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Chinatown
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Chicago's Chinatown is home to a number of banks, Chinese restaurants, gift shops, grocery stores, Chinese medicine stores, as well as a number of services that cater to people interested in Chinese culture, including those speaking Chinese, especially the Cantonese dialect. It is a community hub for Chinese people in Chicagoland, a business center for Chinese in the Midwest, as well as a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
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Looking to escape the anti-Chinese violence that had broken out on the west coast, the first Chinese arrived in Chicago after 1869 when the First Transcontinental Railroad was completed. By the late 1800s, 25% of Chicago's approximately 600 Chinese residents settled along Clark Street between Van Buren and Harrison Avenues in Chicago's Loop. Faced with increasing rent prices, the Chinese living in this area began moving south to Armour Square in 1912. This exodus was led by the On Leong Merchants Association who, in 1912, had a building constructed along Cermak Avenue (then 22nd Street) that could house 15 stores, 30 apartments and the Association's headquarters. While the building's design was typical of the period, it also featured Chinese accents such as tile trim adorned with dragons.
In the 1920s, Chinese community leaders secured approximately 50 ten-year leases on properties in the newly developing Chinatown.
In the 1920s, Chinese community leaders secured approximately 50 ten-year leases on properties in the newly developing Chinatown.
Chinatown is served by the north-south-running Red Line, the CTA's busiest transit route, which stops regularly at the Cermak-Chinatown station located in the heart of Chinatown near the corner of Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinatown,_Chicago
Little Italy
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Little Italy is in the Near West Side community area of Chicago, Illinois. While there are several Italian American communities that thrive within the Chicago metropolitan area, Taylor Street, the port-of-call for Chicago's Italian American immigrants, inherited the title of Chicago's Little Italy. Taylor Street Archives The current boundaries of Taylor Street's Little Italy are Western Avenue on the west and Morgan Street (the University of Illinois at Chicago) on the east---bracketed by Harrison Street on the north and Roosevelt Road; i.e., 12th Street, on the south. The more popular and vibrant end of Taylor Street's Little Italy encompasses the 12 block stretch between Ashland Avenue on the west (the Illinois Medical District) and the University of Illinois at Chicago on the east. It continues to be a neighborhood of strong Italian influence.
Taylor Street's Little Italy was part of a larger community:--Chicago's Near West Side. Dominant among the immigrant communities that comprised the Near West Side during the mass migration of Europeans at the turn of the century, were Italians, Greeks and Jews. While other ethnic groups vacated the neighborhood, beginning with the early part of the twentieth century, only the Italian American enclave remained as a vibrant community. Greek Town and Maxwell Street business establishments continue to flourish and serve as a reminder of the ethnic mix that had made up the Near West Side community. Other ethnicities have always been present in the area known as "Little Italy." Nonetheless, the neighborhood was given its name due to the strong influence of Italians and Italian culture on the neighborhood throughout the 19th and 20th century.
Though the Italian population declined throughout the late 20th century, many Italian restaurants and groceries remain in the formerly prominent Taylor Street corridor. The neighborhood also hosts the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame as well as the historic Roman Catholic churches Our Lady of Pompeii, Notre Dame de Chicago, and Holy Family .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Italy,_ChicagoTaylor Street's Little Italy was part of a larger community:--Chicago's Near West Side. Dominant among the immigrant communities that comprised the Near West Side during the mass migration of Europeans at the turn of the century, were Italians, Greeks and Jews. While other ethnic groups vacated the neighborhood, beginning with the early part of the twentieth century, only the Italian American enclave remained as a vibrant community. Greek Town and Maxwell Street business establishments continue to flourish and serve as a reminder of the ethnic mix that had made up the Near West Side community. Other ethnicities have always been present in the area known as "Little Italy." Nonetheless, the neighborhood was given its name due to the strong influence of Italians and Italian culture on the neighborhood throughout the 19th and 20th century.
Though the Italian population declined throughout the late 20th century, many Italian restaurants and groceries remain in the formerly prominent Taylor Street corridor. The neighborhood also hosts the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame as well as the historic Roman Catholic churches Our Lady of Pompeii, Notre Dame de Chicago, and Holy Family .
