Block Inner Courtyard Concept .....................................................................

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3.9. Gathering Space Configurations for Courtyard ............................................

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3.10. Information Display Area Concept Integrated in Courtyard .........................

33

3.11. Water Collection and Filtration Diagram......................................................

34

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3.12. Courtyard Occupation Diagram ...................................................................

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3.13. Single Block Layout with Diverse Building Typologies and Courtyard ........

37

3.14. Cluster of Blocks Layout around Transit Node ............................................

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4.1. Adjacency Diagram for Lakeshore City Program ..........................................

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4.2. Lakeshore City Final Land-Use Diagram and Mixed Program Layout ..........

45

4.3. Lakeshore City Node Identity Map ................................................................

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4.4. Civic Node Concept View ..............................................................................

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4.5. Presidential Library and Convention Center Node ........................................

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4.6. Urban Farm Concept ....................................................................................

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4.7. Postcard Illustrating Vibrant Street Life on Commercial Avenue ...................

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4.8. Entertainment District Concept and Steel Museum by Water Slip ................

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4.9. Skilled Technicians of South Works Steel Mill ..............................................

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4.10. Professional and Trade Development Node Concept .................................

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4.11. Research and Technology Park Node Concept ..........................................

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4.12. Current “Grocery Store� for South Chicago Residents ................................

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4.13. Distribution of Block Supporting Program Map ...........................................

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4.14. Proposed Velodrome Stadium by RTKL .....................................................

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4.15. Overall Site Plan for Lakeshore City ...........................................................

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GLOSSARY

TERM

DEFINITION

Burnham

Daniel Burnham (1846-1912), architect and urban planner

CMAP

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

Community

Group of people interacting positively

Diversity

Rich mix of elements of a group

Food desert

Area where healthy food options are not accessible

Gray water

Water used in household functions

Green

Using renewable resources

Hyperlocal

Produced, grown, and used within the same region

Pedestrian

A walking human individual

Social

Of productive interaction with others

Sustainability

Ability to constantly upkeep and reinvent oneself

Transit

Convenient automated means of transportation

Typology

Exemplary model of a design element

Walkable

A distance that can be walked within 10-15 minutes

Zoning

Function of land areas as defined by the building code

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ABSTRACT

After the collapse of the steel industry, the US Steel South Works plant left behind a vacant 600-acre area of lakefront land and thousands of unemployed workers that had inhabited the adjacent neighborhood of South Chicago. This thesis proposes the revitalization of this abandoned area through the development of a new community called Lakeshore City. The design of the new city is informed by the social and economic issues that have kept South Chicago in a poor condition since the closing of the mill and it is based on the solutions to those issues. Through adding diversified program, enhancing connectivity, and encouraging human interaction, Lakeshore City attempts to create a contemporary and socially sustainable living environment that can bring new prosperity to its surrounding neighborhood.

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1 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Anyone living in Chicago knows that the “south side” has become a synonym for an undesirable area associated with the characteristics of crime, blight, and inaccessibility. However, as an architecture problem, it is important to examine these conditions and study how they might be improved through the design of the built environment.

Figure 1.1. Proposal Site Related to the City of Chicago

Located approximately 10 miles south of Chicago’s Loop, the neighborhood of South Chicago is a typical struggling area of the south side. It suffers from a high unemployment rate, crime, food desserts, poor resident health and many other aspects that are common among destitute areas. However there is hope in revitalizing the area’s

2 economy through the development of the land immediately east of South Chicago, which is currently an empty closed off site the size of Chicago’s Loop. This vast 600-acre empty land used to be the South Works plant of US Steel and since its closing, 20 years ago, it has been a barrier between South Chicago and Lake Michigan. The immediate relationship of these two sites presents both a challenge and an opportunity to create the a new urban development that can help improve the adjacent struggling neighborhood without isolating or displacing it.

Both South Chicago and the South Works brown-field have been the subject of many plans for redevelopment by various entities but none of these plans have materialized. Lack of viable economic solutions, lack of willing investors, lack of involvement from current residents, and the existing unsafe environment have crippled all of these previous plans. Thus, there is the need for a pragmatic approach to redeveloping this area that takes into consideration the history and the existing problems while engaging the current residents in efforts to affect sustainable and long lasting change.

1.1

History of the South Works Brownfield The history of the South Works mill followed closely that of the rust belt in

general. The steady decline of the steel industry towards the end of the 20th century left many abandoned plants behind and South Works was no exception. However, it had started out as a great catalyst for the development of the region it affected. First opened in 1882 as the North Chicago Railway Mill Company, the plant went through several name changes before becoming the U.S. Steel South Works. Originally built on the north side of Chicago, it moved to the southeast side because of the many advantages the

3 location offered. The placement of the steel mill at the mouth of the Calumet River at Lake Michigan was convenient for the easy transport of goods and raw materials.

At the peak of its operation, U.S. Steel South Works was one of the cleanest and most modern steel mills in the country and it employed close to 20,000 people. These well paying jobs at the South Works plant attracted people from different ethnic backgrounds that settled in the area to be close to their work. The neighborhood that developed around the mill, South Chicago, was a melting pot that “turned iron ore, limestone and coke into prime steel, and Scots, Irish, Poles, Czechs, Ukrainians, Mexicans, blacks and others into generations of Americans”.

Figure 1.2. South Works Steel Mill Circa 1970

South Works was a mill of great significance not only to the workers and their families it sustained but also to the city of Chicago and the nation in general. Throughout its lifetime it produced everything from the steel structural members for the Loop’s skyscrapers, the rocket assembly structures at Cape Canaveral, Iowa's farm plows,

4 frames for Caterpillar tractors, rolled steel for General Motors cars, and railroads that crisscrossed the North American continent.

Despite these great accomplishments, the decline of the steel industry caused the plant to permanently shut down on April 10, 1992. The 600 acre site was emptied of all buildings and equipment, thousands of workers were left without a job, and as a consequence virtually all the surrounding businesses were shut down. Once this lifegiving industry was over, South Chicago spiraled into major decay, a trend that has yet to be reversed.

Figure 1.3. South Works Brownfield Site Today

1.2

The Neighborhood of South Chicago Today South Chicago had been a proud working-class community for over a century

when the steel industry began its precipitous decline in the early 1990’s. South Chicago’s population has declined by more than 11,000 people since 1960. The population in 2000 was 38,596, with a mix of 68 percent African Americans and 27

5 percent Latinos. More than 40 percent of the modest wood-frame and brick houses were owner-occupied in 2000, but nearly 1,700 units were vacant.

While steel-related jobs once supported virtually the entire community, today’s employed residents work in various jobs away from their homes adding to the already long commute times for Chicagoans. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate of the area is around to 19%, one of the highest for the entire city of Chicago. Figure 1.4 better illustrates the unemployment rate scale per neighborhood from a census conducted in May of 2009.

Figure 1.4. Unemployment rates per Chicago neighborhood

6 This deteriorated work condition also increases crime. According to Dr. Brenner of Hopkins University, 1% increase in unemployment rate results in 4.1% increase in the homicide rate. And in fact, the Chicago police departments’ crime tracking tool shows more than 100 instances of violent crimes (drive-through shootings, thefts, drug abuse) take place in the South Chicago area in a two week period, with armed assaults being more than one per day (view Figure 1.5.). Even though this is a very high crime activity rate, only 7% of the city blocks have visible police presence and there is still not a police department located in the immediate South Chicago vicinity.

7

Figure 1.5. Crime Report for South Chicago

Besides this much needed and absent civic supervision and security, South Chicago also lacks any full-service grocery stores. Current residents have to shop at establishments that elsewhere would be considered convenience stores. In order to purchase fresh healthy foods they have to travel, at the very least, outside of their

8 neighborhood boundaries. This fact renders South Chicago a food dessert location and it has negatively affected the health of its residents.

Finally, within the South Chicago neighborhood boundaries, there are only two small parks and no other recreational outlets for its residents. Access to Lake Michigan has long been blocked by the fenced off South Works brownfield. And every other cultural and historical aspect that this site potentially has to offer has been obscured by the unsafe general environment.

