Chicago Cubs fans looking to bask in the glory of the team's first World Series victory since 1908 will find a new public plaza and lawn next to the stadium. The plaza will be open to the public on non-baseball days too.
"For better or for worse, Wrigleyville is changing rapidly as Wrigley Field undergoes a continuing makeover, and a seven-story hotel and a huge mixed-used development are constructed next to the ballpark," according to an article by John Greenfield.
Overall, Greenfield sees a mixed-bag of planning decisions, as evaluated relative to the area's already existing walkability and transit-friendly bonafides. Greenfield takes a longer look at one positive change in particular: the addition of a plaza and lawn on the west side of the stadium—the site of a former surface parking lot.
"Although there were originally plans to replace the lot with a parking garage, four years ago the Ricketts family, which purchased the Cubs and ballpark in 2009, proposed the much wiser option of a community gathering place," writes Greenfield. "The space will host a farmers market and outdoor movies during the summer, and a skating rink during the winter."
FULL STORY: The New Park at Wrigley Takes Space Away from Cars and Gives It to People
City Nixes Idea to Shut Down More Streets for Cubs Games
Any open streets benefits for a proposal to shut down Clark and Addison streets near Wrigley Field would have been secondary to security concerns—but it's all conjecture after the Mayor's Office nixed the idea.
New Development Continues in Wrigleyville
New mixed-use projects bring residential units, retail, and entertainment venues to the neighborhood surrounding Chicago's Wrigley Field as stadium-adjacent development grows in popularity.
Dynamic Parking Prices Lack Political Will, Local Support Near Wrigley Field
Setting the example for the rest of city was too tough a pill to swallow for businesses located near Wrigley Field.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)