University Village
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University Village is a renamed near west Chicago community consisting of newly constructed residential and retail properties. The University Village/Little Italy community cherishes its rich past as one of the first neighborhoods of Chicago. The community is home to mixed-income residents from ethnically diverse socio-economic backgrounds as a result of immigration, urban renewal, gentrification and the growth of the resident student and faculty population of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
University Village, Chicago, consists of major new residential developments over old known Chicago neighborhoods. One such development is the Ivy Hall development, over the area once known as the Maxwell Street neighborhood. This development took one of the poorest neighborhoods in Chicago and made it into a middle- to upper-class income area.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_West_Side,_ChicagoUniversity Village, Chicago, consists of major new residential developments over old known Chicago neighborhoods. One such development is the Ivy Hall development, over the area once known as the Maxwell Street neighborhood. This development took one of the poorest neighborhoods in Chicago and made it into a middle- to upper-class income area.
West Loop
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West Loop Gate / West Loop
Often called just "the West Loop," West Loop Gate makes up the north central area of the Near West Side, west of Chicago's Loop. It is bordered by the Kennedy Expressway to the east, Grand Avenue on the north, the Eisenhower Expressway to the south, and Ashland Avenue to the west. The neighborhood also extends to the Chicago River south of Madison Street.
A former manufacturing corridor turned art-edgy neighborhood, the area consists primarily of warehouses that are still in use or have been converted to loft condominiums (loftominiums), restaurants, night clubs, art galleries, and some retail. It is also the home of Harpo Studios, owned by well known talk show host Oprah Winfrey, and the production site of her syndicated television show.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_West_Side,_ChicagoOften called just "the West Loop," West Loop Gate makes up the north central area of the Near West Side, west of Chicago's Loop. It is bordered by the Kennedy Expressway to the east, Grand Avenue on the north, the Eisenhower Expressway to the south, and Ashland Avenue to the west. The neighborhood also extends to the Chicago River south of Madison Street.
A former manufacturing corridor turned art-edgy neighborhood, the area consists primarily of warehouses that are still in use or have been converted to loft condominiums (loftominiums), restaurants, night clubs, art galleries, and some retail. It is also the home of Harpo Studios, owned by well known talk show host Oprah Winfrey, and the production site of her syndicated television show.
Greektown
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The Greektown section of Chicago is located roughly between Van Buren and Madison Streets, along Halsted Street, within the Near West Side community area of Chicago. It was popularized in the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," which was actually filmed mostly in Toronto. The neighborhood is known for its plethora of excellent Greek restaurants, including the famous Parthenon, and its 24 hour foodspots.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_West_Side,_Chicago
Wicker Park
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Wicker Park is a Chicago neighborhood northwest of the Loop, south of Bucktown. Charles and Joel Wicker purchased 80 acres of land along Milwaukee Avenue in 1870 and laid out a subdivision with a mix of lot sizes surrounding a 4-acre park. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 spurred the first wave of development, as homeless Chicagoans looked to build new houses. Wicker Park proved especially popular with German and Swedish merchants, who built large mansions along the neighborhood's choicest streets--particularly on Hoyne and Pierce, just southwest of North & Damen, known then as Robey. At the end of the 19th century, the area was known as "the Polish Gold Coast" and Hoyne was known as "Beer Baron Row," as many of Chicago's wealthiest brewers built mansions there.
After World War II, many Poles moved to newer, less crowded housing further northwest, and Wicker Park became more ethnically diverse with a large influx of Puerto Rican immigrants. Split from the Lincoln Park neighborhood only by the Kennedy Expressway in the late 50's and 60's, it contained the second largest concentration of Puerto Ricans in Chicago. It was the original home to the largest Latino gang at the time, the Latin Kings. The Young Lords, a human rights movement, held sit-ins with L.A.D.O. at the Wicker Park Welfare Office and large non violent marches to city hall. Urban renewal projects were undertaken to combat "urban blight" in some parts of the neighborhood, but disinvestment continued at a rapid clip.
Efforts by community development groups like N.C.O. (Northwest Community Organization) to stabilize the community through new affordable-housing construction in the 1980s coincided with the arrival of artists attracted by the neighborhood's easy access to the Loop, cheap loft space in the abandoned factories, and distinctly urban feel.