Today, there are many active organizations trying to help South Chicago recover from this economic downfall after the closing of the mill. These include the Healthy South Chicago Coalition, Southeast Chicago Development Coalition, and the South Chicago Planning Committee. All of their findings and general efforts strive for a holistic approach to the redevelopment of the area that should target education, economic development, investing in the lakefront and natural resources. Along with restoring missing amenities and creating economic opportunities, the new development plan should also address the social issues: Include strategies to limit crime, restore faith in residents by creating strong and stable communities, enable access to recreation, and generally promote a healthy lifestyle.

1.3

A Social Sustainability Proposal The proposed new urban development along the lake and adjacent to the

neighborhood of South Chicago should be an example of a modern city that will promote well being and revitalize the whole general area. The challenge lies in determining how the physical urban architecture can positively influence social issues like criminal activity and the lack of a sense of community. The answer is a set of design strategies that can promote human interaction, passive monitoring of public and private areas to discourage

9 crime, civic participation in decision making, the creation of diversified and tolerant cultures, and a high standard of education for all. These initiatives enable the community to identify problematic issues, suggest constructive criticism, implement viable solutions for them and be able to repeatedly apply this system to achieve social sustainability.

The proposed new city attempts to promote this positive social change through a specifically designed urban plan that is outlined in the following chapters. The layout and orientation of the buildings, sidewalk shops and retail, open spaces, and walkways can significantly affect the frequency of human interaction, the convenience of everyday life activities, and in general improve the safety of the living environment. The careful layout and size of thoroughfares can turn a boundary into accessible transitional space, struggling neighborhoods into healthy communities, and car oriented streets into pedestrian friendly routes. Finally the actual activities promoted to take place in each building, open space, or transitional area can reinforce the aforementioned design strategies. Diverse spread-out activities (program) encourage the 24-hour use of spaces, healthy walking habits, exploring of new interests by juxtaposition, and stimulate the economy by cooperation.

Consequently when an area establishes a social system that favors well being on so many levels, it can positively affect the surrounding region and gradually expand its influence by example. This is the kind of effect desired to be brought on South Chicago

by Lakeshore City and its socially sustainable design.

10 CHAPTER 2 SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE TRANSIT

One of the most important priorities of sustainable city design is implementing safe and efficient transit systems that have optimum connections for their users at both the local and regional scales. Planning the transportation system in a brand new city has fewer constraints and offers flexibilities that make “sustainability” much more plausible.

This freedom of an open site enables the planning of multiple means of circulation that don’t have to share the same right of way. It also allows the limitation of two-way car streets located only where absolutely necessary, the development of centers of economic activity around public transit nodes, and in general enables the creation of an urban environment that revolves around the pedestrian.

“Though opinions differ on what makes a community appealing, livable communities tend to share some common traits. They are healthy, safe, and walkable. They offer choices for timely transportation to schools, jobs, services, and basic needs. They are more cost-effective for individuals and local governments. They make the region more economically competitive.”

This is the definition found in the “GO TO 2040” plan for Chicago published by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. It strongly emphasizes the importance of accessible transportation in creating a successful living environment. Therefore, the proposal for the Lakeshore City development starts by designing a thorough transit system and uses several different strategies to achieve this goal.

The implementation of an on-ground light rail system on its own dedicated route results in the decreased use of the automobile and fewer related traffic accidents, less consumption of fossil fuel and reduction in air pollution as well as decreased transit times and commutes. It is also a more pleasurable and worry free way of navigating a

11 city and exploring new areas. The higher density of development and mixed-use program around major transit nodes enables passive monitoring of public spaces at all times of day. This surveillance contributes to a more safe and diverse environment, where people enjoy living and which in turn promotes economic activity and general well being.

The limitation of multiple-lane car streets results in a safer pedestrian environment

and

creates

fewer

barriers

for

human

interaction

in

between

neighborhoods. It is also another limitation to the use of the automobile further decreasing air pollution and fossil fuel consumption. On the other hand, the breaking down of long unobstructed thoroughfares deters high speed circulation and limits the dangers that come with it. It also encourages a more focused attraction to a specific area instead of the temporary nature of passerby driver on a high-speed highway.

In this way, a sustainable transit system is not only sustainable because it limits damage to the natural environment or uses “green� building materials but because it facilitates and encourages human interaction which is the first step to achieving social sustainability.

2.1

Regional Scale Before designing the transportation within the new city, it is important to

understand and take advantage of the existing infrastructure around the site. I-90/94 is the main north/south thoroughfare for the southern Chicago land area. This interstate highway is conveniently located a mile west of the Lakeshore City site. The major east/west thoroughfare is I-55 and this is also rapidly accessible by automobile from the Lakeshore City site. These major thoroughfares are part of the extensive network of

12 highways that connect the general region in all directions. Figure 2.1. maps out existing infrastructure on the site.

Within the city of Chicago, Lakeshore Drive or US-41 is already projected to be extended to the south and run through the Lakeshore City site. This major lake-edge highway for the city links all the different lake-frontage neighborhoods of Chicago together and will now add Lakeshore City (hence the name) as the south most end.

However, the Lakeshore Drive extension is projected to run through the middle of the Lakeshore City site physically dissecting it. For this reason, its function and design will have to change from a moderate speed highway to a safer slower urban boulevard which will allow the cars through but also provide safe passages for pedestrians (view Section 2.2.).

Because of the site’s proximity to the lake, waterways can also be an optional means of transit for Lakeshore City. A significant marina port does not exist in the immediate vicinity and creating one on the southeast side of Chicago will add convenience of lake access and increase the marketability of this Illinois section of Lake Michigan. The new marina will activate the waterfront once more and make for enjoyable and recreational rides during the summer months. A new water-taxi line can connect with the rest of the stations on the Chicago River as well. During the warm weather visitors can chose these view-favoring means of transit instead of the highway or train.

13

Figure 2.1. Extensive Regional Map

14 Already located close to one of the major means of regional transit in the Chicago area, Lakeshore City can easily take advantage of its proximity to the Metra Electric Line (MEL) to connect its residents with stations north of the site including University of Chicago, the McCormick convention complex, and the Loop central business district. The MEL can also connect with the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) from stations south of the site.

To the north, the residents can board at the MEL stops of 83rd and 87th street and go as far as the Loop and from there transfer to purple line CTA trains to Evanston or the blue line trains to O’hare International Airport. From the Loop they can also transfer to green and pink line trains to the reach the city of Oak Park as well as orange line trains and access the Midway Airport. Taking the MEL to the NICTD to the southeast enables access to the Gary and Michigan City airports as well as all the stops in between.

15

Figure 2.2. Metra Electric Line Connection Times with Downtown Chicago

More importantly, like Figure 2.2. shows, the MEL has the potential to connect Lakeshore City residents with the main center of economic activity in the region, the downtown Chicago Loop, in only 35 minutes (and 25 minutes for the express runs). The stops in between can also create connections with other potential sites of economic interests. MEL stations already exist nearby the University of Chicago (UofC) Hyde Park campus and the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Bronzeville campus. These distances could become more convenient for Metra riders if intermediate connectors

16 were created; a short light rail loop running along the Midway pleasance to connect the 59th street MEL stop and the UofC campus, and a shuttle bus running from the 27th street MEL stop to IIT’s campus. In this way, the major universities of the area become conveniently connected with the site for the new city creating new possibilities for students and related businesses to expand on the Lakeshore City site.

These regional connections through the Metra Electric Line are already very extensive which is why it is very important to create a convenient Lakeshore City light rail transit connection to the 83rd and 87th street MEL stops. On the other hand, it is also just as important to ensure that the extension of Lakeshore Drive is properly integrated with the Lakeshore City infrastructure and is not designed as a high-speed highway but rather an urban boulevard.

2.2

Local Scale Residents of the south side of the city of Chicago have some of the highest

commute times in the nation like shown in the previous chapter (figure 1.4). These are not due to lacking overall regional commuter routes but to the absence of local connector routes. These are the means that bring residents from their houses to the means of regional commute. Local transportation authorities and various organizations have tried to put into action the expansion of the CTA red line on the south side so it can benefit currently underserved neighborhoods. The “transit equity matters” report (view appendix B) of the “center for neighborhood and community improvement” carefully outlined the benefits of the expansion of a few of the CTA train lines with a main focus on the Chicago south side. However this proposal has never materialized.

