Riverfront Quarter, Near South Loop

More individuals and young families are settling within urban limits all over the country, breathing new life into old identities. Yet despite the alluring proximity of Chicago’s Near South Loop to such features as the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Grant Park, Soldier Field, and the Chicago River, a large number of undeveloped parcels remain in the area. The opportunities for reviving this community are nearly endless.

While a number of converted lofts provide housing units in the Near South Loop, a complete and unified vision for a pedestrian-friendly community—including neighborhood connectivity, commercial retail, office space, public parks, and enjoyable vistas—is still needed. This award-winning plan, which focuses on transforming the Riverfront Quarter based on years of MA’s principals personally residing and working in the area, places a proposed high-speed rail station at its northern edge to further activate the neighborhood.

Awards: Congress for New Urbanism-Illinois Charter Award, 2013