The Politics of Place: A History of Zoning in Chicago

Front Cover
Lake Claremont Press, 2006 - Architecture - 191 pages
Only in Chicago Can Zoning Be Epic...

Chicago is renowned for its distinctive skyline, its bustling Loop business district, and its diverse neighborhoods. How the face of Chicago came to be is a story of enterprise, ingenuity, opportunity--and zoning. Until now, however, there has not been a book that focuses on the important, often surprising, role of zoning in shaping the 'The City that Works.'

"The Politics of Place: A History of Zoning in Chicago" reviews the interplay among development, planning, and zoning in the growth of the Gold Coast, the Central Area, and, more recently, massive 'Planned Developments'; such as Marina City, Illinois Center, and Dearborn Park. It tells the story of bold visions compromised by political realities, battles between residents and developers, and occasional misfires from City Council and City Hall.

What emerges is a fascinating, behind-the-scenes inspection of the evolving character of the city's landscape. Schwieterman and Caspall recount the many planning innovations that have originated in Chicago, the complexities and intrigue of its zoning debates, and the recent adoption of a new zoning ordinance that promises to affect the city's economy and image for years to come.

 

Contents

Introduction
Zoning the Great City
Zoning Comes of
Renewing the City
The Rise of Planned Development
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9
Aesthetics and Urban Design
The 30Year Struggle to Overhaul Zoning
A New Zoning Ordinance
Appendices
The Legacy of Richard Babcock
Notes
Photo Credits and Permissions
About the Authors and Editor
Copyright

Aldermen and the Community

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