While planning the new Lakeshore City there is a great opportunity to develop a missing transit connection for the south side to existing infrastructure that leads to

17 Chicago’s Loop. The closest points of infrastructure to the site are the two Metra stops at 83rd and 87th street. Other than two city bus lines, there are no other ways that can currently serve the whole site from north to south and east to west.

Figure 2.3. Proximity of Site to Metra Stops

2.2.1. Light Rail Any modern sustainable city requires an easily accessible, efficient, and low maintenance method of transportation for the general public. A light rail system that runs on its own dedicated route and on the ground level is the most efficient and cost effective way to implement this form of transit. In this proposal, the light rail stations are laid out so that each one of them serves a ten minute walk radius around it. On the other hand, the complete light rail route is divided into enough stations to cover the

18 entire site like Figure 2.4. shows below. Therefore, no area of the site is left underserved by this useful infrastructure.

Figure 2.4. Final Light Rail Layout

The light rail is also anchored at the two MEL stops which are the mass transit connectors of the Lakeshore City site to downtown Chicago. Passengers that take the Metra, can connect with the Lakeshore City light rail loop at 83rd or 87th street depending on which one serves them better. Also by making the light rail route into a loop that shares partially the Metra tracks, the light rail itself is able to run more frequently even when the Metra Electric Line is not running.

19 All aspects of the light rail design were based on the Siemens model trams currently used in the US and Europe. The Siemens S70 light rail car is slim in its design making the integration of the run within existing streets feasible by just eliminating existing side parking areas. The car will be powered by an inverted third rail which allows the electrified rail to be covered and the power drawn from the underside. This avoids the danger of passengers stepping on an electrified third rail. The electrified rail is a traditional Chicago method of powering rail (this is the method CTA uses for the “L”) and also eliminates the need for overhead power lines which are dangerous and costly.

This specific light rail car model was chosen for its popular and proven performance, rendering its success at serving Lakeshore City residents a reasonable expectation and not an experimental detail of its infrastructure design. Details and specifics of the train models and technical aspects can be found in attached Appendix C.

2.2.2. Streets These car conductors are the main way circulation is distributed in cities today. However, multi-lane high-speed streets are not the best solution to sustainable transit needs. They not only promote the extensive use of the automobile contributing ever more to congestion and pollution but also constitute severe barriers to pedestrians walking from place to place. This barrier in turn isolates neighborhood areas that become an easy target for criminal activity. High speed roads also create barriers to human interaction and therefore to a sense of community. Like Richard Rogers mentions in his book “Cities for a small planet” research has shown that traffic is a significant cause of urban alienation.

The streets of Lakeshore City are organized and laid out around the light rail route intersecting it in as few points as possible. This ensures that the light rail route is

20 as efficient is it can be – avoiding interruptions in service as well as being delayed by traffic or other problems that affect automobile traffic in general. Other than the aforementioned necessity, the layout of the streets is also guided by the need to eliminate drive-through armed shootings that are very common in the area. These criminal occurrences depend specifically on the existence of major unobstructed thoroughfares. Therefore, to reduce this activity, the amount of high-speed multiple-lane long-running main streets in the Lakeshore City layout will be significantly limited. The larger type of street specified is a two-lane in each direction avenue and it is limited only to the locations that are absolutely necessary to serve the entire site, like shown in Figure 2.5.

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Figure 2.5. Map of Limited High-Traffic Streets within Lakeshore City Site

The main thoroughfare running along the site and the one that is expected to have the most traffic will be the south bound expansion of Lakeshore Drive (US-41).

Lakeshore Drive is a high speed highway during its run on the north side of the city as well as for most of its downtown stretch. However, once it reaches the south side of the city it turns into a smaller scale neighborhood street that winds in and out of residential buildings. Although the intention of its extension seems to be returning it to its northern

22 speed and streamlining its course, this course will have to be somehow limited because it will still run through a fine urban fabric with a high pedestrian circulation within the Lakeshore City boundaries.

Figure 2.6. Detail of Lakeshore Drive Boulevard within Lakeshore City

While maintaining the proposed route for the new Lakeshore drive, new design guiding principles need to be set in place for its extension. The new Lakeshore drive boulevard will be a two-lane in each direction highway with moderate to slow speeds.

Traffic lights will be placed every two city blocks to discourage high speed drive-throughs and wherever no traffic light is presen, an overpass ramp will encourage and enable pedestrian circulation. These design guidelines not only ensure the safety of pedestrians but also encourage the car travelers on the boulevard to take note of the city they are driving through and therefore attract more visitors to the area. Interesting program, commercial and retail activities as well as recreational and entertainment areas are planned along the new Lakeshore drive boulevard.

Smaller, single-lane in each direction streets, divide the rest of the site equally into the smaller units that create the Lakeshore City blocks. Even smaller streets lead into the buildings themselves. The new city grid is one dictated by the Lakeshore City site itself and its boundaries. It does not follow the city of Chicago typical rectangular

23 layout but it’s created by the need to equally serve every inch of land on the site.

However, the transition from the rectangular Chicago-style grid to the more organic Lakeshore City grid was taken under serious consideration as to create a bridge between the two typologies.

Figure 2.7. Final Street Grid for Lakeshore City Compared to Existing South Chicago Street Grid

All streets in Lakeshore City, whether one-lane, two lane, or boulevards were created with convenience for the pedestrian in mind. The street edges are enriched with activities, described in chapter 4, which encourage human interaction and create that vibrant street life described by Jane Jacobs and so many other urban enthusiasts. Along with the pedestrian, the cyclist is also favored by this new transit system that encourages a healthy walkable environment.

24 CHAPTER 3 SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY

A socially sustainable community is one where people enjoy living together and grow from the interacting experience of being with each other. It is a community where issues are resolved through collaboration and democratic vote. It is a place where the diversity of being different is appreciated and valued. Above all, it is a place where the design of the built environment works in favor of the pedestrian (and not their car) by crossing paths of activity, creating gathering areas, developing recreational zones, and in general making the residents lives more diverse and therefore more exciting. These aspects of a socially sustainable city achieve the mix of people of various incomes, backgrounds, and occupations creating the rich and enjoyable environment required for social well being.

3.1

At the Building Scale A city by definition is a dense living environment. People chose to live in cities to

be close to others and collaborate on different levels of interest. A site like Lakeshore City with its proximity to Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago has the potential to develop a very high land value that should be enjoyed by many people. High density is not only desirable because of this land value but also to further promote the sustainability of energy efficiency and human interactivity. When many people live together they can share resources, combine transit requirements, develop a community and support each other.

The area immediately adjacent to the site, South Chicago, is mostly comprised of single family homes. For this reason, there needs to be a careful transition in between the low density blocks of single family houses to the higher density multi-family and

25 waterfront high-rises that Lakeshore City should have. This transition will ensure the interaction of people from the two density extremes and will facilitate the integration of the two sites.

Figure 3.1. Transitional Building Density - East/West Section View

The blocks immediately adjacent to the existing neighborhood fabric feature a combination of single homes, town homes and low rise mixed income apartment buildings. These apartment buildings share amenities and are more energy efficient but still reflect the feel of the existing single homes by the scale and design of their exterior.

Their façade is broken into 25’ sections reflecting the width of the typical Chicago lot.

This design choice is meant to integrate the existing fabric with the new while still creating apartment buildings instead of inefficient and low-density single homes.

Figure 3.2. South Chicago Single Homes

26

Figure 3.3. Proposed Apartment Building Floorplan in Block

Figure 3.4. Proposed Apartment Building Elevation

27 East of this first zone of transitional housing prototypes, more mixed and medium income properties are infused into the site, with multi-family apartment buildings being the main typology. The individual units are distributed horizontally through shared hallways while elevator and stairs are used for vertical transportation. Community spaces are also shared in between the residents of the same floor with larger buildings including workout rooms and other amenities. These apartment buildings are very energy efficient sharing load bearing walls while minimizing heating losses in the cold Chicago climate. On the other hand, with all the shared spaces and amenities they provide, they also encourage neighbor interaction facilitating the creation of a sense of community.

