I had a feeling that, eventually, something like this was going to happen. The push to revigorate downtowns is starting, I'm betting we will see this elsewhere? Also, groups with shared interests (transit, downtown landlords) joining together in the effort.
Quote:
Metra, landlords join forces in 'come back downtown' push
The commuter train agency and an office building group are hosting an event to send the message that it's time to think about leaving home.
GREG HINZ
March 08, 2021
A rail agency that carries people to work and a business group that represents Loop office towers are joining forces in a bid to woo former commuters away from their home offices and back downtown.
In an unusual collaboration, Metra and the Building Owners & Managers Association of Chicago are hosting a “Safe Return to Work Summit” on March 11. Though the event will be streamed live, it also will include limited in-person attendance at Metra’s training center at 147 W. 47th St.in Chicago.
Though Metra now is carrying about 10 percent of its normal patronage load, that figure has begun to increase and signs are it could grow quickly, said Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski.
“We think it’s time to begin the conversation about bringing people back to work,” Derwinski told me. “With the COVID vaccinations coming out . . . there’s a lot of indication this is the right time to bring some people back, or at least talk about it.”
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https://www.chicagobusiness.com/greg...-downtown-push
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