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I spent the weekend in Chicago and it has the most beautiful downtown region in the nation (IMO). Its clean, well maintained, landscaped, utilities are hidden, sidewalks are generally well-kept, etc., and that doesn't even include the architecture. Philadelphia (and others) should look to Chicago for maintenance ideas. Outside of improving the obvious problems like poverty, crime, etc., an investment in QOL at street level would really bring Philadelphia to the next level.
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Chicago is refined to the point it's almost sterile.. Yet classy. I wish there were more engaging businesses with some sidewalk presence like you see in major global cities. We need more entertaining plazas, food trucks, street vendors, souvenir stands, retail kiosks, outdoor cafe's, open air markets, sculpture, art, large signs, interactive screens, colorful lights, street performers etc. We lack that NY & London urban intensity. Chicago legislates much of that out of the atmosphere. The Riverwalk environment has the same kind of organized and tidy but sterile vibe.
Last edited by IronWright; 06-04-2021 at 06:06 PM..
Chicago is refined to the point it's almost sterile.. Yet classy. I wish there were more engaging businesses with some sidewalk presence like you see in major global cities. We need more entertaining plazas, food trucks, street vendors, souvenir stands, retail kiosks, outdoor cafe's, open air markets, sculpture, art, large signs, interactive screens, colorful lights, street performers etc. We lack that NY & London urban intensity. Chicago legislates much of that out of the atmosphere. The Riverwalk environment has the same kind of organized and tidy but sterile vibe.
I would say that the downtown core over the recent years has become a little sterile (lots of modern glass buildings, etc), but the neighborhoods are still unique. There are outdoor cafes, local flare, unique architecture, shopping districts, etc. Downtown is very touristy and the more sterile architecture is somewhat reflective of that. Although there is enough of Chicago’s original architecture that it is historically known for, so it’s not completely drowned out.
I would say that the downtown core over the recent years has become a little sterile (lots of modern glass buildings, etc), but the neighborhoods are still unique. There are outdoor cafes, local flare, unique architecture, shopping districts, etc. Downtown is very touristy and the more sterile architecture is somewhat reflective of that. Although there is enough of Chicago’s original architecture that it is historically known for, so it’s not completely drowned out.
Agree, the neighborhoods are a much more pleasing experience but the vast majority will never venture into them. Bringing life to the core should be a priority. The downtown needs a pedestrian friendly-makeover. Active uses on lower levels of buildings would be a great place to start and should be a zoning must.
We have committed some pretty self-destructive crimes against our historic architecture in the neighborhoods as well. If only Chicago had been more reverent to its past. We have lost countless treasures for some banal infill city-wide. Luckily we at least have a protection process today though many still slip through. These Sun-Belt quality apartment buildings are helping cheapen the landscape.
In the loop. But other that first time tourists and commuters. Who actually goes to the Loop? Thats not a place where you go
It's River North, Streeterville, Lakeshore East, South Loop and the Gold Coast as well. Chicago doesn't offer street activity/entertainment on a mass scale in general.
As '3.0' also said. It is a sort of "chaos" that is missing. New York and London especially have a palpable intensity with all of the characteristics vying for pedestrian attention that I listed earlier. Chicago tries to be too discreet and refined but that comes at the cost of vibrancy and organized madness that only the most global urban mega-centers provide en-masse. There are pockets but they lack the same vibe and character that I'm referencing.
Chicago legislates away much of the street presence that drives that type of intensity. Also, active uses on the lower levels of skyscrapers/high-rises does a lot to shape the feel of an area. Chicago has many blank-walls, podiums and buildings with little to no transparency at street-level. Chicago could very well become more pedestrian oriented with different values, investments and regulations but the city is still very much auto-dependent and the setting reflects it. Narrowing streets and widening sidewalks could be a start.
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The most pleasant surprise about Chicago to me was the relative ease of driving within the city, particularly given its size. Getting there from the highway is a PITA but once you are in the city it is not bad at all.
Chicago is refined to the point it's almost sterile.. Yet classy. I wish there were more engaging businesses with some sidewalk presence like you see in major global cities. We need more entertaining plazas, food trucks, street vendors, souvenir stands, retail kiosks, outdoor cafe's, open air markets, sculpture, art, large signs, interactive screens, colorful lights, street performers etc. We lack that NY & London urban intensity. Chicago legislates much of that out of the atmosphere. The Riverwalk environment has the same kind of organized and tidy but sterile vibe.
Based on look, lifestyle and amenities combined. Debate.
Look- Definitely Chicago, arguably the most beautiful city in America. Philidelphia interesting, but gritty.
Lifestyle- Chicago, Lakefront highrises, solid neighborhoods for miles. Philadelphia has some nice neighborhoods, some not so nice.
Amenities- Chicago has a solid downtown, Michigan Ave, numerous world class museums, parks, lakefront beaches and riverfront walks and tours. Philadelphia, museums, historic sites, Center City.
Look- Definitely Chicago, arguably the most beautiful city in America. Philidelphia interesting, but gritty.
Lifestyle- Chicago, Lakefront highrises, solid neighborhoods for miles. Philadelphia has some nice neighborhoods, some not so nice.
Amenities- Chicago has a solid downtown, Michigan Ave, numerous world class museums, parks, lakefront beaches and riverfront walks and tours. Philadelphia, museums, historic sites, Center City.
Bases on his criteria, no contest, Chicago.
I hope you release that Philly has a lot more to offer than just Center City
You're missing the point. Why is proximity only mentioned only when Philadelphia is bought up? When's the last time you've seen NYC get credited for being close to Philadelphia + DC?? I feel like that's the go-to attribute for people who can't elaborate on what makes Philadelphia a great city- I personally feel like it undermines Philadelphia's status as an elite city. Chicago - Milwaukee is roughly the same distance as NYC-Philadelphia and Chicago - Indianapolis is roughly the same distance as Philadelphia-DC, yet people will have you believe Chicago is "isolated"...
I don't think Chicago is isolated but I do think Philly in terms of day trips to its neighboring cities is more attractive because those metros are the biggest city in America and America's capital. I don't see a lot of Chicagoans think much of heading to Milwaukee and even less to Indy. Going to St. Louis and Detroit are decent drive times from Chicago though and I think more interesting.
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