CHAPTER VII

THE HEART OF CHICAGO

Opportunity for creating a unified and convenient city 99

The problem of overcoming congestion in the business center 100

Solution of the problem simple and natural 100

Michigan Avenue: its importance in the city plan 100

The proposed improvement of Michigan Avenue 100

An elevated roadway 102

Bridges over the river 104

Improvement of Halsted Street 105

Slums of Chicago 106

The slum represents the failure of the city to protect its people 106

The Financial Quarter 107

Grant Park as a spacious and attractive public garden 108

Location of the Field Museum, the Crerar Library and the Art Institute 108

A Center of Letters 108

A yacht harbor 109

Art as a source of wealth 110

Public gifts by citizens 110

The opportunity offered for effective treatment of Chicago River banks 110

The need of a main axis for Chicago 113

Such an axis would give organic unity to the city 113

Congress Street as the grand axis 113

A Civic Center 115

Buildings to be comprised in the civic center 115

Architectural treatment of the proposed buildings 116

The landscape setting 116

Effectiveness depends on harmony and good order 117

The civic center gives coherence to the city plan 117

Great advantages which will result from the treatment proposed 118