New Urbanism

Umar Sheikh, Walter Payton, Senior, Fall 2024

As a Chicagoan, there's a good chance you've heard of a project called Lincoln Yards. If you’re unfamiliar, Lincoln Yards is a transformative project that began in 2016, aiming to revitalize a former industrial corridor along the Chicago River. The project envisions a vibrant mixed-use community featuring office spaces, residential units, recreational facilities, and entertainment venues. Lincoln Yards is an example of New Urbanism, an urban design movement that prioritizes sustainable infrastructure and community-focused spaces to foster cohesive neighborhoods. 

Focusing on walkable neighborhoods becomes especially important when addressing public health challenges that impact many communities today. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three out of four adults fail to meet the recommended levels of physical activity—at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week (McKoy, 2023). Developments like Lincoln Yards can encourage a healthier lifestyle by promoting an accessible environment. Green spaces and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easier for commuters to walk from place to place; Ivan Outline, a senior at Walter Payton High School, notes, “I try to bike and walk where I can, but it’s tough with how car-dependent travel feels right now.”

In addition to promoting health, these environments also foster stronger communities. Traditional office parks often feel isolating, while mixed-use developments blend residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to encourage social interaction. This shift especially appeals to modern workers prioritizing work-life balance. One study found that “87 percent of office tenants would rather be located in suburban vibrant centers than in typical, single-use suburban office locations (NAIOP, 2018).”

New Urbanism also addresses environmental concerns by reducing car dependency, as previously mentioned, which is important in lowering greenhouse gas emissions. An anonymous source from the Berkeley Group explains, “The movement is rooted in the idea of creating sustainable infrastructure: designs that last for generations. Incorporating environmentally conscious features, such as urban green spaces, plays a vital role in achieving this goal.” By balancing economic growth, environmental stewardship, and quality of life, projects like Lincoln Yards aim to create forward-thinking blueprints for urban development and set a benchmark for Chicago and beyond.

List Sources:

• 2- Statistic Links to both article sources

  • https://www.commercialsearch.com/news/3-reasons-why-mixed-use-is-the-new-office/ 

  • https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/articles/2023/us-neighborhood-walkability-influences-physical-activity-bmi-levels/

• Name of 2 people you interviewed

  • Ivan Outkine, classmate

  • Berkeley Group