Introduction, Mission & Goals

The Mid-South Area

Background

The Plan

The Quadrants

Implementation

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(Note:  This Plan was developed from 1990 to 1993 by the Mid-South Planning Group under a McCormick Tribune Foundation grant to the City of Chicago, Department of Planning and Development.   Aspects of the Plan are now being implemented, although the Plan was never officially accepted by the city.  The Mid-South Planning Group became the Mid-South Planning & Development Commission.)

Introduction

The Mid-South Development Plan, ("the Plan"), provides a blueprint for the rejuvenation of one of the most historically important areas of the city of Chicago. The Plan marks the culmination of intensive efforts of the part of the city, the community (represented by the Mid-South Planning Group) and the area’s major institutions to achieve a common vision for both the physical and the human development of the diverse community.

Mission

The mission of the Mid-South Planning Process is to formulate an improvement plan to enhance the quality of life and maintain the cultural heritage of the indigenous people who live and work in Mid-South Planning area. The mission is to be accomplished through the integration and coordination of residents, churches, community based organizations, institutions and government working in a holistic manner towards the positive achievement of redeveloping and revitalizing the Mid-South community.

Goals

The goals of Mid-South Planning Group are:

1. To improve and enhance the quality of life for residents of Mid-South area.
2. To develop clear-cut guidelines for future development from the community perspective.

 

The Plan analyzes the study area and envisions the total integration of residential areas, recreational facilities and work places with one goal in mind: the building of better environment. The process by which this goal will be achieved draws upon all of the resources of the community, the physical and natural resources of the areas as well as Mid-South’s most important asset, the people who live, work and play in the community. The Plan identifies the potential economic opportunities in the area and highlights resources, which will need strengthening. The planners have been careful to ensure that the Plan will preserve and build upon Mid-South’s rich historic characteristics as a way of enhancing the area’s physical environment.

It is important to note that at every step in the planning process input has been solicited and received from the people who reside in the study area. Public input was an integral part of the development of the Plan, and continues to be even as the Plan is distributed to wider audiences.

The Plan purposes near, short and long-term objectives to meet the desired outcome. As a result, not only will future generations realize the benefits of the Plan, but also those who live and work in community at present time will be able to take advantage of its opportunities.

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The Mid-South Area

The primary study area is approximately three and one half-square miles large. The boundaries are as follows:

Northern Boundary - Cermak / 22^nd Street

Southern Boundary - 51^st Street

Eastern Boundary - Lake Michigan / Cottage Grove

Western Boundary - Dan Ryan Expressway

In addition to the primary study area, two secondary areas were used in planning process. These areas extend north and south from the primary area to Roosevelt road and Marquette road / 67^th street respectively.

[ Top ][ Introduction ][ Background ][ The Plan ][ The Quadrants ][ Implementation ]

Background

Chicagoans first began to move to Mid-South area in large numbers during the later part of last century. Surgers in black migration to the city from the south during World Wars I and II significantly impacted the racial makeup of this new community. As thousands of African – Americans from the South streamed into the city looking for work in factories and steel mills, they found themselves excluded from living in most Chicago neighborhoods as a result of variety of legal and real estate practice. The greatest concentration of these "immigrants" was in Mid-South area. A large portion of the area became known as "Bronzeville" as more and more African – Americans moved into the community.

The segregation of the races had an unintended side effect in Bronzeville. The area developed its own thriving economic infrastructure. This economic base grew so large that the main business and social districts in the study area came to be known as collectively as "Black Metropolis". Black Metropolis is one of the most significant landmarks in the twentieth century African – American history. From its streets came such notables as Joe Louis, Scott Joplin, Jesse Owens, Redd Foxx and Dinah Washington. Several historic buildings dotted the Bronzeville landscape including the Binga Bank Building, home of the first bank to be chartered by an African – American, 8^th Arm Regiment Building, and the Chicago Bee Building, which housed the first African – American newspaper in Chicago.