This building typology is laid out around a central courtyard that will be described in section 3.2. The ground floor level oriented to the interior of the courtyard can have residential apartments. However, when facing an active pedestrian street or the light rail routes, these ground floor levels can feature retail and commercial spaces. Businesses that serve the residents can thrive in this arrangement with shops for dry-cleaners, daycare centers, convenience stores, or small gyms. When necessary, the ground floor levels of the multi-family apartment buildings can also accommodate indoor parking spaces for residents living on the floors above.

Figure 3.5. Residential Block with Inner Courtyard Section View

28 The size of the units can be determined by market research but when trying to elevate the real estate value of an area to its highest potential they can also be determined by successful examples of thriving cities. The areas south of the Chicago loop – especially Printers Row - were used as comparison of the city atmosphere that Lakeshore City is trying to achieve. The Printers Row area in Chicago was given a 98 out of a 100 walkability score on walkscore.com. This website rates urban areas on how likely people that live there are required to need a car to run their daily errands. Printers Row in Chicago’s south loop is a “walker’s paradise” surrounded by multiple public transit options, retail and commercial facilities, schools, cultural and health amenities.

The type of families expected to live in such areas are young families with one child, young couples, or single working individuals. Therefore the majority of units are a mix of studios, one-bedroom, and two bedrooms apartments at most. The number of bedrooms, bathrooms and miscellaneous spaces in the units is increased with the transition from medium and mixed income zones to mixed and higher income zones like the ones located directly on the lake shore. Also a combination of medium rise and high rise buildings can diversify the population and activities which offer even more opportunities for the interaction of residents.

To further integrate the existing fabric of the community of South Chicago with the denser urban fabric that Lakeshore City strives to achieve, apartment building heights will transition from low two-story buildings on the west portion of the site to higher buildings on the east towards the lake (see Figure 3.1.). Facing the beautiful Lake Michigan will be high-rise apartment buildings and luxurious hotels which take full advantage of the value of the land while maximizing the percentage of the population that has access to the desirable views of the lake and Chicago loop.

29

Figure 3.6. Visualization of Gradual Increase in Building Density

The development strategy described here is to combine the types of housing used in one neighborhood and even in one block as the way of bringing diverse types of people together. This diversity discourages the creation of areas within the same city that are strictly inhabited by rich individuals or only by poor residents. This distribution benefits everyone it brings together because it leaves no areas of the city off limits for any one group.

3.2

At the Block Scale The city block is the cell of a community and the building unit that determines the

final layout of the city. The Lakeshore City blocks are defined by the two-way streets and are approximately the size of two typical Chicago blocks. By combining two of the 330 ’x 660’ blocks and creating one big 660’ x 660’ block, the typical Chicago alley is also eliminated. The buildings are arranged around the outer block edge creating an inner semi-private courtyard for its residents. This layout creates a layer of residential units that are facing the bounding streets of the block and an inner layer of units that face the

30 courtyard. By having these two layers of units - and therefore residents - overseeing all areas around the block by simply looking out their windows, a system of passive space monitoring is created that encourages safety since problems may be identified earlier by the residents.

Figure 3.7. Passive Monitoring of Spaces: In and Out of Block

Access to the inner courtyard of the block is achieved through one entrance from the main streets. From that entrance, an inner circulatory system – unique to the specific block and its needs - distributes the traffic to the various buildings on the block. This ensures that only people that live within that block and their visitors have access to the area by automobile. This limited access to strangers makes the block more secure and enables the safe development of the courtyard activities.

31

Figure 3.8. Block Inner Courtyard Concept

The program and amenities featured in the courtyard can vary from block to block depending on its residents needs. Most of them provide landscaped areas for a social gathering space for local events and meetings, a water feature like a small pond, recycling and reusing designated areas, sports fields and generally active lifestyle elements, as well as greenery, trees, and plant/flower gardens. These elements were specifically chosen because of the benefits they contribute to the everyday life of residents.

32 Gathering spaces or sitting areas are essential elements of all communities that want to engage their members. Their absence has left many neighborhoods disconnected and the residents unaware of each other and their issues. A lot of developments especially around Chicago, a city that was entirely build of speculators for the sole purpose of the exploitation of land, have placed more importance on land they can sell in the form of property lots instead of land that can serve those that buy the lots.

From ancient times, like in many European older cities, plazas and small breaks in the rigid building fabric give breathing room to their inhabitants. They enable residents and visitors to pause their busy routines and meet and enjoy each other’s company.

Strengthening this sense of community by enabling that resident interaction is one of the main roles that a dedicated gathering space will have within the courtyard.

Figure 3.9. Gathering Space Configurations for Courtyard

Another characteristic that plagued the area around the closed down steel mill was the helplessness its workers felt once they were left without work. They felt they were at the mercy of politicians and could not change their own fate. By encouraging civic participation at the smaller possible scale, a building block, residents can have the opportunity to be proactive about addressing the issues that are important to them and

33 therefore be able to find better solutions to them. People can then start solving their problems at this block level and the gathering area of the courtyard. A shared display area/wall featuring significant issues and announcements can be a way for all residents to stay informed about what is going on in the community and also contribute to the solutions. All the steps described above signify a starting point to encourage civic participation at a basic level and empower residents to inquire even further about their administration and the system that governs them.

Figure 3.10. Information Display Area Concept Integrated in Courtyard

Water features have always been considered a luxury element but a simple pond can bring water to a courtyard without being too expensive. The rainwater levels of the Chicago area usually make it easy to maintain a natural pond once set in place. This natural feature not only adds to a peaceful relaxed environment but also becomes another area that residents can gather around and interact with each other. The various

34 size ponds can also serve the purpose of rainwater retention as well as irrigation for the courtyard plants and gardens. On the other hand, the water that is collected by the building roofs can be redirected into the water retention feature of the courtyard instead of where it is currently directed; the sidewalks and the already burdened water collection system for the city of Chicago. Furthermore, processed gray water that comes out of the residential properties can also be filtrated through the natural pond and then used for irrigation of the greenery throughout the courtyard.

Figure 3.11. Water Collection and Filtration Diagram

Recycling and reusing are very important aspects of an urban community that is concerned about sustainability. All cities of the future must be more and more concerned with reusing waste and making the most out of it. While planning for a brand new city there is an opportunity to fully integrate these recycling facilities with the new buildings and their activities. Other than the separation of recyclables, the establishment of a donation and reuse center could also benefit all residents at finding a good use for materials they don’t need while helping other residents acquire something they need. A

35 central composting station can be used for all organic waste to be turned into mulch and then applied to gardens and plants in the courtyard. Outdoor composting has no odor and it is an easy afterschool educational activity for children to pursue within the safety of their block.

An active lifestyle is one of the most desirable aspects of modern life. Most people today work at jobs that require them to sit all day, while driving and commuting leave them with little opportunity to be active. An increasing number of Americans suffer from obesity and especially at younger ages nowadays. Therefore having an active outlet is not only desirable but also necessary for the youth. A sports field or play area or even a skate park depending on the community’s needs is a great feature that can add a recreational and fitness component to the courtyard amenities. The courtyard size is large enough to accommodate many of these recreational activities.

Finally, no courtyard can ever be called one without the landscaping of trees, plants, and green grassy areas. This breathing park space within the block unit offers both relaxation and recreation for its residents. Outdoor cooking and eating facilities combined with the other already described amenities in the courtyard make this area a haven for families and individuals enjoying nature and interacting together. If so desired by the community, part of the planting can include an urban garden with vegetables and herbs (like shown in Figure 3.11.) for the residents to enjoy or simply a seasonal flower garden.

Although the gathering space is the only one that specifically calls for people getting together, all the other amenities featured in the courtyard encourage random encounters that spark unexpected interaction amongst the residents of the block. A courtyard that is this full of activities and therefore frequently used is also a safe place to be for its residents and discourages any unwanted activities.

36

Figure 3.12. Courtyard Occupation Diagram

The final element comprising the block unit is the system of pathways that run through the courtyard and building. These pedestrian routes define the different program zones while creating connections for the residents to walk or bike from one point to the next. Walkways vary in frequency and size depending on the activities they are closest to and terminate when approaching car-streets warning the pedestrians to be cautious.

