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.