Emanuel Proposes 'Two Waterfront' City Plan

CHICAGO, IL — Mayor Rahm Emanuel has announced a new plan to develop more of the Chicago riverfront. The mayor outlined his vision Monday of Chicago as a "two waterfront city." There are currently about 5.5 miles of riverfront that's publicly accessible, but Emanuel said the plan would extend that to 11 miles.

The development would stretch from the Far South Side up to the North and West Sides, the mayor said. The Riverwalk east of State Street would also be revamped, and the 606 Trail would be extended.

The city launched the Building on Burnham plan two years ago to invest in public spaces across the city — a vision inspired by architect and urban designer Daniel Burnham, who published the Plan of Chicago in 1909.

“By preserving, protecting and improving our natural areas, we are building on the blueprint of Daniel Burnham’s Plan for Chicago,” Emanuel said in a media release. “Efforts like making our lake more accessible, reconnecting the city with the River and building new neighborhood parks and playgrounds are not just for the Chicago of today; these efforts ensure the city our children inherit is even more vibrant, more beautiful, more prosperous, and more inclusive than ever before.”

The city said it's been consulting with award-winning architectural firms who specialize in riverfronts, parks and public spaces to update the river design guidelines for future developers.

“It’s vital for the City, its sister agencies and the private sector to be innovative and collaborative to develop a next generation of open spaces that will still be important a century from now,” Department of Planning and Development Commissioner David Reifman said in a media release. “Building on Burnham will ensure the city’s natural resources provide sustainable, quality-of-life benefits for generations of Chicagoans to come.”

Construction is currently underway at the 312-RiverRun, a recreational space connecting Irving Park, North Center, Avondale and Albany Park to three parks with one path.

More property would need to be acquired for Emanuel's plan, which would need to be approved by City Council.

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