Quote:
Originally Posted by sentinel
Perhaps, but also perhaps more tax revenue can be generated by the casino and hotel, as compared to residential highrises, not to mention that a pretty sizable residential and commercial development is already in the works directly west of the marshalling yards. A casino and hotel makes more sense to me for that area primarily because of proximity to McCormick Place..and if city planners were really smart, they should consider studying how to create a true South Loop entertainment district that can be built up over 10-15 years. A massive place like Chicago can easily have multiple entertainment districts, like all big cities throughout the world. I don't understand the preoccupation with focusing on just River North as the primary entertainment/nightlife center of the City..that's very small thinking.
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If it is the Tribune site, that isn't exactly RN. That location could create a kind of cluster with RN and Fulton Market for restaurants and entertainment. Halsted creates something of a link to Fulton, plus Greektown is in the mix. Not too far north is activity around North Ave and Halsted. Also some commercial space along West Grand might provide an opportunity. I agree with the general point of small city thinking.
I am not familiar enough with what is around the area or planned, but I wonder if the Marshalling Yards would provide an impetus for more adjacent entertainment or just be an island. The location of 78 at least looks like it could be integrated into the urban fabric. I also wonder what the impact is of plopping it into a more fully developed area vs one that is more nascent. And would it have any impact on how future development unfolded.