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NORTH LANDING
The former North Branch industrial corridor has the opportunity to redefine itself in the urban landscape of Chicago. The North Landing proposal seeks to enhance public health, further utilize alternative forms of transportation create a live-work-play environment, provide multiple public spaces on both banks of the Chicago River, and increasing the presence of ecosystem services. First, public health is influenced by a number of factors, for the purpose of this proposal we are focusing on creating an active community. Through the incorporation of more complete streets, access to bicycle networks (including bike rental stations), incorporating a food forest into the open space on the west bank, and inviting the public to enjoy and understand the natural environment within an urban setting we hope to accomplish this goal. The proximity to public transit in this location allows for residents and the public to easily utilize these resources. Presently, two unique districts flank the area surrounding North Landing: artisan and commercial. The aim of North Landing is to smooth the gradient between the two and connect them by embracing the character of both. To keep in line with the current artisan district we have allotted affordable retail space, incorporated public art into both the plaza district on the east bank and the green space on the west bank. The commercial district will have a softer edge on the west bank of the river by incorporating this green space. Additionally, the commercial district will be extended across the river to create a more cohesive corridor.
One of the most unique pieces of the North Landing proposal is the choice to open the east bank (Finkl site through Site C) and use that tract of land entirely for green space. While this will inevitably affect the income generation of this development, it will have added benefits that over time will out weigh the economic costs. In conjunction with Chicago Wilderness, The Nature Conservancy, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Forest Preserves of Cook County our development will create a partnership to provide natural spaces for learning, leisure, recreation, and environmental conservation. This area will be utilized to implement a corridor along the river for flora and fauna, provide trails and views, and it will also host a art museum, a non-profit café, and a food forest. The food forest will be home to fruiting tree and shrub species for the public to enjoy. Additionally, this open space will provide access for paddlers along the Chicago River and enhance the city’s emerging River Trails program. Lastly, this space will be used for natural resource interpretation and environmental education for schools in and around Cook County; this living lab will
create a unique learning environment where students (and the public) can learn about innovative to environmental problems like water quality, habitat fragmentation, and urban environments.
Through rezoning this area to Planned Development District, North Landing will connect established neighborhoods, and provide ample and innovative public space. North Landing will provide more opportunity for Chicago residents and visitors to re imagine and embrace Chicago’s river roots.
+ Academic Work | ULI competition
+ Prof. Sungduck Lee
Chicago
Site Context
Proposed Master Plan
Site Section
Team 171615 proposes that WCI purchase the southern portion (land tract south of West Cortland) of the Finkl site, as well as the properties between Site C and the Finkl Site (flanking the Chicago River, east of North Marcey and North Kingsbury Streets; refer to site plan map). This land would be then converted into North Landing Park, where ecological remediation such as river bank stabilization, inflow wetlands, flood mitigation and permaculture, would improve the ecosystem service efficiency and positively influence environmental and public health. Funds would also need to be allocated to the creation of previous surfaced trails for recreation and two stone and glass structures that will house our public art museum and a non-profit café. With all of these features, public-private partnerships will need to be established.
Ideally, the museum space would find alliance with both the local and national art programs in an effort to present rotating exhibits and house educational programs. The café would require a partnership with local food systems and act as an incubator for emerging culinary entrepreneurs. The conservation partnership would include Chicago Wilderness, The Nature Conservancy, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Forest Preserves of Cook County. Through these partnerships our capital investment will be supplemented by a variety of grants, and in the future we would propose that this land be returned to the city network of parks for a lessened rate.
The east bank of North Landing will consist of capital investment used to demolish and redevelop the former Fleet Maintenance Facility. Our proposal seeks to build out 7 city blocks of mixed-use buildings. The right of way will need to be negotiated with the City of Chicago as we are proposing that current street infrastructure be redesigned for the implementation of complete streets and a bicycle-pedestrian network. We are proposing to build more than 990,720 square feet of commercial space on the bottom two floors of our design, leaving the top floors to create 655 apartments. These apartments will vary in size from 1 bedroom through 4 bedroom, with options for affordable rentals and purchases, as well as, market-value rentals and purchases.
Construction costs will be intensified due to the creation of an 80,200 square foot under ground garage, and three new proposed bridges that will span the Chicago River. Two bridges will be solely for the use of pedestrians so would require the use of all private funds, and the third bridge would need to be planned with the City of Chicago and would apply for federal funding to supplement costs.
Through the use of tax incentives, grant funding, federal transportation dollars, and private investment, this development would prove to be fiscally viable into the future, with a significant and positive impact on the community.
Note : This competition entry is conceived by Team 171615 - Deep Chaniara (M.Arch + M.U.D.) , Shawn Barron (M.Arch) , Allison Riley (C.R.P.), Ngoc Ho (LA) and Lingyi Yang (LA) as a group effort.
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