Steven Vance argues that the city is missing an opportunity to zone for and create housing in and around the new Damen Green Line stop.
The Green Line is getting a new stop at Damen, but, while it will be great to give Bulls fans and other visitors to the United Center access to the train, more could be done to develop the land around the station. "Train stations increase value in a city, especially on the properties surrounding them. Chicago should capitalize on this phenomenon by making sure nearby land – both city-owned and not – is used in a way that captures that value," Steven Vance argues in Streetsblog.
The new station is near the city's center and will now be connected to its train network. "The property owner or the city should redevelop the land to take advantage of the fact that it will have excellent transit access, by building housing, workplaces, and/or retail," Vance contends.
The station itself could be part of that redevelopment. "Current zoning on the station property would have allowed the city to incorporate 17 apartments in the station design. While including onsite housing, offices, and retail in transit stations is a common practice around the world, it’s unusual among Chicago train stops," Vance reports.
$43 Million Renovation Complete on Historic Chicago Transit Station
The CTA hopes the renovated Garfield Green Line station, originally built for the World's Columbian Exposition, will become a gateway for the Washington Park community.
Revealed: A New Green Line Station for Chicago
An international design firm has completed the planned designs for a new transit station in the city of Chicago.
Petition Circulating for Transit to Reach Obama's Presidential Library
Hyde Park resident launches signature campaign to rebuild the CTA's demolished Green Line to connect downtown Chicago with the future site of President Obama's Library.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie