Uploaded September 2014 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
By the mid 20th century Chicago had become a dual metropolis — residents commuted from the suburbs to the downtown business district during the workday, then returned home to the rapidly growing suburbs. This movement away from the central area of the city contributed to economic and social strife in downtown Chicago. Architect Bertrand Goldberg wanted to stop the urban exodus by creating a mixed-use development along the Chicago River where residents could live, work, shop and play all in one location, re-establishing Chicago's downtown as both a residential and commercial district. Visit architecture.org/buildings to learn more about Chicago’s most iconic buildings and discover how Chicago’s rich architectural legacy was built.
By the mid 20th century Chicago had become a dual metropolis — residents commuted from the suburbs to the downtown business district during the workday, then returned home to the rapidly growing suburbs. This movement away from the central area of the city contributed to economic and social strife in downtown Chicago. Architect Bertrand Goldberg wanted to stop the urban exodus by creating a mixed-use development along the Chicago River where residents could live, work, shop and play all in one location, re-establishing Chicago's downtown as both a residential and commercial district. Visit architecture.org/buildings to learn more about Chicago’s most iconic buildings and discover how Chicago’s rich architectural legacy was built.
