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I've read the stories and heard the news. It seems as though the writing's on the wall. Block 37 will be developed, and the “vacancy” that has been interrupting the views of Chicagoans since 1989 will finally be filled. The existence of such an amazing commercial opportunity does not come around often and as such, I'm not surprised that it's taken city officials fifteen years to decide what to do with the property. What I am surprised about, though, is their choice. Sure, viable arguments can be made for the proposed CTA “super station,” and I doubt many Chicagoans will be upset with the outcome. But because this chance will not likely come again soon, Chicago needs to do something bold and unexpected. Why not put in a park? Why not provide somewhere to walk on lunch break, somewhere to hold smaller concerts and festivals in the summer? A park in the middle of the Loop would only help to increase the foot traffic for the stores in the area, and could provide a great visual contrast to the buildings that dominate the area.
While I completely acknowledge that the chances of development stand somewhere between the chances of a Nader/Sharpton ticket being elected, I feel that I must proceed, if only to present an alternative. Honestly, wouldn't we all benefit from expanding what already stands as the largest park district in the United States? Chicago could rededicate itself to its support of public parks by turning away from this commercial opportunity, proving that the dollar does not always win out. It's not the idea of express travel to the airports that bothers me, but what will be put on top of it. Does the city actually need more split commercial-residential buildings? Do we really need an expansive Harrod's or another Lord and Taylor? These are the current options. Regardless of the name on the front, the station will be topped by yet another overpriced store, which will then be topped by overpriced apartments and condominiums. Maybe they'll even decorate it with lights during the holidays. How precious it'll be. Bring your children.
I can hear the skeptics already. Who, exactly, will benefit from a park in the middle of the city that doesn't already benefit from innumerable other recreation options? Some residents of the city have already seen similar benefits: In 1991, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Lois Weisberg developed a program in which kids would be paid minimum wage while training in the different aspects of the arts, from writing and painting to dancing and acting. Starting with 250 kids, this program has grown and spread, and now almost 4,000 are enrolled annually in the new Gallery 37 Center. The program has since been copied in over 30 different cities globally, a credit to its creators, and stands as proof that almost anything can grow from an empty space.
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