37

Figure 3.13. Single Block Layout with Diverse Building Typologies and Courtyard

3.3

At the Neighborhood Scale Buildings come together to create the one unit of the urban block. In turn, urban

blocks cluster together to create a neighborhoods that provide amenities and programs that would be underused by the occupants of a single block alone. In the master plan for

38 Lakeshore City, these clusters of blocks can frequently be found surrounding the node of a light rail stop. This significant means of transit is what brings its inhabitants to the neighborhood and is found to be the focus and center of the clusters of block. The light rail is also the main means of connecting these neighborhood clusters with each other creating a city.

Figure 3.14. Cluster of Blocks Around Transit Node

39 Each neighborhood / cluster of blocks needs to provide enough amenities so that the residents have all their everyday needs within this walking distance from the moment they arrive at the light rail stop to their home. Pedestrian pathways break away at the buildings to allow for pedestrian traffic from the center of the square node to the individual blocks while cars have to go around the blocks. This neighborhood layout with only light rail transit encourages further the creation of a strong walkable community that is also safer than areas where cars can interrupt pedestrian circulation. People that live in Lakeshore City know from the distance between the buildings and the width of the streets if they are safe to continue along their walk or when an automobile thoroughfare is approaching. These passive clues and separate automobile streets focus on better serving the pedestrian and their safety.

Amenities like health clinics, grocery stores, and K-12 are some of the most significant requirements in our everyday lives. The south side of Chicago has some of the most inadequate facilities in the region that serve the aforementioned needs.

Organizations that have studied the area have found poorly performing and plagued by crime schools that teach thousands of children in one building complex, no full size grocery stores that sell fruits and vegetables, and high rates of mortality from crime but also heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Statistics like these call for drastic changes in the way crucial services like health treatment, education, and nourishment are allocated.

The proposal for Lakeshore City ensures the even distribution of amenities throughout the site so that every resident is served equally. Clinics, grocery stores, and schools should not be concentrated in one major area but spread out in between the urban blocks. The table below was used to arrange the distribution of these services per density of population.

40 Table 3.1. Shared Amenities per Block Population Common amenities

Less than to 500 people blocks

Less than to 1000 people blocks

Less than to 1500 people blocks

Clinics

Every 3 blocks

Every 3 blocks

Every 2 blocks

Grocery stores

Every 2 blocks

Every block

Every block

Schools

Every 2 blocks

Every 2 blocks

Every block

In the end, all these strategies are meant to bring people interacting together.

However some people who are not comfortable at openly interacting with others can benefit from the social media boom today. Thanks to technology today there are websites that residents sign up for and can find news about events going on in their area,

police

data

reports,

start

conversation

with

other

neighbors,

etc.

MetroPulseChicago.org is the website that the CMAP put together to bring all the real time data they gather from communities, BlockAve.com’s moto is “discover something new in your neighborhood everyday”, and more and more websites like EveryBlock.com can now bring together neighbors online and offline. Even bigger online entities like Partecipedia.com and Americaspeaks.org, bring together organizations encouraging civil engagement at a global scale. They provide mediators, methods, and case studies to use as catalysts for new initiatives of citizen participation in government worldwide.

41 CHAPTER 4 SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE PROGRAM

In addition to the built environment itself, the actual activities that have been planned to take place in the various areas of a city can have very significant consequences on the lives of the citizens. In assigning these activities (programs) to the buildings and open spaces, there are a number of criteria to be considered. Aspects like diversity of the programs, their recognizable character, anticipated frequency of use, the proximity of these programs to each other and their distribution on the site can affect how likely people are to use them. The residents’ involvement will reflect on how much they enjoy the built environment, which in turn becomes a measure of a successful city.

Although we cannot definitely foresee what a space will be used for and how frequently we should still plan the buildings and open spaces to encourage the desired urban outcomes and recommend uses that will enable them.

42

Figure 4.1. Adjacency Diagram for Lakeshore City Program

This concern for creating and promoting healthy urban activity is what sets Lakeshore City apart as a socially sustainable environment. City planners in the past were mainly focused on economic viability, efficient automobile roads but not for the pedestrian, along with building cheaply and quickly without thinking of long term results.

Instead planning should be projected far ahead, because cities are hopefully built to last a long time. Fortunately today we have the resources from a lot of examples of

43 successful and not-so-successful developments and urban experiments to better inform our future plans.

There are many examples of when the program assigned to specific buildings and the location of open spaces has been the reason for failed projects. As Jane Jacobs described in her book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities�, two of Philadelphia’s main parks failed as public spaces because of the functions of the buildings that surrounded them. The Washington and Franklin parks were placed in the middle of office buildings that were only occupied during business hours. The people that worked there occupied the parks during their brakes from work or for a short period of time after work, leaving these open spaces unoccupied for the remaining of the time.

This condition transformed the parks into magnets for criminal activity and they had to be rebuilt and repurposed together with the buildings that surrounded them. There are many similar examples of these open spaces throughout Chicago as well with our own Washington and Jackson parks on the south side not being used at their full potential and being dangerous areas to frequent at night.

Failed public housing projects, like the Robert Taylor homes in Chicago are clear examples of buildings that had an inadequate program and no planned neighborhood amenities. The concentration of poverty in one small area and also the large residentialonly scale limited the access of people living there to diverse functions and activities which resulted in unlawful criminal uses of the space. Isolated transit stops, strip malls, large-scale inner city office parks, and large-scale surface parking lots represent some of the other program for areas and buildings that has proved unsuccessful in urban settings.

However, there are also several successful planning projects that have inspired the Lakeshore City design. The small scale town of Seaside in Florida focused on the pedestrian lifestyle by placing amenities needed for its residents at walking distances

44 from their living and transit locations. This town has become one of the most sought after areas to live in, which is reflected by the real estate value of its building lots. The city of Manhattan is one of the most successful urban environments ever created, a fact reflected by its economy, world influence, and sought-after lifestyle. This dense urban island features a large park surrounded by diverse and dense program, an extensive public transit system, and a healthy mix of zoning functions that create a diverse live/work environment. Other successful urban development examples include most European cities that grew out of a small central square, featuring specialized but small scale retail and commercial establishments, mixed housing typologies, smaller scale educational institutions, and intimate streets and avenues originally created for the pedestrian before there was any car traffic.

Lakeshore City proposes to capture this diversified use of the urban spaces without the concentration of one given activity in a specific area alone. In this way, the mix of uses that characterizes each area provides convenience and promotes safety for everyone by increasing the time the area is occupied by people. This planning also becomes another catalyst for human interaction by bringing people or groups of people together that would not otherwise meet if their interests were not accommodated.

45

Figure 4.2. Lakeshore City Final Land-Use Diagram and Mixed Program Layout

4.1

Anchor Program and Landmark Buildings One of the most important aspects of a city and one that a lot of American cities

have been faulted for lacking is character. By urban character we mean built or natural elements that are distinct from surrounding areas or other areas in the same city, country, etc. With a homogenous natural environment for the entire Midwest, the built environment is responsible for creating the landscape variation for our region. However,

46 a lot of our cities are built for automobile convenience and follow cookie-cutter layouts creating a uniform built environment and eliminating the diversity that makes life and its surroundings interesting. This lack of physical landmarks and reference points has led people to give directions by referring to two cross streets. Very rarely do we refer to “what” identifies the area in question as its own, like plazas or landmark buildings.

However, the area of the downtown Chicago loop has an iconic skyline with an array of buildings that could populate a museum of architecture. The Chicago Loop is also full of plazas where people can meet and relax, both large and small parks, little and big stores, and plenty of organized activities especially during the summer months.

Not only Chicagoans and residents of surrounding region come to the city to enjoy these activities and the sightseeing it has to offer but also visitors from all over the nation and the world. These elements are the “magnets” that attract so many people to the Chicago area but also the “anchors” that keep the people around to fuel its economy and wellbeing.

The anchor program in Lakeshore City will be distributed around the transit nodes (light rail stations). These nodes divide the entire site into neighborhood areas with a “village square” at each transit stop. Each node should have its own identity, which sets it apart and becomes the reference point used by people to describe the specific area. The development of the unique character of each area in Lakeshore City was planned considering the history of the site, the needs of the existing surrounding neighborhood, as well as the goals of the future city.

