Wednesday / September 10, 2014 / 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Chicago Riverwalk: What’s Done and What’s to Come
AIA Chicago, 35 East Wacker Drive, #250
The Chicago Riverwalk is part of the reclamation of the Chicago River for the ecological and recreational benefit of the city. The goal of creating a fishable and swimmable river seemed impossible twenty years ago given the river's high levels of pollution. Today that vision is becoming a reality. Recent improvements in water quality and increased recreational use signal growing life along the river and suggest new connections to the water's edge.
The design plans include conceptual ideas for each of the six blocks from State Street west to Lake Street with distinctive identities and purpose, thematically named: The Marina (from State to Dearborn); The Cove (Dearborn to Clark); The River Theater (Clark to LaSalle); The Swimming Hole (LaSalle to Wells); The Jetty (Wells to Franklin) and The Boardwalk (Franklin to Lake).
The bridges over the river establish a boundary between each block, which allow for each to have a unique identity and landscaping. Each block will be linked by the continuous walkway along the river, beneath each bridge. The design of the blocks has considered the previous feasibility studies and the changing operations of the waterway.
In May 2011, the design team of Sasaki Associates Inc., Ross Barney Architects, Jacobs/Ryan Associates, and Alfred Benesch & Co. began work on the design plans for the next six blocks of the Chicago Riverwalk from State to Lake streets. Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, architect for the project, will bring us up to date on this exciting project.
Bring your lunch; beverages provided.