Black Metropolis was also the cultural center of African – American life. Much like Hart in New York or Beale Street in Memphis, every body went to Black Metropolis. The roles of the great Chicago’s blue tradition are to be found buried deep in Black Metropolis. Following World War II, some of the housing restrictions placed on African – American in Chicago was lifted, and many households left Bronzeville and moved further south. Concurrently, the Federal Urban Renewal Program funded massive land clearance projects that spawned a series of mammoth high-rise public housing developments across thousands of private apartment units. Single family homes began to disappear from study area.

The result of this redevelopment activity was a substantial decline in the Mid-South population. For example, from 1950 to 1990, the combined populations of the Douglas and Grand Boulevard neighborhoods (two of the neighborhoods included in the study area) declined from 193,000 to just 66,000. As the population declined, the economic base of the area disintegrated. Shopping alternatives for the residents were severely reduced, and most social outlets shuttered their windows.

[ Top ][ Introduction ][ Mid-South Area ][ The Plan ][ The Quadrants ][ Implementation ]

The Plan

The Plan proposes a redevelopment community for a significant segment of Chicago’s South Side. Through development of this area, new opportunity may be realized for Chicagoans to reside, work and play in Mid-South. Over the next 30 years, Mid-South will make a significant contribution to the life of city of Chicago.

The Plan embodies the following assumptions:

1. The area should be heavily residential and should accommodate households with a wide range of interests. New development should focus on owner – occupied housing units.
2. Population densities should be great enough to support a wide variety of retail establishments, community services and transportation modes.
3. The community should provide a range of job opportunities for area residents, including long-term economic opportunities for low-income individuals and public housing residents.
4. Emphasis should be paid on the history and character of area in all aspects of development.
5. Redevelopment of the community should not mean displacement of current residents, but instead, the creation of opportunities for them.

Housing

Based on these five assumptions, the Plan recommends that the community will be able to comfortably accommodate 100,000 people, approximately 50% more than live in the area today. Initially, existing residents who are renters will be purchasers of new homes. In later stages, households from outside the area will be attracted to Mid-South.

However, in order to reach these housing goals, the following need to occur:

• Increased home ownership through the development of single family homes and the conversion of rental properties to condominiums or cooperatives.
• An adequate supply of a wide variety of housing alternatives to accommodate a broad range of income levels and lifestyles.
• The preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing stock.

Economic Development

As a result of the increased number of households, retail spending in the community is projected in the Plan to double over the next 30 years. There is also a plan to include business part development to support the demand for creation of jobs to be filled by the residents.

The Plan calls for the diversification of Mid-South’s economy through the development of tourist-oriented business. Much of this business would be generated by the revival of Blues District in the Black Metropolis area. The number of tourist-oriented businesses that may be supported by the Mid-South area will ultimately be influenced by the development of a 15,000 to 20,000 seat multi-purpose facility and one or more hotels in the vincinity of McCormick Place.

Commercial / Retail

In order to promote Mid-South as a community for tourists and visitors, a major 400 room hotel and entertainment complex consisting of banquet facilities and a 15,000 to 20,000 seat multi-purpose facility is recommended. The complex would be located in close proximity to the new McCormick Place Convention Center. This facility would serve as the official gateway to the Black Metropolis tourist district.

The plan also includes recommendations for three types of retail areas, including community retail centers. Community retail centers are large shopping centers with major stores with the capacity to attract shoppers from outside the immediate area. Two community retail centers are planned for Mid-South: one located at 35^th and King Drive and the other near 47^th and Cottage Grove.

The Mid-South area is also capable of supporting light industrial and research and development parks. Three specific locations have been identified to support this type of activity.

Parks / Recreations / Education

A key feature to the Plan is that all housing will be located within a least three and a half blocks of a significant park or recreational facility. A number of cultural facilities have been recommended for the area. These include conference facilities, outdoor festival grounds, entertainment clubs and the historic sites.

The Plan proposes to create "Safe School Zones" to ensure that elementary and high schools and institutions of higher learning are woven into the residential fabric of the neighborhood. The ‘zones’ would be created through the design of parks and pedestrians paths, which would provide the schools with a buffer from outside conflict.

