An alloy is a combination of parts that is stronger than the sum of the parts alone The whole is much stronger than the sum of its parts. We propose to develop an urban district that is an alloy of elements, framing our design around the metallurgical industry which uniquely characterizes the site, in particular, and Chicago, in general. The chemistry of well-blended urban elements bonds communities, rivets attention, and forges innovation.

The reactions producing this alloy are catalyzed by the pulse of the river. A composite residential pattern, bringing together a balanced measure of home sizes and types, will support a diversity of backgrounds and incomes. This woven demography will foster a strong community, drawn from, drawn to, and inexorably connecting the surrounding neighborhoods. This proposal will introduce a novel approach to urban form and place-making which will bridge the gap between the past (of the site as

a manufacturing center and the surrounding historic urban neighborhoods) to its future as a nexus of exceptional lifestyle, innovation, and connectivity.

The essential bonds bringing strength to the alloy will include complete streets along two axial diagonal streets, walkability improvements to remaining adjacent streets, and an extension of the Chicago River Trail on both sides of the river. The 606 “high line” path will be extended from its terminus east of the Kennedy Expressway to a junction on the east bank of the Chicago River.

N Throop St will be connected to N Southport Ave via an additional vehicular bridge, bringing North/ South street network connectivity to a previously disconnected area, and bringing overseeing eyes
to the historically unique “swing bridge”. This corridor will be the spine of forging innovation in three separate work centers. ”The Foundry” Co-working Innovation Plaza is the lies at the primary crossroads of the proposal, and is bookended by ”The Furnace” Corporate Thinktank, and ”The Forge” High-tech Production Nexus.

The 132 CTA bus line will be extended along this new primary corridor, enhancing transit connectivity. Adorning the major street corridors on the ground level, bands of polished and finely articulated commercial and retail elements are riveted in place by a rich array of human-oriented urban design elements.

The chemistry of well-blended urban elements bonds communities, rivets attention, and forges innovation. A vision of an Alloy District is cast.