47

Figure 4.3. Lakeshore City Node Identity Map

As represented in the figure above, the civic and the research nodes were located closer to the Metra stops so that they could serve the existing South Chicago community and regional commuters as efficiently as possible. The presidential library was placed on the north east portion of the site to exploit the beautiful Chicago views, the office park close to light manufacturing for closer collaborations, recreational district close to the marina and large central park and the urban farm close to the nurturing water of the lake.

In addition to the main anchor program, the basic principles of transit oriented development are put in place at the transit nodes. A mixed-use supporting program of

48 retail, commercial, and residential establishments is positioned within a ten-minute walking radius around the public square of each light rail stop. The wall of shops and resident amenities surrounding the public square along with the transit stop at its center define each of these nodes as the ideal public gathering place. The ultimate goal is to have a diverse user population using the space as frequently as possible to shop, relax, and mingle.

4.1.1. Civic Node When reaching Lakeshore City from the north-west, the Civic Node is the first light rail station planned off the 83rd street Metra stop. Taking its name from the program of the buildings located in this area, the Civic Node’s purpose is to encourage public engagement in the governance of the city. This purpose will be achieved through bringing a portion of the Chicago administration on the new Lakeshore City site and therefore closer to the Chicago south side. This node is specifically located closer to the South Chicago neighborhood for convenience and to introduce a more approachable perception of public administration to the area. The proximity and accessibility of these facilities alone would encourage citizens to become more involved with their community and empower them to participate in the government. This change in civic attitude has to be inspired from the physical appearance of the area as well as the activities conducted in it.

49

Figure 4.4. Civic Node Concept View

Emphasis was placed on creating comfortable and friendly surroundings to support the administrative activities, which can frequently be stressful. The public square that defines the Civic Node is surrounded by art walls where local artists display their latest creations and where residents are able to interact with them. The edge of the square is lined with retail and commercial spaces where residents can enjoy a meal or fulfill their shopping needs before going home. High density residential establishments are also part of the square while the actual civic offices are mixed in between this enjoyable program to normalize the experience for the users.

The landmark building of this node is the Community/Civic center, which can bring together many organizations currently active in the South Chicago area and new ones that will form to serve Lakeshore City as well as satellite administrative offices for the City of Chicago. The physical building of the Civic center should be designed to be

50 as accessible as possible to the public so it can further encourage their participation in government. South Chicago also lacks general police presence and this node is the proposed location for a police department serving the general area. The Civic center and the police department can benefit by this physical proximity and collaborate more efficiently.

A successful Civic Node as described above represents the ultimate achievement of the social sustainability that Lakeshore City is trying to influence with every design strategy. By combining recreational and routine activities with civic duties people don’t have to go out of their way to participate in their government. By also mixing the program within the node, people can frequent the area just to see art or to run their daily chores and still get informed about the main issues their communities are facing. This organizational strategy for the program creates citizens that are involved in their community without necessarily being activists or going out of their way to get informed.

4.1.2. Presidential Library and Convention Center Node The south side of Chicago is the place where the current president of the United States, Barack Obama, started his political career. During this part of his life, he resided and worked not too far from the Lakeshore City site. Like recent past presidents of the country, it is anticipated that a library will be built in his name as a legacy of his presidency. Although no decision has been made so far, it is proposed that the site of his library be in Lakeshore City. This would be a unique program that would attract many people to the site, especially national and international visitors.

Along with the library, a convention center as well as hotels are proposed as an additional viable program for this site. Various conferences can be held here and their

51 attendees can reside at the hotels while the researchers can use the library resources.

This location for the Presidential Library can also reinforce the new Political Institute at the University of Chicago headed by the president’s former political advisor, David Axelrod. This institute will be a research center for modern politics and they, just like other educational institutions of the area, can greatly benefit from the proximity to the Presidential Library, which is conveniently located by the light rail stop.

Figure 4.5. Presidential Library and Convention Center Node

Because the area has the potential to attract so many important visitors, it can also spark new interest for the potential of Lakeshore City and, in general, the south side of Chicago. To take full advantage of this opportunity for popularity the Library Node is located on the far north-east corner of the Lakeshore City site where the views of the

52 lake and the downtown Chicago loop are spectacular. In this way, every visitor can experience what is like to live in this great city. Along with the library and its supporting program, additional retail and commercial establishments will be located around the light rail square to accommodate the visitors and the everyday needs of the permanent residents of the immediately surrounding area.

4.1.3. Urban Farm Node Since there is such a lack in healthy food sources in the entire south side of Chicago, the new Lakeshore City site has the opportunity to create urban agricultural models that show the people living in the surrounding neighborhoods that there is a healthier way to eat and to be informed about what you eat. With the world’s urban population growing at fast speeds and food distribution chains creating so much pollution and having an enormous carbon footprint, urban farms are becoming more and more popular around the cities of the world. Chicago itself has a few successful examples of urban farms like the Iron Street farm by the Growing Water organization on the south side, the Chicago Lights urban farm in the river north neighborhood, and the Chicago Farm Works in Garfield Park under way. During the fall of 2011, Chicago finally passed an ordinance officially legalizing urban agriculture and allowing farmers to sell what they produce.

Lakeshore City is proposing an area bigger than 8 acres dedicated just to the urban farm and the facilities that will help it function. This agricultural area will be centrally located in relation to the Lakeshore City site (so that all residents can access it) as well as close to the lake for irrigation purposes. Combined with a large scale grocery store and farmers market stands, this urban agriculture can become a source of local healthy foods for every resident. Conveniently located along the light rail, residents can stop by the farm without going too far out of their way and certainly without traveling outside of their neighborhood. Urban farms would not only transform these

53 neighborhoods from food desserts to centers of locally produced healthy food but also create jobs for people growing the food as well as educational opportunities for younger residents. This would also be a great after school extracurricular occupation for students.

It would promote physical activity, outdoor activity, and create this awareness about eating healthy that they can recreate in their own blocks at a smaller scale in the form of courtyard gardens.

Moreover, local restaurants can use the fresh locally-grown produce and market some of the most “green” meals found anywhere in Chicago. Restaurants like “Uncommon ground” are already doing this but at a much smaller scale because of the lack of space. They can only grow spices or small quantities of vegetables on their restaurant roof. Lakeshore City has the opportunity to expand this phenomenon of “hyperlocal” food by growing the produce for all of its restaurants in indoor and outdoor facilities of the urban farm.

Figure 4.6. Urban Farm Concept

54

4.1.4. Entertainment and culture node One of the most important lifestyle urban resources lacking in Chicago’s south side today is recreation and entertainment outlets for its residents. Although the south side used to once be the host of many such activities, from the Columbian exposition parks, to the Irish south side neighborhoods to South Chicago’s own Commercial Avenue strip, today most of them are closed down, inaccessible, or just significantly reduced in activity.

Figure 4.7. Postcard Illustrating Vibrant Street Life on Commercial Avenue

With the stresses of modern life and the fast pace many are forced to live, entertainment and recreation are outlets that can help us balance our lives with joy and pleasant activities. Therefore Lakeshore City proposes to dedicate one of its centrally located transportation nodes to an “entertainment and cultural district” that is easily

55 accessible by all of its residents. Like in all other transit nodes, this will be the main program and the neighborhood supporting program will continue to exist alongside it.

Figure 4.8. Entertainment District Concept and Steel Museum by Water Slip

From this light rail stop, a direct corridor to the lakefront is paved with a permeable surface and features music venues, diverse shopping, outdoor performance areas, sitting areas, and multiple restaurants. However, the focal reference point of the entertainment district is the Steel Museum built over the two enormous ore walls which are the only remaining features of the steel industry that brought this entire area into existence. The museum will commemorate the site of South Works and display equipment and processes that used to take place on the site. Like one of the steel workers interviewed about the site had suggested, the museum will have a restaurant called “The Blast Furnace� and a museum store will feature memorabilia from the steel

56 industry and Lakeshore City. The steel museum can also offer educational opportunities for students and those interested in the steel industry. Today, there are still fabricators of various metal products around the site. They can all contribute to an accurate account of history while engaging newcomers to the site.