Transportation / Circulation

The Plan also calls for the retention of the residential character of the community through the use of existing zoning ordinances and the continuation of current land use patterns. In order to develop and promote Mid-South as a desirable community for people to live and work, a redesignation of the street system in the community is seen as an essential. Recommended are the return of some major one-way arteries to two-way residential streets and the designation of other arteries as formal boulevards with landscaped curb slides and median strips.

The increased use of mass transit by area residents is seen as key to success of the revitalization of the community. Mid-South residents will be encouraged to use mass transit to and from work, school and play. The Plan doesnot recommend service cuts for any existing transit lines. It does recommend extension of the proposed Light Rail Circulator down Cottage Grove to Hyde Park with termination at the Museum of Science and Industry.

[ Top ][ Introduction ][ Mid-South Area ][ Background ][ The Quadrants ][ Implementation ]

The Quadrants

In order to make the study more area manageable for planning purposes, the area has been divided into 11 quadrants. Each quadrant is approximately one-half square mile (100-120 acres) and contains unique blend of economic and social activities and urban lifestyles. The following is a brief description of each of the 11 quadrants, along with the highlights from the Plan for each:

Quadrant 1

Cermak to I-55, Federal to Cottage Grove / South of I-55 to 31^st / Federal to Michigan Avenue

• Retention of Warehousing
• Expansion and Improvement of Commercial Areas
• Development of Convention Center Hotel
• Smooth Transition to Residential Areas further south
• Beginning of the State Street Park System

Quadrant 2

31^st to 35^th Streets, King Drive to Michigan Avenue

• Development of Market Rate Housing
• Conservation of Existing Structures According to Gap Design Guidelines
• Better Integration of IIT into the Neighborhood
• Development of Neighborhood Retail and Convenience Nodes
• Recognition of Historic District

Quadrant 3

35^th to 39^th Street, State Street to King Drive

• Restoration of Black Metropolis Buildings
• Development of School Campuses around Mayo Elementary and Phillips High School; and between the Bea and Overton and Raymond Elementary School
• Creation of Historic Tour Routes
• Conservation of existing Housing Stock
• New Construction of In-fill Housing
• Retail improvement along 35^th Street
• Conversion of some land along 39^th Street for Off-Street Parking

Quadrant 4

39^th to 43^rd Streets, State Street to King Drive

• Development of Model Affordable Housing Blocks
• Rehabilitation of Medium Density Apartment Buildings as Mixed Income Residences
• New construction of In-fill Housing
• Development of a Campus between Attucks Elementary and St. Elizabeth Elementary Schools
• Conversion of an Old Railroad Embarkment to a Pedestrian Walkway

Quadrant 5

43^rd to 47^th Streets, State Street to King Drive

• Development of Model Affordable Housing Blocks
• New construction of Single family homes as In-fill Housing
• Development of Campus around Mc Cormick Elementary School
• Connections to State Street Park System
• Neighborhood retail and Convenience Nodes along 43^rd street and 47^th street
• Renovation of the Metropolitan Theater

Quadrant 6

47^th to 51^st Streets, State Street to King Drive

• Development of Campuses around Overton Elementary, DuSable High and Farren Elementary Schools
• Redevelopment of Outdoor Recreational facilities at DuSable High School
• Utilization of Creative Design Solutions for New Residential Developments
• Creation of Interior Parks / Plazas along 48^th street
• Improvement of 47^th street Commercial Areas
• Redevelopment of 51^st street Commercial Nodes

Quadrant 7

35^th to 39^th Streets, King Drive to Cottage Grove

• Rehabilitation of Ida B. Wells Development
• Conservation and Acknowledgement of Historic Structures
• Creation of Formal Gateway at 35^th and King Drive
• Conversion of Supreme Life Insurance Building into a Visitor’s center and office building
• Extension of Light Rail Circulator
• Landscaped walkways, Parks and Plazas to Unite three residential sectors
• Development of campus park to connect Doolittle and Einstein Elementary Schools
• Landscaping along 39^th street
• Reconfiguration of 39^th street at Cottage Grove

