Chicago Riverwalk

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The Riverwalk as seen from Upper Wacker Drive looking down at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Chicago Riverwalk is an open, pedestrian waterfront located on the south bank of the Chicago River in downtown Chicago, Illinois. It spans from Lake Shore Drive to Franklin Street. Called the city's 'Second Lakefront',[1] the Riverwalk contains restaurants, seating, boat rentals, and other activities.[2] It is currently being expanded to 9 blocks and is scheduled for completion in 2016.

2001-2005

In conjunction with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), construction of the Riverwalk began in 2001 as an extension of the Wacker Drive reconstruction project. With the rebuilding of Wacker Drive, the street was purposely relocated to allow for development of the walk. Temporary stubs were built in some places, such as the Arcade (see below), until design plans and funding could be arranged, in some cases over a decade later.

The plan called for four separate districts within the riverwalk: Confluence, Arcade, Civic and Market, all with a specific location and theme in mind.

  • Confluence: Located where the Main, North and South branches of the River intersect. Previously the location of taverns, hotels and convention centers, it is now a major intersection of not only the River but the neighborhoods that border it. This area of the Riverwalk was expanded fifty feet into the river for the installation of park space and pedestrian access to Upper Wacker Drive as well as various amenities located in this area.
  • Arcade: The District spanning east from Franklin to State Street. It is called the "Arcade" because of the architectural detailing that separates the riverfront from the rest of the Wacker Drive.[3]
  • Civic: The District spanning east from Dearborn St. to Michigan Ave. It includes the Chicago Bridgehouse Museum, located at Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr., and is also the focal point for visitor and tourist activities, primarily for the boat launches. The Trump International Tower and Hotel is also located along this stretch of the Riverwalk, as well as notable landmarks such as the Wrigley Building and the Tribune Tower.[4]
  • Market: The District spanning from Columbus Dr. (including Stetson St.) east to Lake Shore Drive. Location of Chicago's First Lady boat launch as well as a beautifully landscaped space that contrasts with the other districts while walking east towards the lakeshore. This area also includes a restaurant, Cyrano's and a residential community: Lakeshore East.[5] the city is now undergoing a significant extension project.

2005-2012

The riverwalk

At State and Wabash Streets where the Riverwalk is at its widest is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza, commemorating events that took place during that war. Designed by Ross Barney Architects and built in 2005, it is nestled within the Riverwalk and consists of a terraced lawn, a waterfall and a central pool.The Chicago Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Plaza, one of the largest in the nation outside of Washington, D.C., connects people to the riverfront, provides an escape from the steel and glass of the City, and bejewels the City's waterfront. Its public objectives and finished forms embody what a memorial plaza should be; a remembrance of those that served, and a celebration of the living. The plaza occupies land, reclaimed by the rebuilding and relocation of Wacker Drive, to create an urban park, with terraces and bench-lined ramps that gently transition from busy city streets to more quiet spaces near the river, providing a green refuge.[6] Plans were announced to deploy the full intention of a connected path from Lake Michigan west towards Lake Street. Ross Barney Architects was again charged with envisioning this extension. Phase 01 was completed in 2009 with under-bridge canopies and new landscaping added south of State Street.[7]

2012-present

On October 8, 2012, Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveiled plans for an addition to the Riverwalk, extending it another six blocks along Chicago's River from State to Lake streets.[8] The new Riverwalk links a series of six distinct civic spaces or "rooms", each named for its unique program. Floating gardens, a bridge and fishing piers will aim to create more recreational options for the city's "Second Lakefront," and connect the downtown area.[8] As of early summer 2015, three of the rooms will be finished, the Marina (food vendors and seating to watch watercraft), the Cove (boating and kayak rentals), and the River Theater (amphitheater seating and a link to Upper Wacker Drive). The final three blocks are planned to be completed by the end of 2016.[9]

In June 2015 the section of the Riverwalk from State Street to LaSalle Street was officially opened.[10]

References

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  7. ↑ Stephen, Phyllis (October 5, 2009). "Riverwalk Completion in Chicago Ties Up 100 Years of Plans", World Architecture News. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Balde, Lisa (October 8, 2012). "Chicago Unveils Riverwalk Expansion Plans", NBC Chicago. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Chicago Riverwalk Construction", Riverwalk Expansion. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  10. ↑ Isaacs, Deanna (July 1, 2015). "Like Rahm's Riverwalk, the Chicago River's Still a Work in Progress", Chicago Reader. Retrieved July 6, 2015.

See also

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