Tuesdays at APA: Chicago's Central Area Action Plan

Chicago's Central Area Action Plan
April 20, 2010


Over the past decade, the central six square miles of Chicago
have undergone a dramatic transformation with unprecedented
growth in both the residential and educational sectors as well as
the construction of new public facilities and museums (most
notably the opening of Millennium Park and the modern wing of the
Art Institute on the north side of Grant Park).


The 2003 Central Area Plan provided a broad framework for new
infrastructure and open space projects as well as a basis for
Zoning Reform in 2004, and the 2009 Central Area Action Plan
builds on this framework. The public projects are prioritized and
quantified and growth projections updated to reflect current
market conditions.


The CAAP takes as a given that the majority of new construction
will be by the private sector, but that key public improvements
will facilitate this investment and improve the quality of life
for everyone who lives, works, or plays in the core of this world
city.


Benet Haller from the City of Chicago presented this plan and
discussed the impact of the global economy and other factors on
the final recommendations.