Which downtowns best utilize their waterfronts (better, Boston, Chicago, parks)
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I think it depends on how we're using the term "put to use". Boston historically has not been built up to the Harbor, and there has not been much to so ON the waterfront. The Aquarium and ICA, being the only two attractions of note on the downtown side of the waterfront.
Chicago scores high because the downtown lakefront is Soldier Field, the Museum Campus and a string of parks, leading up to a major tourist attraction in Navy Pier.
Pittsburgh, for all of its rivers, underachieves. The Stadiums, casino and Carnegie Science Center are on the river, but for the most part, our riverfronts are industrial.
Boston? Really? Just wondering why you think that. I really am not that impressed.
I voted Baltimore. Tough to argue that the Inner Harbor isn't one of the best in the country at activating and integrating the downtown area with the waterfront. Chicago was my 1(a) and I could easily be swayed to rank it number 1.
That said, I think Boston's still in the discussion with the lengthy Harborwalk which is dotted with great pubic spaces. Especially if you include the Seaport/Ft. Point as part of the downtown area. But I think Columbus Park, Long Wharf, the Aquarium, Boston Harbor Hotel, etc. are among the better urban waterfront spaces in the country. Again, I'd still put Baltimore and Chicago above it and I think you could make cases for Seattle, San Francisco, Milwaukee, and even Pittsburgh; but Boston's definitely near the top of the class.
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