Visionary Proposals for Transforming Chicago’s Future

Architect Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago emphasized a vision that transformed the city, influencing its parks system and lakefront for over a century. Today, World Business Chicago aims to find a new transformative idea with its ‘Horizon Lines’ open design contest.

This spring, approximately 200 participants submitted bold visions for Chicago’s future circa 2050. Proposals included building islands on Lake Michigan and designing themed public toilets citywide. On Wednesday, six concepts emerged as finalists, competing for a $5,000 prize and potential development opportunities.

We asked Chicagoans to help us imagine the future of our city in ways both visionary and grounded in real opportunity, and these finalists deliver exactly that, said Phil Clement, CEO of World Business Chicago. A 10-member jury selected the six finalists, whose work will be displayed at the Chicago Cultural Center this summer, allowing public engagement and feedback on favorites.

Finalist Proposals

Green City Rising: Chicago’s Living Network of Neighborhood Arboreta

The Morton Arboretum proposes creating a network of mini-forests, revitalizing Chicago’s ‘city in a garden’ motto. This plan focuses on increasing the city’s tree coverage, blending urban life with natural spaces.

We are missing forest canopy in our city, we have a lot of concrete buildings, and this would really help bring back what Chicago used to look like,

stated Elle Rampel from World Business Chicago.

The Third Frontage Initiative

This initiative aims to transform Chicago’s 1,900-mile alley network into vibrant neighborhood spaces for pedestrians. Architecture firms Gensler and Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill suggest converting alleys into residential zones, adding vegetation and housing.

According to plan authors Tian Ouyang and Yibin Yang, Chicago’s next great public realm may already exist, hidden in plain sight.

Repairing the Scars of the Interstate Highway Era

The Metropolitan Planning Council proposes covering parts of the Dan Ryan and Eisenhower expressways with green spaces, transforming them into tunnels with parkways on top. This concept mirrors Boston’s Big Dig project, reconnecting divided neighborhoods.

These highways cut through our cities, but they could still serve as a passageway underneath,

Rampel mentioned.

Wonderways: Reimagining Chicago’s Boulevards as a Network of Climate Commons

Design firm MKSK suggests turning Chicago’s historic Boulevard system into ecological and social landscapes, enhancing the parks and promoting nature throughout neighborhoods.

This concept aims to capitalize on the boulevards that have made Chicago famous — incorporating more nature,

according to Rampel.

AgriFlats

Presented by Wheeler Kearns Architects, this proposal converts food deserts into agricultural zones, with greenhouses providing year-round produce. AgriFlats aims to create jobs and support local restaurants with pesticide-free produce.

Re-Loop, The Living Mile

The Re-Loop Vision Coalition proposes an ‘experience district’ on Chicago’s South Side, featuring sculptures made from recycled materials, food stalls, and spaces for makers and salvage businesses, providing a new tourism attraction.

The winner of the ‘Horizon Lines’ competition will receive a $5,000 prize, with $1,000 for other finalists. Public feedback runs through July 24, with winners announced on September 15. The exhibit concludes on September 20.

Despite not making the final cut, other notable submissions reflect the creative ambition within Chicago. The designs range from grand projects like an elevated Buckingham Fountain to manmade islands on Lake Michigan and artistic public toilets proposed by architects from Perkins & Will.