4.1.5. Office Park and Light Manufacturing Node There is a need not only to celebrate the history of the steel industry but also bring jobs back to the site. With an area of light manufacturing located directly south of Lakeshore City there is an opportunity for collaboration and mutual growth between the two sites. Therefore the light rail stop adjacent to the Calumet light manufacturing region has an anchor program oriented towards helping further the industry’s collaboration with Lakeshore City in creating more jobs and economic and technical advancement for the surrounding region.

Figure 4.9. Skilled Technicians of South Works Steel Mill

57

A recent report of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for planning found that there are still many manufacturing jobs in the Chicago region but very few skilled workers that are able to fill them. The metal industry was deemed one of the top three suffering from this phenomenon, according to the report. This specific type of metal industry is the one making smaller engineered parts that require a high level of expertise and cannot be imported. These fabricated metals constitute a significant niche in the metal industry that can give a great advantage to the area and coincidentally bring it back to its roots (steel mill). To fill this gap in demand for to manufacturing jobs, a trade school will be set up in Lakeshore City. People training there can practice directly with light manufacturing across the Calumet River and learn the management aspect of business in the professional buildings occupied by companies offering various services and managing manufacturing. Professional training can also happen outside of the trade school environment in research laboratories sponsored by the manufacturers needing the labor and offering accelerated courses. Another trade that can develop here is that of servicing, storage, and maintenance of the boats that will be docked in the Lakeshore City marina. This node is purposely located close to the lake as well so it can encourage this collaboration.

58

Figure 4.10. Professional and Trade Development Node Concept

Here again, the node will reflect the specific central program but also a mix of program necessary for residents living in the surrounding area. The main square will have sitting areas, restaurants, and shopping as well as high density residential buildings that can create a live/work environment that is occupied at all times of the day.

Business expansions from the downtown Chicago loop can rent space in this area that can be easily reached through the Metra and the light rail.

4.1.6. University Technology Park and Research Node The last light rail stop within the boundaries of Lakeshore City but closest to the existing 87th street Metra stop will be

59 the University Technology and Research Park Node. This represents an opportunity for land-locked universities of Chicago to expand and have a remote campus or offices conveniently located close to public transit and in a research park environment. This is also an opportunity for the light manufacturing initiative to be inspired from innovative new work being done in related industries. The proximity of these academic and applied fields can spark new collaborations in between research and development departments and as a result help further science and technology. The site also accommodates residencies for students and researchers as well as possible visitors for conferences.

The node is arranged around a plaza creating a gathering space for people and a display space for the research being conducted in the resident laboratories. Interactive exhibits and the experimentation of new technologies in a public setting can spark the interest of residents and visitors of Lakeshore City. It is important to create this educational environment that can inspire younger generations to pursue a career in the fields of science and manufacturing. These S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields are some of the most sought after by domestic employers and offer a lot of scholarship opportunities for interested students as well.

60

Figure 4.11. Research and Technology Park Node Concept

4.2

Block Supporting Program Although it is important to have landmark buildings and program at the main

centers of activity of the city, there are certain programs that need to be present at every block or every few blocks. These are the amenities that are essential to viable neighborhoods. South Chicago is missing all of them and introducing them in abundance in Lakeshore City can positively affect both areas. The Chicago department of public health recently started initiatives to determine the health levels of the residents in its various neighborhoods with a Chicago Health and Health Systems Project. Through this project, the Healthy South Chicago Coalition found that fresh fruits and vegetables were only sold at less than a third of facilities providing food in the South Chicago area,

61 nutritional information was then displayed at even lower rates or not displayed at all, and area residents suffer from a high rate of mortality due to diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Considering these statistics, the Lakeshore City site will be populated with adequate health clinics, grocery stores, and educational facilities to start fighting this unhealthy and uneducated lifestyle and encourage a healthy successful neighborhood.

The schools of the Chicago south side are notorious for their incredibly high crime rate and poor performance. A lot of them have really low scores in performance exams, are being closed down by the city, or are fighting through all the hardships to make it to the next year. The problem has been indentified of course with the poorly performing neighborhoods they are located in but also the size of the school. They combine a large number of students that can not be handled adequately by the available staff. Studies have found that schools with fewer students perform better because teachers are more comfortable handling smaller scale difficult situations.

On the other hand, the charter school example has reinforced this research with better performing schools that admit fewer students to smaller schools. This is also the school system of many European cities and, which manage to have high performance rates and effective teachers despite the poor learning environments. Therefore, in Lakeshore City the schools will be allocated per population and student count and there will be as many necessary to keep the number of enrolled students small and to encourage improved performance. The increased number of schools and decrease in enrollment combined with proposed after school activities, civic engagement, and passive safety measures can significantly improve the status quo of educational facilities in the area.

62 Another problematic programmatic aspect of South Chicago is the lack of modern clinics handling the health needs of the residents. These facilities are very scarce on the south side in general with few major hospitals available for all severe cases and the rest of the smaller facilities being able to provide only minimal care. With the help of technology and a new site to build at Lakeshore City, there is an opportunity to introduce modern health facilities to the area that are digitally connected with the best doctors from Chicago’s universities and big hospitals, as their expertise is needed.

Located every few blocks depending on final density of the areas, health clinics must be easily accessible and provide a variety of specialized and general care.

Dentistry, vision, and physical therapy offices can be present even more frequently and at a smaller scale. These facilities combined with the active outdoor lifestyle Lakeshore City provides – exercising by the lake and playing in courtyards and parks – as well as residents being more educated about what they eat through farmers market and nutritional labels results in a newfound healthy lifestyle that can be sustained.

Figure 4.12. Current “Grocery Store” for South Chicago Residents

63 Since the closest facility to a grocery store in South Chicago is a convenience store, drastic measures need to be taken to reverse this condition and provide healthy food alternatives to the area. In addition to the already mentioned large scale urban farm that will not only provide healthy food but also education on food and nutrition, more facilities that provide fresh food are necessary at a more immediate proximity. Since people are used to eating at “fast food� places, there is a need to make healthy food fast and convenient. This can be achieved by placing smaller scale grocery stores at every city block, or every few blocks, creating a healthy food reference point in every small community cell. These smaller scale grocery stores should have established relationships with the main urban farm or even the small courtyard gardens of every block by selling produced raised locally and providing resources for people that want to get involved with growing their own food. On the other hand, displaying nutritional information and health benefits of fresh foods is not only a healthy practice for grocery stores but it can also be a strong marketing strategy for health-conscious consumers, like the young families and adults residing in Lakeshore City.

View Figure 4.13 and Table 3.1. for detailed distribution of this block supporting program of schools, grocery stores, and clinics for the Lakeshore City master plan.

64

Figure 4.13. Distribution of Block Supporting Program Map

4.3

Other Programs There is already a very interesting sports activity that has started taking place on

within the site of Lakeshore City. That is a temporary structure that serves as a small scale velodrome. There are already plans for this site to turn into a full scale stadium for indoor cycling that people all over the Chicago area can use. This program is very unique and anticipated to be frequented often given the reality that Chicago has a lot of

65 bicyclists and a lot of winter months that they can’t bike outdoors. This is also a great afterschool activity for the young population as well as a fitness outlet for everyone that wants to be in shape.

Figure 4.14. Proposed Velodrome Stadium by RTKL

The velodrome visitors as well as all visitors that take public transit will first experience Lakeshore City from the Metra stops and then transfer to the light rail or walk to their destination. Therefore it is very important that the two Metra stops of 83rd and 87th street are developed to make a great first impression but also serve the visitors and residences

with

many

conveniences.

Grocery

stores,

shopping,

restaurants,

convenience services for everyday needs should be located here. The stops should also accommodate for the large amount of visitors in sitting areas and guidance to the new city with maps and directions.

