Odd layouts in Chicago’s grid (Elmwood Park, Lincoln: design, horse, cars)

[OyCrumbler]

Chicago has a pretty strong grid layout though there are some streets that cut diagonally (i.e. Milwaukee, Ogden, Lincoln, etc.) as well as the branches of the Chicago River. Each of the larger city blocks encapsulated by the main grid throughfares are like a little experiment in urban design which is part of what I find fascinating about Chicago.

Are there some of these major parcels (is there a specific term for these large chunks of the city grid bounded by the main grid thoroughfares?) that you find the layout and/or design particularly unique? For instance, Portland also has a grid layout, but the Ladd’s Addition part is strikingly different.

What are some of your favorite gridbits? What is it that you like about them?

[fusillirob1983]

Originally Posted by OyCrumbler

Chicago has a pretty strong grid layout though there are some streets that cut diagonally (i.e. Milwaukee, Ogden, Lincoln, etc.) as well as the branches of the Chicago River. Each of the larger city blocks encapsulated by the main grid throughfares are like a little experiment in urban design which is part of what I find fascinating about Chicago.

Are there some of these major parcels (is there a specific term for these large chunks of the city grid bounded by the main grid thoroughfares?) that you find the layout and/or design particularly unique? For instance, Portland also has a grid layout, but the Ladd’s Addition part is strikingly different.

What are some of your favorite gridbits? What is it that you like about them?

The link doesn't seem to work unless I copy and paste it from the reply box. https://goo.gl/maps/bEnWkCgpPVB2

[hendersj31]

Goose Island? Doesn't exactly fit the grid. Always thought it was cool for no real reason

[emathias]

I think the parts of Douglas and Oakland east of MLK will be cool once they're filled in.

The little section of Bridgeport SW of 31st and Racine is cool, too.

[Thefuturehereanow]

Lincoln square the actual square area entrance near western and Lawrence.

All the six corner intersections except the actual six corners needs some work.

Walking along Halsted near chicago Tribune interesting views going over bridge seeing factories still being used.

Having a hot dog at Jim's original is interesting and odd being right on the highway and watching cars get off highway to get a hot dog. Maxwell street was ruined should have done something more with it.

Lower wacker is crazy part of grid can shoot through and bypass loop.

Right outside of chicago but I like the circle area in Elmwood park not sure how they decided to make a circle grid.

Why is there more diagonal streets on north side than west side?

Why more main east west streets on north side than south side?

[Master Jay]

Thefuturehereandnow, I love love love the plaza of the Lincoln Square. My understanding is there used to be a road that went all the way through (the name of that street escapes me). Then they turned it into a dead end, created the plaza, and added the lamplight and the fountain.... Regarding circles like Elmwood Park, you'll find one in northern end of Norwood Park. Apparently back in the day they would have horse races there! As far as the angle streets, those apparently we're Native American trails set up. One that went towards my town of Milwaukee became Milwaukee Avenue. Perhaps the area that is the northern end of the city had more connections with tribes headed north, and created more trails to connect to them. Take care, Master Jay in Milwaukee

[fusillirob1983]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

Thefuturehereandnow, I love love love the plaza of the Lincoln Square. My understanding is there used to be a road that went all the way through (the name of that street escapes me). Then they turned it into a dead end, created the plaza, and added the lamplight and the fountain.... Regarding circles like Elmwood Park, you'll find one in northern end of Norwood Park. Apparently back in the day they would have horse races there! As far as the angle streets, those apparently we're Native American trails set up. One that went towards my town of Milwaukee became Milwaukee Avenue. Perhaps the area that is the northern end of the city had more connections with tribes headed north, and created more trails to connect to them. Take care, Master Jay in Milwaukee

Yes, supposedly Milwaukee Ave went to Milwaukee, Racine Ave went to Racine, and Southport went to Southport in Kenosha.

The Milwaukee theory seems credible, but you really need to use your imagination on the other two even if true. Sorry for the thread hijack.

[Master Jay]

fusillirob1983, to which theories do you refer: The Zoincoln Square road, and the Norwood Park Circle? Master Jay in Milwaukee

[fusillirob1983]

Originally Posted by fusillirob1983

Yes, supposedly Milwaukee Ave went to Milwaukee, Racine Ave went to Racine, and Southport went to Southport in Kenosha.

The Milwaukee theory seems credible, but you really need to use your imagination on the other two even if true. Sorry for the thread hijack.

I was referring to the theory that Milwaukee Ave got its name because it was an old Native American trail linking Chicago and Milwaukee. The other "two" I was referring to is that Racine and Southport were named because they were old trails linking Chicago to Racine and Kenosha, respectively.

[Master Jay]

fusillirob1983, My good Sir. I will check my source and give my report a bit later. I'm doing dad duty picking up children right now. I posted in the Milwaukee posts on Milwaukeeans feelings/experiences with Chicago. Practically all are positive. Whether it's Milwaukee Avenue or I94, I'm just glad your city is close to mine! And no, you did not hijack on my post. It was good to hear from you! Master Jay in Milwaukee