Who Laid Out the City of Chicago?
The development of Chicago's urban landscape involved distinct efforts in its initial platting and later, comprehensive urban planning. Therefore, there isn't one single individual who "laid out" the entire city across all stages of its design history.
The Original Platting: James Thompson
The initial layout of the city of Chicago, establishing its fundamental street grid, was orchestrated by James Thompson. In 1830, Thompson, as a surveyor for the Illinois and Michigan Canal Commissioners, drafted the original plat of the town of Chicago. This early blueprint by Thompson laid the groundwork for what would become a major metropolis, defining its central grid pattern and setting the stage for its rapid expansion from a frontier settlement.
Comprehensive Urban Planning: Daniel Burnham and The Plan of Chicago
While James Thompson provided the initial grid, the most influential and comprehensive plan for Chicago's future development and aesthetic appeal was "The Plan of Chicago," also known as the Burnham Plan. This ambitious vision was spearheaded by Daniel Burnham, its lead architect, and significantly shaped the city's modern appearance and infrastructure.
The genesis of this significant urban design initiative began in 1906, with its development driven by a collaboration with The Commercial Club of Chicago, who served as its copartners. Drawing inspiration from the City Beautiful Movement, which advocated for monumental grandeur and civic virtue through urban design, the Burnham Plan sought to transform Chicago into a more organized, efficient, and beautiful city. Although its project began in 1906, the plan was not formally established until 1909.
Key elements envisioned and largely implemented by the Burnham Plan included:
- Lakefront Preservation: Ensuring public access to Lake Michigan through extensive parks and recreational areas.
- New Street System: Proposing a hierarchical system of arterial streets and boulevards to improve traffic flow.
- Railway Terminal Reorganization: Consolidating railway lines and terminals for greater efficiency and aesthetic integration.
- Civic Center: Creating a grand civic center for public buildings.
- Parks and Boulevards: Expanding the city's park system and connecting them with a network of scenic boulevards.
The Plan of Chicago remains a landmark achievement in urban planning, profoundly influencing the city's physical form and contributing to its identity as a well-designed metropolis.
Key Figures in Chicago's Urban Design
| Era | Figure / Organization | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Early 19th Century | James Thompson | Laid out the original street plat (1830) |
| Early 20th Century | Daniel Burnham | Lead architect of The Plan of Chicago (1909) |
| Early 20th Century | The Commercial Club of Chicago | Copartners in establishing The Plan of Chicago (began 1906) |
The Evolution of Chicago's Design
Chicago's urban landscape is a testament to continuous planning and adaptation. From its foundational grid by James Thompson to the far-reaching visions of Daniel Burnham, the city has evolved through purposeful design. These foundational efforts ensured that Chicago could grow from a frontier town into a world-class urban center, demonstrating how both initial blueprints and subsequent comprehensive plans contribute to a city's "layout."