Finally a very important physical change proposed for the Lakeshore City site is one that will bring significant activity and programmatic change. In an attempt to limit costly interventions to the land and in keeping a healthy natural environment for its residents, it was deemed necessary to fill in the majority of the north slip and create a

66 large scale urban park in its place. Part of the slip where it connects to the lake will remain active creating a picturesque backdrop for the eastern edge of the park with steps leading down to the lake. This central park will extend as far west as possible crossing Lakeshore Boulevard and connecting existing South Chicago with brand new Lakeshore City. The park will also incorporate the remaining ore walls from the steel plant into an added historic feature for visitors. It will feature many sports fields, sitting and eating areas, gathering and performance spaces, as well as plants and trees appropriate for the Chicago climate. It will also have a large pond and marshland that recreates the original landscape form the founding of Chicago and connects it back with the Millennium Reserve initiative to restore the areas ecosystem. Similarly the south slip will be filled in to create more land for the Lakeshore City blocks developed nearby.

The big central park will present another opportunity for physical activity, relaxation, and bringing residents together. It will also connect the last stretches of lakefront parks adding to the “last four miles� initiative of the Friends of the Park organization dedicated to completing Burnham’s dream for the Chicago waterfront: A contiguous strip of park land running along the Lake Michigan shore that is public and dedicated to the residents in its entirety.

67

Figure 4.15. Overall Site Plan for Lakeshore City

The program of Lakeshore City thoroughly supports its’ residents needs as is described in this chapter. From health care to shopping and recreation, from work necessities to cultural needs, from everyday activities to special events, the new city

68 provides for a diverse lifestyle full of possibilities. Throughout Lakeshore City’s program distribution, the main emphasis was placed on the strategic location of activities to encourage social interaction, compensate for existing programmatic deficiencies, fuel innovative collaboration, and create city spaces that will be fully occupied.

69 CHAPTER 5 URBAN RESULTS AND FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Lakeshore City urban proposal represents an attempt to resolve current problems that plague the south side of Chicago through the design of a new built environment. Developing a new city on the abandoned US Steel plant can affect positive change for the adjacent neighborhood of South Chicago that suffers from high criminal activity, high unemployment rates, poor resident health, and it is in general classified as a food dessert area. The new city can provide currently missing amenities for the area and the stability of a well planned urban environment.

The approach used to address all of the above issues is through the strategic design of urban elements. The ultimate goal is to achieve the desired attributes of a city like safety, cultural diversity, employment opportunity, etc. as a natural result of good planning. The central and most important guiding principle of this approach is to provide for communication outlets and enable the residents of South Chicago and the new Lakeshore City to identify and resolve their own local issues independently before they become widespread problems.

This solution is based on the realization that people coming together have better odds at resolving their own issues than other groups or the government imposing third party decisions on them. In the past, various organizations have suggested proposals for improving conditions in South Chicago. However, the residents of the area lack the confidence to change their status quo and challenge “outsider� understanding of their situation. It is vital that the residents are empowered to face their own problems and find solutions to them through collaborative efforts. For this reason, the design of the new city encourages people’s interaction, community building, and interconnectivity between the parts of the city, activities, and businesses.

70 Starting with efficient ground transportation available to all residents, city blocks that promote safety and community, open public areas that are used at all times of day and are full of human activity, and the distribution of programs throughout the site that encourages collaboration, Lakeshore City is designed to be a social hub that brings everyone together. In this sense, Lakeshore City has the potential to become a model neighborhood for the City of Chicago, which has struggled with racial segregation from neighborhood to neighborhood.

5.1

Socially Sustainable Lakeshore City The design of Lakeshore City is based on three separate planning elements that

are represented in this proposal. The layout of the transportation system is the first element that shapes the master planning of any site. Once the transit corridors and nodes are established, the blocks that constitute the infill in between the transit routes are laid out. Finally, the program of functions is infused into the designed area to complete the socially sustainable environment. Throughout the design process using each of these three planning elements of the new city fabric, special focus is directed towards creating outlets for its residents to interact with each other while developing strategies to combat the area’s existing problems.

The light rail transit system efficiently and conveniently serves the entire site of Lakeshore City. This on-ground transportation also connects with the existing Metra Electric Line stations adjacent to the site, 83rd and 87th street stations. These stops connect the new city to the Chicago loop and many other sites of interest. The light rail stations throughout Lakeshore City are designed with plazas that have a vibrant program and landmark buildings to give character to each transit node thus creating unique areas

71 where people will want to gather. High density residential buildings surround the open plazas and transit stops for walking convenience and the security of people monitoring the public areas during all times of day. Automobile traffic is limited and arranged so that it interferes as little as possible with the light rail routes and because the design of the new city gives priority to the pedestrian user. The goal is to encourage pedestrian/resident interaction while decreasing traffic congestion to produce a safer living environment.

A new city block size is implemented for Lakeshore City combining two typical Chicago blocks. This new design arranges the buildings on the outer edge of the block while creating an internal courtyard that becomes the heart of the community within each block. The courtyard becomes rich with amenities for the residents and promotes activities that encourage interaction of residents, active pastimes, and civic engagement.

Because the courtyard brings people together for a variety of activities, it creates opportunities for random encounters that lead to further community building. The layout of the buildings at the edge of the new block also provides for passive monitoring of the spaces within the block (courtyard) and outside the block (street activity). This is accomplished by having the residential units face in all directions around the block.

Finally, the activities taking place inside and out of the buildings in Lakeshore City are carefully distributed throughout the site. Special consideration has been given to optimum occupation of all areas by having a mixed-use program to discourage stagnant clusters of activity by users within a limited time. Health clinics, fresh food grocery stores, and smaller schools are among the most important missing amenities in South Chicago. Every sustainable city should have an abundance of these amenities to adequately serve its residents. Additionally, the program for Lakeshore City includes historically significant elements like the Steel Museum to commemorate the South Works plant and contemporary program like the velodrome and urban farm.

This

72 comprehensive and diverse program for Lakeshore City creates a culturally rich environment that can attract a wide range of inhabitants.

The steel plant that previously existed on this site brought together immigrants from different racial backgrounds and likewise Lakeshore City will bring together urban citizens from different economic and cultural backgrounds from the Chicago land area and beyond. The new city will attract people that appreciate an open sustainable community that offers the best of city life interaction, personal development, urban safety, and a rich pedestrian lifestyle.

5.2

Urban Observations and Suggestions While Lakeshore City planning has been based on specific described principles,

its diversity and vibrancy are reminiscent of old European cities that emerged slowly after decades of development. The elements that shaped the evolution of such cities were also the pedestrian scale routes that people would take for work or school, the need for conveniences and recreation surrounding highly populated areas, and the constant movement and migration of populations. When urban planning is inspired by these elements rather than by solely expansion and land occupation purposes, these cities are more likely to adapt to future changes in population and technology. There is no formal grid to limit the spatial development of the urban plan, just a system of interconnected nodes easily expandable through the addition of new ones to the overall system.

On the other hand, despite the many accomplishments good planning can achieve for a specific area, the stigma associated with certain neighborhoods takes time and more than physical design to overcome. Organizations like the Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) have programs that collaborate with police departments,

73 marketing organizations, and historical societies to highlight and publicize the advantages of a location and change the stigma of its image. For example, NHS’ North Lawndale initiative has been to organize many social and cultural events with the goal of bringing new people to North Lawndale and sparking their interest in its potential. All revitalization projects should be combined with image changing marketing for the specific areas as well as public policy revisions to favor further development so that a comprehensive and ultimately successful change can take place.

Most, if not all, of the design strategies suggested in this proposal for Lakeshore City have been implemented individually throughout the city of Chicago. Urban farms have started operation in various areas of the city and are increasingly becoming more popular. Courtyards enclosed by residential buildings have already been implemented in not-so-popular areas like Douglas Park on the west side of Chicago. ForeLight, a young company located on the south side of Chicago, has developed a promising prototype for producing energy through recycled waste collected from various neighborhoods. Also located on the south side, new housing developments feature shared amenities and information display spaces for their community.

However, the described initiatives have never before been brought together in the form of a functional larger scale urban development interconnected by an efficient transit system. Lakeshore City includes all of these innovative ideas and programs into a cohesive master plan served by a modern light rail system; therefore creating a viable proposal for a sustainable city of the future.

74

APPENDIX A SOUTH CHICAGO COMMUNITY HEALTH PROFILE

75

76

APPENDIX B TRANSIT EQUITY MATTERS REPORT DATA

77

78

APPENDIX C SIEMENS LIGHT RAIL TECHNICAL DATA

79 Siemens S70 – Light rail vehicle

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