Today, the neighborhood is best known for its numerous commercial and entertainment establishments and being a convenient place to live for downtown workers due to its proximity to public transportation and the loop. Gentrification has made the area much more attractive to college educated, white collar workers, although it faced considerable resistance from the working class Puerto Rican community it displaced. Crime has decreased and many new homes have been built as well as older homes being restored. This has led to increased business activity, with many new bars, restaurants, and stores opening to serve these individuals. Property values have gone up, increasing the wealth of property owners and making the neighborhood attractive to real estate investors.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Town,_ChicagoAfter World War II, many Poles moved to newer, less crowded housing further northwest, and Wicker Park became more ethnically diverse with a large influx of Puerto Rican immigrants. Split from the Lincoln Park neighborhood only by the Kennedy Expressway in the late 50's and 60's, it contained the second largest concentration of Puerto Ricans in Chicago. It was the original home to the largest Latino gang at the time, the Latin Kings. The Young Lords, a human rights movement, held sit-ins with L.A.D.O. at the Wicker Park Welfare Office and large non violent marches to city hall. Urban renewal projects were undertaken to combat "urban blight" in some parts of the neighborhood, but disinvestment continued at a rapid clip.
Efforts by community development groups like N.C.O. (Northwest Community Organization) to stabilize the community through new affordable-housing construction in the 1980s coincided with the arrival of artists attracted by the neighborhood's easy access to the Loop, cheap loft space in the abandoned factories, and distinctly urban feel.
Today, the neighborhood is best known for its numerous commercial and entertainment establishments and being a convenient place to live for downtown workers due to its proximity to public transportation and the loop. Gentrification has made the area much more attractive to college educated, white collar workers, although it faced considerable resistance from the working class Puerto Rican community it displaced. Crime has decreased and many new homes have been built as well as older homes being restored. This has led to increased business activity, with many new bars, restaurants, and stores opening to serve these individuals. Property values have gone up, increasing the wealth of property owners and making the neighborhood attractive to real estate investors.
Ukrainian Village
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Ukrainian Village is south of Wicker Park. Settlement of the neighborhood was largely spurred by the 1895 construction of an elevated train line along Paulina Ave (1700 W); the "L" was decomissioned in 1964 but still partly exists to shuttle trains through the CTA rail system. In past decades, it has been a safe, middle-class neighborhood, populated by older citizens of Eastern European ethnicity, bordered (and affected) on many sides by more dangerous areas. It was insulated somewhat from surrounding socioeconomic change by large industrial areas on its south and west borders and by the staying power of the Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic congregations. Although Ukrainian village continues to be the center of Chicago's large Ukrainian community, the gentrification of West Town is rapidly changing the demographic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Town,_Chicago
Logan Square
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Logan Square is a community area located on the northwest side of the City of Chicago. The name, used here to describe the city-designated community area defined by U.S. census tracts, also applies to one of a number of smaller, more loosely defined residential neighborhoods within the Logan Square community. The Logan Square neighborhood is centered on the public square that serves as its namesake. Logan Square proper houses the 3-way intersection of Milwaukee Avenue, Logan Boulevard and Kedzie Boulevard.
The community area of Logan Square is, in general, bounded by the Metra/Milwaukee District North Line railroad on the west, the North Branch of the Chicago River on the east, Diversey Avenue on the north, and Armitage on the south. The area is characterized by the prominent historical boulevards and large bungalow-style homes.
The neighborhood is home to a diverse population including Latinos (primarily Mexican and Puerto Rican, with some Cuban), African-Americans and a number of ethnicities from Eastern Europe, (mostly Poles). At one time, Logan Square boasted a large Norwegian-American population. With relatively inexpensive housing and rent available, this neighborhood is a favorite for students, artists, and working-class citizens. More elaborate, stylish, and expensive houses and mansions line historic Logan(2600 N) and Kedzie Boulevards.
The community area and neighborhood are named for General John A. Logan who served in the Civil War, and later in Congress.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logan_Square,_ChicagoThe community area of Logan Square is, in general, bounded by the Metra/Milwaukee District North Line railroad on the west, the North Branch of the Chicago River on the east, Diversey Avenue on the north, and Armitage on the south. The area is characterized by the prominent historical boulevards and large bungalow-style homes.
