Michigan Ave. Re-Visioning

MM VISION
MM2050 is a visionary plan that activates and transforms Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue, known as The Magnificent Mile, into a destination of the future. The plan is guided by four pillars: people, place, technology, and experience. In 2023, the Magnificent Mile saw roughly 16.5 million visitors, underscoring its economic importance and enduring appeal. By leveraging the area’s historical significance, robust infrastructure, and strong tourist draw, MM2050 repositions The Magnificent Mile as a mixed-use entertainment district for the post-pandemic era. This future ensures a vibrant, safe, and interactive gathering place for Chicago residents, visitors, and workers.

THE NUCLEI
The MM2050 transformation is anchored by four centers of activity: Riverfront Gateway, The Hub, Urban Oasis, and Oak St. Beach Connector, strategically positioned along the one-mile corridor. Each nucleus serves as a catalyst for revitalization of the corridor, ignites fresh investments, and elevates experiences throughout the district.

Oak Street Beach Connector
A new pedestrian bridge crosses DuSable Lake Shore Drive and connects Michigan Avenue directly to Oak Street Beach and the 18-mile Lakefront Trail. Located at the northern end of Michigan Avenue, the beach is renowned for its postcard views of the city skyline. There is an opportunity for it to become an even greater asset. The proposed bridge prioritizes accessibility and safety, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the shores of Lake Michigan. This new gateway includes a public art beacon and facilitates diverse programming at the beach to facilitate air and water shows, concerts, and athletic tournaments.

Riverfront Gateway
A functional yet beautiful redesign of the historic Michigan Avenue (now DuSable) Bridge prioritizes a more comfortable pedestrian crossing—portions of the bridge cantilever over the water to offer areas of respite for those on foot. A new grand staircase connects Michigan Avenue to the Chicago Riverwalk, improves access to the water’s edge, and incorporates a new boat dock on the north side of the bridge. A redesign of the lay-by lanes to the north of the DuSable Bridge provides a seamless connection between Chicago’s downtown Loop and The Magnificent Mile.

 

The Hub
To enhance the pedestrian environment along Michigan Avenue, the MM2050 plan focuses on widening sidewalks and creating cafe zones and places to relax within a dynamic urban setting. A planted median lined with shade trees creates an inviting atmosphere while dedicated bus and electric vehicle lanes improve safety and accessibility and streamline traffic flow.

Urban Oasis
Imagine Jane Byrne Park transformed into an urban oasis, with the historic Chicago Water Tower at the center. The new park design activates the space and offers programming to encourage interaction among park users. A reflecting fountain, tiered event seating, tree grove, plantings, and public art beckon to passers-by on Michigan Avenue. The addition of space for food trucks brings culinary offerings to the plaza as well. Ten feet of roadway width along Michigan Avenue has also been replaced with a more generous sidewalk to accommodate heavy foot-traffic through the park.

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Now on display at Chicago Architecture Center: The New Magnificent: Visions to Renew and Reconnect the Mag Mile

In this pop-up exhibition, two design proposals are presented for improving the economic vitality and overall experience of the Magnificent Mile: MM2050 by Lamar Johnson Collaborative, commissioned by the Magnificent Mile Association; and Reimagining North Michigan Avenue by Gensler, commissioned by Parkside Realty. The themes presented in these proposals can be further explored in the Loop as Lab: Reshaping Downtowns exhibition on view in the upstairs Skyscraper Gallery.

(From Chicago Architecture Center)