1 minute read
Plan-Making Studio
commercial corridor planning in Bronzeville, IL
Software used: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Lumion and Photoshop
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Group Members:
Mihir Saraf, Ateet Kawa, James Sullivan, Scott Williams, Nick Rockway
Bronzeville, a priority community in Chicago’s INVEST South/West strategy, is the focus of our studio project. We conducted an analysis of the corridor’s existing conditions and identified a vacant lot adjacent to The Forum as a potential community anchor. We developed three alternatives, each addressing the three pillars of sustainability, and proposed improving the streetscape with bike lanes, medians, outdoor seating, and landscape features. I participated in the visualization of the alternatives and streetscape design.
I was primarily involved in the visual communication aspect of planning work given my design expertise where I created renderings showing potential developments along the corridor and redevelopment of the vacant lot beside The Forum in turn bolstering community development and investment into the neighborhood.
Site Selection
The Bronzeville Commercial Corridor is a vital socio-economic hub, serving as a “front door to the community,” with a mix of retail, residential, and institutional spaces. It runs along 43rd St., Cottage Grove Ave., and 47th St. for approximately 1.65 miles, starting at the 43rd Green Line station.
Despite its economic and cultural highlights, such as the Washington Cultural Center and the Legacy District development, the corridor suffers from the pervasive issue of vacant lots, as seen in the figure. It is part of the initial phase of Mayor Lightfoot’s INVEST South/West strategy.
This site offers strategic opportunities for sustainable development. It’s close to major transportation hubs and is owned by the City of Chicago, providing more flexibility for proposals. It’s located in a critical development node with ongoing planning efforts to serve residents and generate economic value. New development is already occurring in the area. It complements the historic Forum Theater and can serve as a model for transformation in the Commercial Corridor and Bronzeville.
The POP!Court Community Plaza recommendation addresses all legs of sustainability:
Social Impact
Environmental Impact
Economic Impact
