All aboard: Activating Chicago's Union Station

Help us activate Chicago Union Station by competing for $5000 and 10 days of programming.

By Kara Riggio and MPC Research Assistant DeVon A. Pruitt
June 14, 2013
7 comments

You’d think that a Union Station in the nation’s third largest metropolitan area—home to roughly 40 museums, 150 theatres, over 6000 restaurants and more than 30 Fortune 500 companies—would be bursting with fun, excitement and cultural fanfare. Whelp…it’s not! And that raises a great question: “Why can’t Chicago’s Union Station be more than just a transportation thoroughfare? Why not a place to hang out and enjoy for travelers and residents alike?” It’s a huge space—it should be a happening one too.

Got an idea, but no manpower? Or manpower but no idea? Drop a comment in our box below or tweet us @Metroplanners using #ActivateUS!

The good news is, you can help Chicago’s Union Station develop into a cultural and social hub. Through our “Activate Union Station” placemaking contest (and thanks to our generous sponsor, Fifth Third Bank), the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is investing $5,000 for two stellar projects that implement a program or series of programs for 10 days—activating Union Station in the process. It is our goal that this contest will signal to community developers and investors that Union Station is an opportunity for social and economic growth, and not just a giant revolving door for entering and exiting the city.

It’s been done before. Philadelphians are enjoying the benefits of “The Porch”—a modernized, outdoor gathering where residents can enjoy lunch, socialize and relax. The Porch offers spacious room for festivals, dining, outdoor fitness and leisurely relaxation. Philadelphia’s relatively modest $275,000 investment has reaped massive gains for their city; according to a University City District publication, The Porch at 30th Street Station drew over 10,000 visitors in its first 90 days. Apart from partaking in activities like mini golf or yoga, those patrons bought food; only 19 percent who lunched at The Porch brought food from home. In other words, placemaking at 30th Street has translated into dollars. Developers see the potential of expanding The Porch with retail, restaurants and other consumer-friendly amenities. From Philly’s Porch, the possibilities for Chicago’s Union Station seem endless. Imagine a beer garden, karaoke festival or other amusing opportunities. It can happen here in the Windy City!

Union Station is projected to grow 40 percent by 2040. At this rapid pace, Chicago must embrace the times and reevaluate how to fully maximize Union Station’s vast untapped potential.You can help save Union Station from a slow decay into obsolescence by entering MPC’s Placemaking Contest for a chance to receive $5,000 and implement your vision. Think you’ve got what it takes? Check out the guidelines and register today!

Got an idea, but no manpower? Drop a comment in our box below or tweet us (@Metroplanners) using #ActivateUS!

Keywords

Activate Union Station, Chicago Union Station, contest, Placemaking

Comments

1. Jon Pounds on June 17, 2013

I've an idea involving two natural elements, bits of natural and man-made material, and with the potential to include amusing, reflective, and hopeful messages by passersby. The idea will revel in the height of the Headhouse while retaining an earthy component. If anyone is interested.
2. CL from Chicago, IL on June 21, 2013

I think you should strongly consider a petting zoo with llamas.

If llamas are too expensive, you could collaborate with local shelters to display puppies and cats that are available for adoption. People would stop and hang around because nobody can resist adorable animals.
3. Tom Rygh on June 24, 2013

Central station in Oslo, Norway has a full time market in it. It's similar to the French market at Ogilvie station here, many individual stalls with all sorts of foods, cafes's , and shops for tourists, too. It's always very bustling. Union is tall enough inside to add trees and plants, sort of like a hanging garden planned at navy pier.
4. Terry on July 5, 2013

The Merchandise Mart has these immense, modern and beautiful bathroom displays. Wait a minute, take one of their displays, make it functional at Union Station would make an enormous statement. 1. Merchants can display their bathroom/tile products 2. Union Station gets a much needed basic necessity. Maybe add a urinal trough with a Cubs logo above it to advertise our local sports team.
5. Stephen from Kansas City on July 8, 2013

The Great Hall could benefit with a restaurant including a bar in the central location which wold feature a 1920-30 speak easy look and feel to it, which would go good with the great history of prohibition in Chicago since the city had several speakeasies. Why not build inside the historic Union Station. The bar and restaurant could also have tables with electric plug-gins for laptops which would make it convenient for people especially doing business.

The area outside along the Chicago River would benefit with an area for live music. The area could feature a stage with a patio type of setting with beautiful plants, lights and fountains surrounding it and comfortable patio seats and tables. An outdoor bar at the opposite side of the stage could allow people to enjoy a drink and also be able to talk among themselves if not interested in the live music.
6. Kevin on July 17, 2013

Union Station is 'iconic' in the city of Chicago architecture, it's been seen in film and as a major transportation hub for the midwest. Every time I walk through I look up and around at its vast space, thinking its under utilized. Wondering, what's missing? I think a monthly art installation would be fantastic...

A quarterly concert series from any of the diverse offerings in arts...perhaps the South Shore Opera Company, the Sinfonietta, or any of our art music related organizations. Each community should be offered the opportunity to highlight its best performance organization. Or a series of theatrical highlights from the numerous musical productions featured in Chicago. Or a year round in door arts festival that could change according to season.
7. Andriy Serafyn from Chicago,IL on August 15, 2013

My idea is about creating so called virtual library. Since nowadays everyone has a tablet, smartphone, e-reader, etc. why not make stands with books in it, but those will not be real books, it will be QR codes that lead to downloading the particular book, user wants to read. It's fun and creative way to help people passing thru this transit center, to enjoy the experience. The reading book can be also limited to only the perimeter of the station, when one leaves it the book expires.