Chicago Loop Alliance

Sharing my piece from today's cover page of the Chicago Tribune Opinion section about a vision for the future of urban revitalization based on my experience from public service in Chicago. I address the widely-discussed decline of traditional downtowns post-pandemic as well as neighborhood disinvestment and provide three streets in Chicago that offer hopeful case studies for the future of cities: - South Cottage Grove Ave: The Discover customer care center employing 1,000+ in an abandoned big box retail store that is now generating significant economic activity in the neighborhood. The power of Corporate America bringing jobs to a disinvested neighborhood is a lesson I hope others will learn from and that can be repeated widely across Chicago and other cities to decrease the unemployment rates of disinvested neighborhoods. - LaSalle Street: One of the largest office-to-residential conversion projects in the country is taking place which will convert 1.6 million square feet of unused office space into a mix of apartments, restaurants, shops and workspace...over 1,000 new residential units of which 300 will be affordable. - State Street: Leaning into the experience economy, Sundays on State (along with festivals such as Suenos, Lolla, NASCAR) show the power of transforming public spaces into new amenities for residents and visitors alike. As I mention in the article: "What excites me is this: Each project made real progress, strengthening the forces that attract and retain people in urban areas. These initiatives created jobs, added housing and fostered connections when they were needed most. They were made possible through collaboration among city leaders, communities and private companies, which focused on welcoming more people to share in Chicago’s prosperity and potential. I’m excited that the spirit behind these projects echoes globally. You will find inspiration and opportunity on every block, in every neighborhood, in every city. It’s powered by the same energy that, throughout history, has spurred us to build ports and rail yards that helped us trade goods, roadways that connected our neighborhoods and skyscrapers that raised our sights and sense of possibility. Today, that energy continues to remake our cities in an image of today’s world — more dynamic, more interconnected, more inclusive. So ignore the clickbait. The story of cities today isn’t one of demise. It’s about rebirth." https://lnkd.in/gXyiixSk

The Century & Consumers Buildings Are Official Chicago Landmarks! ?? After years of advocacy, Landmarks Illinois is thrilled to announce that the Century (202 S. State) & Consumers (220 S. State) Buildings have officially achieved landmark status in Chicago! Landmarks Illinois' History with the Site Includes: ?? Advocating for adaptive reuse instead of demolition ?? Listing the buildings on our Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois (2022 & 2023) ?? Nominating them to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 11 Most Endangered List (2023) ?? Speaking at public meetings & supporting landmark designation efforts ?? Consulting in the GSA’s Section 106 process The designation protects the exterior of the 20th-century high rises, key examples of the Chicago School of Architecture, while allowing for rehabilitation and new uses. https://ow.ly/SlMV50V7QXQ ?? What’s Next? The GSA’s adaptive reuse RFQ submissions closed Jan. 31, and we look forward to seeing how these buildings can contribute to the Loop’s future! ?? Huge thanks to all who supported this cause!