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Olympic Impact on Chicago Likely Modest

Posted by: Nate Berg
Thanks to: ArchNewsNow
29 September 2009 - 6:00am

High hopes for city change are attached to Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Even if the city wins the bid this Friday, the impact is likely to be modest, according to Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin.

"Sure, the games could do a lot for Chicago. They might erase the long-lingering image of Al Capone. Or prod the feds to kick in billions of dollars to upgrade the CTA. Or lead to new stores and housing in poor neighborhoods near Olympic venues. Or boost Chicago's drive to become a city of global stature.

Some of this undoubtedly will transpire if Chicago gets the nod from the International Olympic Committee. But Chicago's Olympic plans are actually quite modest. Besides, with President Barack Obama not committed to attending the big Olympic bake-off in Copenhagen Friday, it may be more realistic to ponder what will happen even if Chicago doesn't get the 2016 Summer Games."

Obama recently announced plans to fly to Copenhagen Thursday night to make a final pitch for a Chicago-hosted Olympics. Chicago is competing with three other finalists: Tokyo, Rio de Janiero and Madrid. The winning bid will be announced on Friday, October 2.

Full Story: Change is coming whether Chicago gets the 2016 Summer Olympic Games or not--just not big change
Source: Chicago Tribune, September 27, 2009
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