Quadrant 8

39^th to 43^rd Streets, King Drive to Cottage Grove

• Development of a Retirement village with a variety of housing types
• Conversion of an Old Railroad Embarkment to a pedestrian walkway
• Design a major park near 39^th and Cottage Grove
• Development of a Blues District with appropriate Off-Street parking areas
• Conversion of Vacant Parcels along 43^rd Street to Gardens and other short term uses

Quadrant 9

43^rd to 47^th Streets, King Drive to Cottage Grove

• Conservation of existing Housing Stock
• Development of clusters of new single family homes
• Development of a campus with a pedestrian walkway to connect Woodson Middle School and Mollison Elementary School
• Development of an outdoor park at Woodson Elementary School
• Design of Cul-de-Sacs at East 44^th and East 45^th and 46^th Streets for traffic control
• Vacate Champlain Street between 45^th and 46^th streets
• Rehabilitions of CHA Scattered Site Buildings and Washington Park Apartments
• Development of Affordable Single Family Homes
• Development of Blues District along 43^rd Street

Quadrant 10

47ht to 51^st Streets, King Drive to Cottage Grove

• Conservation and Rehabilitation of Single Family Homes and Apartment Buildings
• New construction of Single Family Market rate Homes
• Development of Parks and open spaces into the new residential developments
• Preservation of the original Provident Hospital and Conservation of Facility to an office and research building
• Development of Health Services / Office Park on vacant land north of Provident Hospital
• Development of Commercial Nodes along 47^th Street, including the Rawls Entertainment Complex
• Development of a possible mixed-use development incorporating residential and commercial components possible at the site of the Old Willard School (pending further study)
• Design of a Formal Gateway at 51^st and King Drive

Quadrant 11A

Cermak to 31^st Streets, Federal to State Streets

• Rehabilitation’s of Dearborn and Ickes Homes
• Designing of a new park / open space inside Ickes Homes
• Landscaping along both sides of state street
• Development of campus around the Williams Elementary School with special landscape treatments to connect the school with the new park located in Quadrant 1
• Design a Formal Gateway at 31^st and State Streets to introduce Dearborn Homes and IIT to the Cross-Community traffic along 31^st street
• Retention of warehouse sites at I-55 and State Street

Quadrant 11B

35^th to 51^st Streets, Federal to State Streets

• Renovation of buildings at Stateway Gardens and Robert Taylor Homes
• Redeveloped Parks along state street with improved recreational facilities and connections to New Parks on the east side of State Street
• Landscaping along both sides of state street to convey the feel of a Formal Urban Boulevard
• Retention of warehouse and light industrial land uses between Federal Street and Metra Tracks and between 35^th and 51^st streets

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Implementation: Achieving the Plan

Achieving the goals of Mid-South Planning Group in implementing this Strategic Development Plan will require the support and commitment of the city, elected officials, and area’s major educational, health and leading institutions. A climate conducive to the attraction of private investment and the simulation of long-term growth can only occur through the collective efforts of these entities and the residents of the Mid-South community.

To maintain a progressive development environment, there are several activities which should occur during the near (one to five years) and short (five to ten years) terms.

The plan contains concrete policy programs and review procedures that, when adopted, will shape a new image of the Mid-South community, one that is historically and culturally significant. More importantly, the Plan and the image it creates will embody both the spirit and the vision of the people who live and work in one of the city’s most dynamic and economically diverse communities.

Finally, it is important to remember that the Plan is an evolutionary document. During the course of 30 years of time span, it will be necessary to re-evaluate this document as dictated by changes in the community. Lastly, this has always and will continue to be a public planning process that values the input of the community residents, business leaders and community organizations who have worked so diligently to restore the vitality of this community.

 

[ Top ][ Introduction ][ Mid-South Area ][ Background ][ The Plan ][ The Quadrants ]

This site is developed and maintained by Kalpesh Trivedi
Last Updated on October 10th, 1999