The Challenge of Urban Space

In the heart of Chicago, one of the most bustling cities in the U.S., lie swathes of land devoted to the humble parking lot. With the city’s increasing emphasis on sustainable and equitable development, these spaces are potential goldmines of opportunity. By repurposing these areas, we could not only beautify the city but also make it more resilient and welcoming. Here’s a look at the top 10 parking lots that could be removed to unlock Chicago’s full potential.

1. Block 37 Superstation

Located underneath the vibrant Block 37 shopping center, this mega parking lot was initially planned to be a transit superstation connecting the CTA Blue and Red lines. However, due to budget constraints, the project remains incomplete and is currently used as a parking space. With its central location, it presents an opportunity for a transformative project, such as an underground transit hub or an innovative public space.

2. Grant Park North Garage

Grant Park, known as Chicago’s front yard, houses one of the city’s most extensive parking facilities. While convenient for downtown visitors, this space could better serve the community as part of Grant Park. Expanding the green space in this area could enhance Chicagoans’ quality of life, offering more room for recreation and relaxation.

3. Navy Pier Park Garage

As one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Midwest, Navy Pier is a beloved symbol of Chicago. However, the large parking garage adjacent to it takes up valuable waterfront real estate. By repurposing this area, we could enhance access to Lake Michigan, potentially creating additional recreational spaces or sustainable housing developments.

4. McCormick Place Lot B

Located near the McCormick Place convention center, Lot B is a vast surface lot that could be put to better use. Given its proximity to the lake and the convention center, this lot offers a prime opportunity for a mixed-use development that could support local businesses, offer affordable housing, and boost the area’s aesthetic appeal.

5. North Avenue Beach Parking Lot

This parking lot, adjacent to one of Chicago’s most popular beaches, offers stunning views of the lake and the city skyline. Transforming this lot into an extended beachfront could increase the green space available for city residents and tourists, enhancing the overall experience of the lakefront.

6. Broadway in Uptown

This giant, underused parking lot in the heart of Uptown is ripe for transformation. With the Uptown Theatre’s recent renovations and the area’s growing appeal, this lot could become a vibrant mixed-use development or a public plaza, adding to Uptown’s burgeoning vitality.

7. Union Station Parking Garage

Union Station is more than a transport hub – it’s an architectural icon. However, the adjacent parking garage is a concrete eyesore. Given its central location and historical significance, this space could be redeveloped into a multi-use space that enhances the station’s grandeur while providing services and facilities for the community.

8. Senn High School Parking Lot, Edgewater

School parking lots are usually inactive outside school hours, making them potential community resources. The Senn High School parking lot, for instance, could be transformed into a multi-use space with athletic facilities, a community garden, or an outdoor learning space.

9. The Old Cook County Hospital Parking Lot

The old Cook County Hospital, a historic Beaux-Arts building, was recently transformed into a hotel and food hall. Its adjacent surface parking lot, however, remains underutilized. This space could be transformed into a public park or a mixed-use development that complements the new life breathed

into the old hospital. This would add value to the community, creating more opportunities for recreation, social interaction, and potentially housing or retail spaces.

10. Roosevelt Collection Lot

The Roosevelt Collection is a shopping and cinema complex in the South Loop, with a large, often half-empty, parking lot. Given the complex’s proximity to many apartment buildings, this lot could be reimagined as a communal space, offering amenities like a dog park, a playground, or a local farmers’ market, catering to the diverse needs of South Loop residents.

Conclusion: The Potential Beyond Parking

Each parking lot mentioned here carries the potential to reshape its neighborhood and, in turn, the city of Chicago. This change won’t happen overnight – it requires careful planning, consultation with communities, and a commitment to sustainable, equitable development. However, by reimagining these spaces, we can pave the way for a city that caters to people, not just cars.

Transforming these spaces can bring us a step closer to a greener, more connected, and vibrant city, strengthening Chicago’s reputation as a global city of the future. After all, parking lots may be temporary, but the potential they hold is immeasurable. Let’s unlock it.