Chicago vs Philly at street level (best, better, compared, skyscrapers)
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To the casual pedestrian who has strolled the streets through the heart of Chicago and the heart of Philly, what are the biggest changes you'll notice at ground level? How does Philly differ from Chicago when you're wandering its streets, checking out its shops, peering up at all of the super tall structures?
Chicago is larger with more towering skyscrapers but wider streets. It's also newer feeling.
Philadelphia is quaint, and smaller. Less skyscrapers. Outside of the Downtown the streets do feel a little more chaotic and tight though. I think Philadelphia's 'Downtown' blends a little better into surrounding neighborhoods too.
Chicago: Parking Podiums...Parking Podiums everywhere....Grander...newer, cleaner, more modern. Obviously much more highrises and skyscrapers to gawk at. Some areas can make you feel like you're in one of the world's great capitals.
Philly: More classical urban where most of the buildings are not on parking podiums or even include parking so there's no major curb cuts that can make an area feel less walkable. Philly is also more compact. As someone said before, Downtown Philly blends in with the surrounding city way better...the transit is smooth.
Chicago is larger with more towering skyscrapers but wider streets. It's also newer feeling.
Philadelphia is quaint, and smaller. Less skyscrapers. Outside of the Downtown the streets do feel a little more chaotic and tight though. I think Philadelphia's 'Downtown' blends a little better into surrounding neighborhoods too.
Yes, I definitely agree that Philadelphia's 'Downtown' blends better into its surroundings. I feel like the chicago loop abruptly ends becomes low density and low rise.
I feel like the wide streets of Chicago make it seem less urban. Chicago, with its wide streets, large amount of parking garages, and even surface parking lots in its CBD, is too auto-friendly. Fortunately, many of those surface parking lots are going to be developed. I imagine Chicago becoming more dense and pedestrian-friendly in the future.
A certain poster will chance upon this thread feeling flabbergasted at the very thought of Philly being compared to Chicago....What with its tight rowhouses, no alleys, no side garages, etc.?
Location: Watching half my country turn into Gilead
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tcave360
a certain poster will chance upon this thread feeling flabbergasted at the very thought of philly being compared to chicago....what with its tight rowhouses, no alleys, no side garages, etc.? :d
lmao tcave, I am not having the best day, but that honestly made me laugh out loud.
Haha!
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