Search
 

Battle of the Building Codes Brewing in Chicago

CHICAGO-The City will undertake a major rewrite of zoning ordinance that will affect both downtown and its neighborhoods

By Bonnie Grota | Updated on July 28, 2000

Chicago, the city of neighborhoods, could have a major battle in its future between community leaders and developers as it starts the long journey of revamping its 43-year-old zoning ordinance. Mayor Richard M. Daley at a recent press conference introduced the 21-member Zoning Reform Commission. The conference took place in Pilsen, a historically ethnic neighborhood southwest of Chicago’s Loop that some feel is an area that may be threatened by gentrification and high-density redevelopment.

“Chicago needs to rewrite the zoning ordinance so that it is compatible with modern uses, and meets the unique needs and goals of our neighborhoods for today and into the future,” said Daley. With the city in the midst of a building boom it hasn’t seen since rebuilding after the Great Fire of 1871, itÕs easy to find examples of projects and “mini high-rises” that are not compatible with the scale and density of current development. There’s even a photo example of this on the City’s Web site devoted to the ordinance, www.cityofchicago.org/mayor/zoning.

Some of the goals of the ordinance include: protecting property values; strengthening neighborhood retail districts; establishing design standards for both downtown and the neighborhoods; improving access to transportation; encouraging the development of more parks and open space; and simplifying code regulations.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.