North Michigan Avenue, a vital artery of Chicago, extends over 12 miles from the scenic Lake Shore Drive to the southern suburb of Dolton. Despite its lineup of luxury retail giants like Saks Fifth Avenue, Chanel, and the Ritz Carlton, the street grapples with financial and safety challenges. Gensler, a globally renowned architecture firm, is set to tackle these issues with a comprehensive renovation plan, marking the first major update since the 1990s.
Pandemic Fallout and Current Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on North Michigan Avenue. Gensler reports that the area saw nearly seven million fewer visits annually, a 74% spike in crime, and a 25-35% drop in property tax revenue. Although the street is recovering, retail vacancies remain high at over 30%. A recent Chicago Sun Times op-ed highlighted the avenue's struggles with "homelessness, mental illness, and crime."
Gensler’s Vision for a Renewed Avenue
To unlock the street’s full potential, Gensler is collaborating with Bob Wislow and Camille Julmy of Parkside Realty, known for their influential Chicago projects like One Financial Place. Their plan focuses on the stretch between Chicago Avenue and Oak Street Beach, emphasizing a pedestrian-friendly design. Wider sidewalks will accommodate food and beverage kiosks, artistic lighting, interactive public art, green spaces, and performance stages.
Enhancing Jane Byrne Park and Surroundings
Gensler aims to elevate the visitor experience at Jane Byrne Park. The park will feature a tree canopy shading vibrant tables, a geometric water installation called “The Water Feed,” and a new café named Jane’s housed in the historic water tower. Projection art will light up the water tower and fountains at night, creating a dynamic atmosphere. The redesign promotes movement along North Michigan Avenue, with the outermost lane of traffic being converted into a pedestrian pathway, seamlessly connecting various attractions.
Developing an Arts District and Transforming Oak Street Beach
A new “arts district and restaurant row” will take shape at Seneca Park, east of the avenue near the Museum of Contemporary Art. Public art will replace some surface parking, and the Eli M. Schulman playground will be preserved and enhanced. Gensler also plans a significant makeover for Oak Street Beach and the iconic Drake Hotel. A bridge will link the hotel to the beach, and new additions will include a waterfront restaurant, cabanas, lounges, and a parasailing lodge. The pedestrian tunnel under Lake Shore Drive will feature LED artwork.
Urgency and Future Outlook
Gensler underscores the urgency of this transformation, asserting that North Michigan Avenue is “urgently poised for reinvention” as it is crucial for “Chicago’s economy, job market, global reputation, and culture.” While detailed renderings have been shared, the firm has yet to announce a timeline for this ambitious urbanism project.
source; archpaper.com
Comments