The neighborhood is home to a diverse population including Latinos (primarily Mexican and Puerto Rican, with some Cuban), African-Americans and a number of ethnicities from Eastern Europe, (mostly Poles). At one time, Logan Square boasted a large Norwegian-American population. With relatively inexpensive housing and rent available, this neighborhood is a favorite for students, artists, and working-class citizens. More elaborate, stylish, and expensive houses and mansions line historic Logan(2600 N) and Kedzie Boulevards.
The community area and neighborhood are named for General John A. Logan who served in the Civil War, and later in Congress.
Lakeview
Lake View — or Lakeview, as it is increasingly spelled — is a North Side neighborhood of the City of Chicago, Illinois, in the United States.
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While actual territorial limits and colloquial names are not definite depending on local sources and usage, Lake View is unofficially divided into smaller neighborhood enclaves: Lakeview East, West Lakeview and Wrigleyville. Lakeview East (more commonly just Lakeview) forms the area popularly known as Boystown. It holds the distinction of comprising the first gay village to be officially recognized as such by a civic body in the United States. New Town is a formerly-used community name designating the area centered at the intersection of North Clark Street and West Diversey Parkway. The Northalsted Merchants Association is centered on the North Halsted Street strip between West Belmont Avenue and West Grace Street and is the dominant merchants association in Lake View.
Lake View is most recognized nationwide as home to Wrigley Field and its Chicago Cubs. Neighboring the field is one of the most famous gay villages in North America. Held on the last Sunday of each June, the Chicago Pride Parade, one of the largest gay pride parades in the nation, takes place in Lake View. The community area has also been host to several other major events: In 2006 it played host to an international sports and cultural festival, Gay Games VII, with its closing ceremonies held at Wrigley Field and headlined by Cyndi Lauper.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakeview,_ChicagoLake View is most recognized nationwide as home to Wrigley Field and its Chicago Cubs. Neighboring the field is one of the most famous gay villages in North America. Held on the last Sunday of each June, the Chicago Pride Parade, one of the largest gay pride parades in the nation, takes place in Lake View. The community area has also been host to several other major events: In 2006 it played host to an international sports and cultural festival, Gay Games VII, with its closing ceremonies held at Wrigley Field and headlined by Cyndi Lauper.
Wrigleyville
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Formerly a working-class neighborhood, Wrigleyville is the neighborhood directly surrounding Wrigley Field along North Clark and West Addison streets. Actual boundaries are undefined, with some sources citing Wrigleyville as spilling into adjacent enclaves such as Lakeview East and North Halsted. Wrigleyville features low-rise brick buildings and houses, some with rooftop bleachers colloquially called Wrigley Rooftops where people can purchase seats to watch baseball games without having to pay Major League Baseball ticket prices. Proprietors are able to do so under special agreements with the Chicago Cubs organization.
While the bars and restaurants in Lakeview East (especially along North Halsted Street) usually feature gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender culture, Wrigleyville bars and restaurants (particularly on North Clark Street) feature the sports culture with sports-oriented themes, and some mix the LBGT and sports themes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakeview,_ChicagoWhile the bars and restaurants in Lakeview East (especially along North Halsted Street) usually feature gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender culture, Wrigleyville bars and restaurants (particularly on North Clark Street) feature the sports culture with sports-oriented themes, and some mix the LBGT and sports themes.
Lincoln Park
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Lincoln Park is a 1,200 acre (4.9 km², 1.875 mi²) park along Chicago, Illinois' lakefront facing Lake Michigan.
The park stretches from North Avenue (1600 N) on the south to Foster (5200 N), just north of the Lake Shore Drive terminus at North Hollywood Avenue. It is Chicago's largest public park. Its recreational facilities include 15 baseball areas, 6 basketball courts, 2 softball courts, 35 tennis courts, 163 volley ball courts, field houses, and a golf course. It includes a number of harbours with boating facilities, as well as public beaches. There are landscaped gardens, a zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and a theater on the lake with regular outdoor performances during the summer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_ParkThe park stretches from North Avenue (1600 N) on the south to Foster (5200 N), just north of the Lake Shore Drive terminus at North Hollywood Avenue. It is Chicago's largest public park. Its recreational facilities include 15 baseball areas, 6 basketball courts, 2 softball courts, 35 tennis courts, 163 volley ball courts, field houses, and a golf course. It includes a number of harbours with boating facilities, as well as public beaches. There are landscaped gardens, a zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and a theater on the lake with regular outdoor performances during the summer.
