It only took 100 years, but it seems that Chicago city planners are finally taking the last major recommendation from Daniel Burnham's plan for Chicago's lakefront. Burnham's 1909 vision is being realized in an effort to "go green."
Essentially a 2-mile long breakwater surrounding Monroe Harbor, the proposed 'Eco-Bridge' will provide; more parks & recreational space, skyline views, and much needed 'green' electricity for Chicago.
Raised in Chicago, famed architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham has contributed immensely to the shapes and sights of the Chicago we all know today. He's to thank for the Rookery and Monadnock buildings, The Museum of Science and Technology (last remnants of 1893 World's Colombian Exposition) as well as much of the lakefront that we enjoy today.
Local design firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture has been charged with bringing Burnham's Plan into the 21st century. The current plan includes the addition of wind turbines to supplement the city's power supply and an observation tower to take full advantage of the gorgeous city views only possible from almost a mile off shore. There is also talk of this being the perfect location for a possible Olympic Flame in 2016?
Daley is obviously motivated by furthering Chicago's image as 'Greenest City' and hopes to fulfill his own Olympic dreams. But, being a huge fan of Burnham, Chicago, and the use of wind power, I will be excited to see this project completed with or without the added excitement of 'Chicago-2016.'
Burnham's Original 1909 Plan
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1 responses:
Fantastic! I love the entire concept (with the exception of not really having a solid opinion on the Olympics yet but I guess they wont be asking me my permission anyway so I have time on that.)
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