What began as a city in distress, with a very wide birth between classes, has become a model home to ever growing communities of people from all walks of life. Now setting creative revitalization trends recognized across the nation, Chicagoans continue remodeling homes & vacant spaces. ~ All with methods that serve to make the most out of limited space and repurposed buildings. The results are fast-tracking Chicago to the top of the Growing Communities Gauge.The increasingly vibrant, successfully accommodated communities, open possibility, as well-planned real estate remodeling broadens horizons. From creative use of small internal spaces, to inserting greenspace into the most unlikely of outdoor places, Chicago is remodeling communities from the inside out, and Chicago architecture is doing the same.
People Parking Only
Chicago's first permanent Parklet is a season-sensitive gathering space at Park and Farragut that has made this Andersonville neighborhood pedestrian-perfect. Parklets, created from adopting two parking spaces, are complete with plant life, built-in meeting and seating spaces, to bicycle parking. Neighbors cross paths and communities grow, while these uniquely placed Parklets connect unsuspecting people in surprising locations. Businesses benefit as people linger. Now, wouldn’t this be a crowdfunding treat? To create a business specific to such spaces that we can sit within together and contemplate yet more growing communities?
Moss Designs led the permanent Parklet design efforts, received some funding from Anderson Development Corp, and…you guessed it… crowdfunded the rest. Chicago’s first Parklet, is randomly located right in the middle of Andersonville's bustling business center. The random surprise of it, lends much of the appeal. PARK(ing) Day, so rightfully named, inspired the Parklet procurement. PARK(ing) is an annual event, reserving parking spaces that are then temporarily repurposed into ecologically-sound pedestrian and cyclist friendly meeting spaces. Demeter Millwork fabricated the accoutrements: A plyboo deck (bamboo and plywood), holds furnishings created from HDPE panels (made from recycled milk jugs), donated by Loll Designs of Duluth, MN, and that is just the start. Planters house native plants, and herb gardens from a local garden supply. The colorful flooring and seating attracts passersby to stop, sit, relax, and breathe in progress. The temporary nature allows for the closing of Andersonville’s people-parking oasis from snowy November until the Spring.
A finalist in 2013 AIA Small Project category, this neighborhood catalyst to commune, cost $15,000. Chicagoans hope that this is the first of many.
Related: The Ripple Effect
Green for Green: A Parklet Magnified
The Ping Tom Park Boathouse
Designed by Johnson & Lee Architects and Planners.The Public 17.24 acre urban park is located on The South Bank of the Chicago River, currently divided into 3 sections by a Santa Fe Rail Track & 18th street. By 1962, it was, the only development in the area south of 18th Street that had been completed. Featuring a pagoda-style pavilion, bamboo gardens, and a play space. Named in honor of prominent Chinatown businessman and civic leader, Ping Tom; a installation of bronze bust of Tom is stands near the park's pavilion.
Development generally brings community inspiration in hand. But, in 1962, the construction preparations for the Dan Ryan Expressway demolished the only two parks in the Chinatown area (Hardin Square and Stanford Park). Sun Yat-sen Playlot Park, a ridiculously small, 1⁄3 acre (1,300 m2) park, was created in the mid-1970s. The community demanded a larger, open & beautified park space. In response, Ping Tom’s real estate company purchased a 32 acre rail yard in 1998. Soon after, the Chinatown Square build began.
In 1991, CPD purchased almost 6 acres (24,000 m2) of unused land along the Chicago River, and an additional 6 acres (24,000 m2) along the river, north of 18th Street. The southern-half 1962 sq ft. of development began. The retaining wall to the river was refurbished and an at-grade rail crossing was created at the Western boundary of the park in 1978. Per the American Institute of Architects, the Construction, by Ernest C. Wong of Site Design Group, began in 1998, completing in the fall of 1999. The park was officially opened on October 2, 1999, wonderfully reflecting the city’s desire for Ping Tom Park Boathouse to engage the river in the final build. The 30,000 square-foot facility opened with a gymnasium, natatorium, fitness center, and meeting rooms.
Winner of the AIA Small Projects Honor Award. What could have remained a vacant eyesore to the community is now a beautiful, usable space at a cost of $5-$10 million. Ping Tom's best known Chicago projects collectively cost in excess of $120million.
Related: Doing Well While Doing Good
Podchitecture
Simple plans result in a bold statement for real estate remodeling.
A 3,600 sq ft penthouse in a 5-unit building was gutted and remodeled on the southeast corner of Chicago's Wicker Park Neighborhood. Nice, but what's new? Well, this podded penthouse is the top floor of a 5-unit building and framing creative use of one large, open space. Adding space with exterior walls was not an option with the building foot print already extending from lot line to line.
Designed for the owners and their two young children, creative use of space, while not compromising any aspect of their desired style, several independent "pods" were created to provide each function of the space. Once installed, the pods were pulled away from the walls, and remained as independent as art pieces. This podchitecture, made of varying forms of light- weight material are a desired resources to those adding rooms to multilevel homes that may otherwise not be able to bear the weight. The pods are detailed and artistically lighted to add to the autonomy. Space for separation between each pod is limited, so spacial orientation is imperative to maintain an open flow, avoiding imposing delineation between private and public spaces. framed by illumination at the ceiling edge of the pods, emphasizes the look of a box-within-a-box.
Maintaining the feel of open flow between the living room, bathroom, and bedrooms, opaque walls have no purpose. Glass separates the master bedroom from the hallway. But the sinks and bath tub are all within the main master space. Indeed an option for a family who likes each other well: The Children's sleeping pods are enclosed by curtains and sliding partitions for privacy. I am sure all are saving for college abroad.
AIA Winner Citation of Merit: Completion cost: undisclosed.
Related: Starchitecture vs. Architecture
What do you think about these Parklets and affordable Podchitecture? How do you think innovative real estate remodeling might benefit your community? Leave a comment and let us know!
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Laurie Marx commented April 16, 2015
So much innovation in Chicago, so interesting to read. I love the idea of parklets - the element of surprise in urban areas is sorely needed.
David Poynter commented April 16, 2015
As I think back on my entire life, I guess, I've always lived next to a park, the woods or a forest. I take it for granted. I appreciate and can imagine the intrinsic value that an urban park must posess.