Old Town
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Old Town is a neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, bounded by Armitage Avenue on the north, Larrabee Street on the west, Division Street on the south and Clark Street on the east. It sits inside the community areas of Lincoln Park and the Near North Side, and is part of Chicago's 43rd ward. The area of Old Town north of North Avenue is part of the Lincoln Park Community Area, which includes the Old Town Triangle Historic District bordered by the former Ogden Avenue right-of-way, Clark Street and North Avenue. The area of Old Town south of North Avenue is considered part of the Near North Community Area.
Old Town is today considered an affluent and historic neighborhood, home to many of Chicago's older, Victorian-era buildings.In the 1950s,the majority of this area was an enclave to the first Puerto Ricans to emigrate to Chicago.They referred to this area as part of "La Clark" until commercialization decorated late 1960s shop signs with the name of Old Town. The neighborhood is home to St. Michael's Church, originally a Bavarian-built church, and one of 7 to survive the path of the Great Chicago Fire. St. Michael's, Holy Name Cathedral, Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph's catered also to Latinos with Spanish speaking masses.
The neighborhood is also home to the famed The Second City improvisational comedy troupe. Many of the streets and alleys, particularly in the Old Town Triangle section, predate the Great Chicago Fire and do not all adhere to a typical Chicago grid pattern.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_North_Side,_ChicagoOld Town is today considered an affluent and historic neighborhood, home to many of Chicago's older, Victorian-era buildings.In the 1950s,the majority of this area was an enclave to the first Puerto Ricans to emigrate to Chicago.They referred to this area as part of "La Clark" until commercialization decorated late 1960s shop signs with the name of Old Town. The neighborhood is home to St. Michael's Church, originally a Bavarian-built church, and one of 7 to survive the path of the Great Chicago Fire. St. Michael's, Holy Name Cathedral, Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph's catered also to Latinos with Spanish speaking masses.
The neighborhood is also home to the famed The Second City improvisational comedy troupe. Many of the streets and alleys, particularly in the Old Town Triangle section, predate the Great Chicago Fire and do not all adhere to a typical Chicago grid pattern.
River North
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River North is a neighborhood in the Near North Side community area of Chicago, Illinois. It is bound by Michigan Avenue to the east, Chicago Avenue to the north, and the Chicago River to the south and west. This neighborhood, home of The River North Gallery District, has the largest concentration of art galleries in the United States outside of Manhattan. Along with hundreds of art galleries, the area holds many bars, dance clubs, popular restaurants, and entertainment venues.
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According to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, the River North area has been experiencing explosive population growth. An estimated 25,000 new residents, occupying some 10,000 new condominiums, have moved into the neighborhood since 2000. If these estimates hold true, the Near North neighborhoods population is nearing 100,000 residents at 97,811, a 34.3% increase from 2000.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_North_Side,_Chicago
Streeterville
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Streeterville is a neighborhood in Chicago, north of the Chicago River. It is bounded by the river on the south, Michigan Avenue on the west, and Lake Michigan on the north and east.
Streeterville houses some of Chicago's tallest skyscrapers and most upscale stores, hotels, restaurants and theaters, as well as Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, School of Continuing Studies, Kellogg School of Management's downtown campus and School of Law. The Magnificent Mile portion of Michigan Avenue is part of Streeterville, as is the number one tourist attraction in Chicago, Navy Pier. In 2007, construction started on Chicago's new tallest skyscraper, the Chicago Spire. It is located in the extreme southeastern corner of the neighborhood, next to Lake Shore Drive, and is currently on hold, showing no progress on its construction except a 110' diameter hole for its foundation and construction fencing around the site.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_North_Side,_ChicagoStreeterville houses some of Chicago's tallest skyscrapers and most upscale stores, hotels, restaurants and theaters, as well as Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, School of Continuing Studies, Kellogg School of Management's downtown campus and School of Law. The Magnificent Mile portion of Michigan Avenue is part of Streeterville, as is the number one tourist attraction in Chicago, Navy Pier. In 2007, construction started on Chicago's new tallest skyscraper, the Chicago Spire. It is located in the extreme southeastern corner of the neighborhood, next to Lake Shore Drive, and is currently on hold, showing no progress on its construction except a 110' diameter hole for its foundation and construction fencing around the site.
