Map-junkie

I'm a map junkie. There's something about the structured layering of criss-crossing roads, winding waterways, super-imposed mass transit, and places of interest that just amazes me. When we first moved to Chicago I literally studied the Not For Tourists book for Chicago for hours. I just loved how effectively they were able to chop up Chicago into it's neighborhoods and define the basic hotspots within. I'm also a subway junkie-- I'm completely obsessed with everything about the CTA, and the fuel to this fire is the exhaustive Chicago-L.org. A recent dig combined my two interests: the map for the proposed "Circle Line" connector that would connect Chicago's disparate train lines into a much more usable system.

This proposal is apparently in very preliminary stages, but will be completely necessary to contribute to maintaining Chicago's status as a world-class city. With the recent trends of urban revitalization, (across the US) most major cities are experiencing the highest growth rates since before the suburbanization of the US in the 50s. This means more density per square mile-- a trend that is quite evident from the amount of new construction that can be seen all around the city. Density is a highly important factor in the success of mass transit; I actually remember reading that there was a certain percentage of density that must be met before making the car inefficient. This plan will keep gridlock off of Chicago's quickly filling streets. It may be projected to take 15 years to complete, but I would guess that in 15 years the core city will be busting at its seams, and they might even require an "outer loop".

On a more specific level, this "Circle Line" will really start to use the west side of the city in a more efficient way, and will provide better access all around. I think it would be totally incredible to hop on a train from Damen (my stop in Wicker Park) and be at North/Clybourn in mere minutes. I also like how the new plan better engages the Green Line-- a train route, that from what I have read, has had some rough times recently. It only recently reopened after a few years of overhauling, but with the growth of West Loop Gate warehouse district and West-Town/South Ukrainian Village this line is slowly becoming more vital... but it needs to add some stops in the eastern area! Judging from the 1947 CTA map, there used to be plenty of stops in the West Loop Gate, presumably to get industrial-era workers to their meat-packing jobs. After the decline of this industry in the mid-to-late 20th century, I suppose they closed up a lot of the stops to make the train move more quickly. Well now that we're in a post-industrial creative-class era, loft & warehouse districts are hot for working and living-- the Green Line needs to grow with the times!

I could go on and on, but I will hold back. This plan is extremely exciting, and I really hope the CTA follows through and begins construction as soon as possible!

Oh and while we're on the subject... here's a handy map to Springfield, USA.

  6/17/2004