Chicago's Stadium Development: A Model Worth Imitating
As the city prepares to welcome new stadiums, a report by the Chicago Architecture Center has identified key principles for successful development. The "Win/Win" model proposes prioritizing transit access, promoting walkability and density, and integrating public spaces into stadium districts.
According to Michael Wood, director of civic and industry affairs at the center, the best sports facilities will not only serve fans but also contribute to a thriving neighborhood throughout the year. This approach is exemplified by Wrigley Field and Lake View, which have successfully anchored their neighborhoods with unique attractions and activities.
The report highlights six design principles that guide stadium development: walkability, density, transit access, connection to the neighborhood, public spaces, and patience for future growth. These guidelines aim to create a cohesive urban environment around stadiums, rather than isolated facilities.
For example, the Chicago Fire's proposed $650 million soccer stadium at The 78 in the South Loop could be an anchor for new development in the area, with its location adjacent to the Metra station providing easy access to public transportation. The United Center's plans for a mixed-use district around the Bulls and Blackhawks' home are also taking steps towards creating a more integrated urban environment.
The report acknowledges that not every stadium site will perfectly fit the "Chicago Model" but emphasizes the importance of coordination across public and private sectors. According to Wood, this approach transforms stadium development into neighborhood development, ultimately benefiting Chicagoans.
In order to achieve successful stadium districts, Wood recommends considering the needs of diverse stakeholders, including women's professional sports teams, local businesses, and community groups. By prioritizing coordination and collaboration, developers can create vibrant public spaces that serve multiple purposes beyond just hosting events.
Ultimately, the "Win/Win" model offers a compelling vision for Chicago's stadium development, one that prioritizes people over profits and creates thriving neighborhoods around iconic venues. As new stadiums come online, it will be essential to incorporate these guiding principles to ensure that the city continues to evolve into a world-class urban environment.
As the city prepares to welcome new stadiums, a report by the Chicago Architecture Center has identified key principles for successful development. The "Win/Win" model proposes prioritizing transit access, promoting walkability and density, and integrating public spaces into stadium districts.
According to Michael Wood, director of civic and industry affairs at the center, the best sports facilities will not only serve fans but also contribute to a thriving neighborhood throughout the year. This approach is exemplified by Wrigley Field and Lake View, which have successfully anchored their neighborhoods with unique attractions and activities.
The report highlights six design principles that guide stadium development: walkability, density, transit access, connection to the neighborhood, public spaces, and patience for future growth. These guidelines aim to create a cohesive urban environment around stadiums, rather than isolated facilities.
For example, the Chicago Fire's proposed $650 million soccer stadium at The 78 in the South Loop could be an anchor for new development in the area, with its location adjacent to the Metra station providing easy access to public transportation. The United Center's plans for a mixed-use district around the Bulls and Blackhawks' home are also taking steps towards creating a more integrated urban environment.
The report acknowledges that not every stadium site will perfectly fit the "Chicago Model" but emphasizes the importance of coordination across public and private sectors. According to Wood, this approach transforms stadium development into neighborhood development, ultimately benefiting Chicagoans.
In order to achieve successful stadium districts, Wood recommends considering the needs of diverse stakeholders, including women's professional sports teams, local businesses, and community groups. By prioritizing coordination and collaboration, developers can create vibrant public spaces that serve multiple purposes beyond just hosting events.
Ultimately, the "Win/Win" model offers a compelling vision for Chicago's stadium development, one that prioritizes people over profits and creates thriving neighborhoods around iconic venues. As new stadiums come online, it will be essential to incorporate these guiding principles to ensure that the city continues to evolve into a world-class urban environment.
. but seriously tho, its about creating a vibe around those places and not just leaving them empty for 5 months a year. and can we talk about how awesome it would be to have a stadium that hosts more than just sports events? like music festivals or something 
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... seems like just another buzzword to me. What's next? Gentrification in all forms? I mean, sure, it sounds nice on paper – prioritizing transit access and walkability – but have they considered the impact on local businesses? They're probably gonna be priced out of their own neighborhoods 
. And don't even get me started on public spaces – just a fancy way to say "overpriced amenities for tourists" 
. I'm not buying it...
. I mean, think about it, when you're out at a game or concert, what do you want to be around? People, right? Food, drink, and awesome vibes 
. But in Chicago they're trying to make sure there's more than just that - there are public spaces, walkability, density... all that jazz 
. It makes sense to me because I've seen what happens when a stadium is right next to a neighborhood and it totally brings the area together 
. Like Wrigley Field and Lake View - they're a match made in heaven 
. The problem with stadiums in other cities, though, is that they can be super isolating and just leave you with a bunch of empty seats when no one's around 
. But if everyone works together, I think this could totally change the game 
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! But seriously, coordination between devs and local businesses is key. We need to make sure everyone's a winner here 
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. It's not rocket science, but I guess it's easier said than done 
. It's like the city is saying "Hey, we're not just gonna build a stadium for you fans, we're gonna build an entire neighborhood around it!" And that's exactly what they did with Wrigley Field, it's become such a part of the community. Now if only my fantasy football team would be so lucky 
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! I mean, who doesn't love a good "Win/Win" model? It's all about creating a space where people can gather, have fun, and also benefit the community around them 
. The idea of walkability, density, transit access, and public spaces is everything! It's not just about building stadiums for sports teams, it's about building neighborhoods that thrive 365 days a year 
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Stadiums should be more than just places for sports games! 
it makes sense. Imagine Lake View as a whole neighborhood with Wrigley Field at its heart... 
[GIF of a stadium crowd cheering, but also a construction worker waving at the camera] 
Now, if they can get other teams to follow suit, we might actually see some real neighborhood development happen. And I love that Michael Wood is pushing for coordination between public and private sectors... it's all about collaboration, right? 
. Let's hope they prioritize those public spaces and make them super user-friendly! And yeah, it's all about coordination between public and private sectors – that makes so much sense 
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. Its like Chicago's tryin' to say "Hey, we're not just about sports, we're about livin" 
. And yeah, I think that approach is def worth imitatin', 'specially if they can make it work for all the different stakeholders involved 
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wrigley field is like, the gold standard for ballpark design - it's not just about the game, it's about the whole experience 
the "win/win" model is all about prioritizing people over profits, which i think is so underrated 