Photos by Ennis Davis
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scaleybark
November 10, 2009, 10:17:09 AMChicago is a great city. Their train system beats the automotive commute by a long shot. If you ever fly in, the train is the most reliable way to get downtown. It is showing its age, however.
You can pick up a terrific transit map pamphlet their stations. It shows all of the major downtown bus lines and all of the train lines, along with hotels and attractions. It is very easy to read and it makes sense. They have a pdf of it on their web site. Their web site can also show you exactly where a bus is on its route, and how long it will take for it to reach a particular stop. I don't know if you can access this information using a cell phone. That would be useful.
That bicyclist is taking a nasty spill.
Maps:
http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/brochures/downtown_sightseeing_guide.pdf
http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/maps/default.aspx
JeffreyS
November 10, 2009, 10:20:09 AMMY kind of town.
ProjectMaximus
November 10, 2009, 11:28:22 AMMan, thanks for the photo tour. I can't believe it's been over two months since I moved away...
Captain Zissou
November 10, 2009, 12:15:34 PMNice shot of the guy falling off his bike. It's at the beginning of the streeterville section
DemocraticNole
November 10, 2009, 01:39:58 PMChicago is a great city. However, it has greatly benefited from the fact it was mostly developed prior to World War II. The city had over 1 million residents by 1890, over 2 million by 1910, and over 3 million by 1930. Since this was an era before the automobile was the primary mode of transportation, the city is laid out in a manner that is very walkable and conducive to public transportation. There are no sprawling roads like Atlantic Blvd. within the city limits. Many of their main thoroughfares are two lanes, which causes severe traffic congestion. It is simply easier to take public transit there, much like New York.
Jacksonville is never going to change if its residents don't change their mindset that everyone has to drive everywhere.
thelakelander
November 10, 2009, 03:06:30 PMI don't think its the residents that need to change. Supply the residents with the ingredients needed for a successful urban core and I think a lot of people will be quite suprised at the results. For proof, check out what is going on in Dallas, Charlotte, Houston and Salt Lake City since they introduced various forms of rail in their urban landscape.
Hurricane
November 10, 2009, 04:35:35 PMI can't believe you caught a pic of the chic falling off her bike! Priceless. CHI Town is the Shiznit. We have a lot to learn from that city, other than the crime factor of course...
hillary supporter
November 10, 2009, 07:58:07 PMHear hear Lakelander! Nov artwalk showed off some great urban artlofts in downtown. Word has it there some great spaces along tallyrand blvd, with some cool local music happening.
stjr
November 11, 2009, 12:25:06 AMThe park stretches from North Avenue (1600 N) on the south to Foster (5200 N), just north of the Lake Shore Drive terminus at North Hollywood Avenue. It is Chicago's largest public park. Its recreational facilities include 15 baseball areas, 6 basketball courts, 2 softball courts, 35 tennis courts, 163 volley ball courts, field houses, and a golf course. It includes a number of harbours with boating facilities, as well as public beaches. There are landscaped gardens, a zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and a theater on the lake with regular outdoor performances during the summer.
The above is exactly why we need to take the Shipyards AND the JEA sites and make them public spaces. People living in urban areas, especially with kids, need these amenities in the urban environment!
Chicago looks clean, neat, uncluttered, well maintained, and green in nearly all these shots across many neighborhoods. I don't think much of Jax looks this nice along our streets. Also, every building just about has a street friendly ground level facade featuring either retail or residential uses. And, the old buildings are well preserve and favorably mixed with interesting and varying styles of new architecture. Nothing boring or repetitious here. Interesting, too, that none of the streets seemed to be over run with too many cars, especially in light of the population density. Where is the traffic? On the rails?
