Chicago Neighborhoods Consider Life After Coal

Chris Bentley reports on the complex discussions centered around what to do with the sites of two massive coal plants closing this month in Chicago. As Bentley notes, "what happens to these 132 acres in Chicago could have nationwide implications."

2 minute read

September 26, 2012, 2:00 PM PDT

By Emily Williams


The closing of the Fisk and Crawford coal plants in Chicago's southwest side this month is the result of a variety of factors including mounting concerns from environmental groups and the decrease in natural gas prices. Now the community is faced with the difficult decision of what to do with the two sites, which are owned by Midwest Generation.

A task force set up by Mayor Rahm Emanuel in March has been tackling various reuse ideas that need to address pertinent issues like "historic preservation, environmental cleanup, and unemployment in a rapidly gentrifying area." The project has proven productive thus far, claims Bentley, as negotiations between Midwest Generation and local agencies have been "collaborative and respectful."

"'This is the first brownfield coal site that has engaged in this kind of process with the community,' said Jean Pogge, CEO of the Delta Institute, the Chicago–based non-profit leading the mayor's task force."

Community members have been vocal in their desire to see the sites provide new jobs and green space. Housing was taken off the list due to the sites' industrial zoning and residents' fears of gentrification. The city must determine the toxicity of the areas before any plans move forward.

These plants follow a string of other coal plant closings, as "[m]ore than 100 coal plants have closed nationwide in the last three years, roughly one-sixth the total number of plants in the United States." Worldwide, former coal plant sites have been reborn with a range of inventive uses, from parks to museums. As the discussion over the future of the Fisk and Crawford plants continues, the groups involved "hope the task force will be a model for community engagement, as well as a positive influence on the community in this time of transition."

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 in The Architect's Newspaper

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

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.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

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?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

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.

3 hours ago - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

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.

4 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

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.

5 hours ago - Cities Today