Jax, are we listening and looking??
thecatspjs
November 11, 2009, 01:11:54 PMIt's true that there aren't many cities better than Chicago for sheer walkability. Probably only New York is truly better or equal. There are tons of green spaces in the city -- it's a "pet project" of Mayor Daley to build all these parks. There is nothing comparable to the lakefront/Lincoln Park area and Wrigleyville is the best place I have ever lived. I would love to see some of this kind of development in Jax (recent transplant that I am) BUT. There are a lot of downsides to things too -- the rail line (CTA) is constantly broke and needing to be bailed out by the state. They are always shutting down or threatening to shut down bus lines and they're always in the neighborhoods on the lower end of the socioeconomic scale. They have done a lot of improvement on the stations and el platforms in the last 5 years, but before that, most of the subway stops smelled horrible and were filthy. Because of all the budget cuts, there are no conductors on the el and they've had to cut back on the number of trains and cars on each train. So rush hour travel is often a nightmare -- waiting through 6 or 7 cars for one to have 1/2 foot of cubic space to squeeze into, etc. Last winter the city did not do any snow removal on side streets (and we had TONS of snow) for 3 days or more because they would not pay the plow drivers overtime. Most of the side streets are residential, so blocks had to organize and plow their own streets if they wanted to move their cars. Not to mention the streets are in terrible shape because of the weather -- and there is *always* construction mucking things up. So much corrupt government from city to county to state here that the road crews are all no-bid appointments and take their damn sweet time to get the work done. Add to that privatized parking meters (if you can even find a spot -- and it used to be a quarter for 30 minutes, now it's 2 bucks), red light cameras at every intersection (more revenue!), taxi drivers who are charging $3 or more just to set foot in the cab because gas prices got so high...really the only reliable transportation is your own feet! Chicago also has the highest sales tax in the country (10.25%), ridiculous property taxes ($8500 for my 2100 sq. ft this year), and lousy weather. As for the lack of traffic in the pix, I'd guess from the crowded sidewalks on Michigan Ave. that they were taken on a weekend. Weekday traffic in the Loop is crazy, and weekend traffic in some northside neighborhoods where there is shopping is insane. And there was *clearly* not a home Cubs game the day of those pictures either - it looks like Mardi Gras on the streets around Wrigley for home games. I hate it and I miss it so much all at the same time. All this to say there is good and bad about every place -- I see lots of good in Jax since I'm new to it all, and I can see *definite* room for improvement. Hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later.
Steve
November 11, 2009, 05:47:49 PM^Boston is another phenominal city in terms of walkability.
thelakelander
November 11, 2009, 06:03:29 PMHow do the Kennedy Expressway and other local Chicago roads generate income to not get continually bailed out by taxpayers? Maybe that could be a model CTA can follow?
During rush hour, is it better to drive instead of taking congested trains?
They were taken on a Wednesday back in early June. Most of the neighborhood shots were either taken later that Wednesday or on Thursday (the rainy day).
Definitely agree. Hopefully, Jax can invest in ways that can make our urban core just as vibrant as many of the neighborhoods pictured in the photo tour.
cybertique
November 13, 2009, 11:22:20 AMYou guys did a bang up job on this! I have live here for 3 years now and at first only used the trains to get around but the stations are few and far between. Being from Jax I had a phobia of buses and had never rode one. Now i almost exclusively ride the bus to get around. Living downtown in the core offers me express bus service to almost anywhere. I live by the Drake at the north end of Michigan Ave, the last stop for downtown and the bus lines run express up Lakeshore from here. This means you can access the entire north side of Chicago in 10 minutes. I can step out of my building and catch a bus every few minutes, not much waiting. The longest wait for a bus is during off hours or late a night and is usually no more than 12 minutes. Additionally, I use the CTA bus tracker on my iphone and can time my elevator ride down to the street from my apt. on cold days. Most of the buses are new clean air hybrid vehicles and are very nice to ride, always clean. With a CTA card in my wallet I can hold the wallet up against the magnetic scanner on every train and bus and never need to worry about having cash or change, a registered credit card is charged electronically. You do not even have to take the card out of the wallet. Most of the CTA customers are well dressed business people. I have 3 vehicles in FL and do not miss them at all when I am here in Chicago. The transit system here is EXCELLENT and the prime reason we do not own a vehicle or parking space, which BTW, averages 30K.
copperfiend
November 13, 2009, 12:35:38 PMGreat tour. Chicago is probably my favorite city to visit. I have a friend who moved up there a few years ago and lives in Andersonville. Brutal winters though.
stjr
November 13, 2009, 12:59:58 PMHow does this compare to JTA's "method of operation"? We can do this now with the existing system. This might boost mass transit far better than expanding the $ky-high-way, building BRT, or even building more bus shelters.
cline
November 13, 2009, 01:39:05 PMWow, so that's all it will take to boost ridership- an Iphone app and a magnetic card system? Perhaps you should throw your hat in for the next general consultant contract JTA advertises.
The CTA works because it efficiently connects to places people want to go, Chicago is a very walkable city (as mentioned previously), and parking can be very difficult within the city.
stjr
November 13, 2009, 02:23:25 PMCline, I didn't say it was a panacea as you represent. I did say an improvement like that might contribute more than some other "improvements" (or, maybe, expensive "detractions" ) that are being considered for boosting ridership.
Put me in charge, and I would likely rip up everything we do now and start with a clean slate, given that little we are doing now could be held up as a "mass transit success". And, yes, based on current results, I do think I and, probably, a lot of other people would make better "general consultants" to JTA than whoever is doing that job now.
cline
November 13, 2009, 02:34:30 PMSo do you consider potential commuter rail and streetcar expensive detractions?
Of course it would be wonderful to be able to just rip out everything and start with a clean slate as you say. Unfortunately, that might take slightly more funds than are available at the moment. At this point, we need to work on complimenting and enhancing which to me, means getting at least one commuter route in place to start as well as a streetcar line. I think those would boost ridership.
tufsu1
November 13, 2009, 02:36:47 PMGood luck w/ that stjr....if you want to see wholesale transit changes in action, take a look at StarMetro in Tallahassee and their nova2010 plan....
http://www.talgov.com/starmetro/nova2010.cfm
Then take a look at the public comments they've been getting!
stjr
November 13, 2009, 02:46:13 PMSo do you consider potential commuter rail and streetcar expensive detractions?
Cline, do you read my posts? Compare your comment above with what I actually posted below. Where did I mention commuter rail and streetcars? I support both of these and deliberately did not cite those as examples for that reason. Further, I was suggesting that we pick off the low hanging fruit that gives us maximum bang for the buck. That really doesn't exclude any other project, it just determines maybe what we do first. But, if you don't want to hear the message, I can't make you.
cline
November 13, 2009, 02:51:41 PMYou are correct, I did lump commuter rail and streetcar in, but I just don't agree that a JTA Iphone app will increase ridership more than a Skyway extension, BRT system or building more bus shelters. I'm not saying it wouldn't be cool to have, but I don't think would increase ridership by any significance.
cybertique
November 13, 2009, 02:52:39 PMThe simple fact is that there are so few buses in Jax. A few of my employees use the bus system there and they sit at the bus stop for what seems an eternity. Who wants to sit for 45 minutes waiting in that oppressive Florida heat for a bus. And to copperfiend, our winters are no more brutal than the summers in Fl, summers that never seem to end. The extreme heat and humidity in the south was my primary reason to choose a northern city for a second home.
stjr
November 13, 2009, 04:40:20 PMMy point is the small relative investment in these technologies would give a far greater return on the dollar than the other investments cited. And, they could be implemented within months, not years or decades.
I do believe that the $ky-high-way, in particular, does actually run off more people than it attracts, even if expanded as some advocate. It just isn't capable of meeting commuter expectations and needs.
I suspect the BRT really won't make a difference one way or the other thus giving little to negative return on investment.
Now, knowing when exactly your bus is about to arrive (or, if it is EVER going to arrive!) is a great confidence builder for riders looking for reliability and predictability and would greatly encourage repeat business. Nothing is worse than waiting without knowing.
Likewise, paying without cash, and on a speedy basis, significantly creates convenience to riders and supports greater impulse ridership. It's the same motivaton for businesses to take credit cards even though the processing fees are close to extortion for them.