Reinventing the Wheel

The Sun-Times ran a story today about a report the Chicago Architecture Center released, “Win/Win: The New Game Plan for Urban Stadiums.” Apparently, the Cubs and Wrigleyville are the ideal way to go. Who knew? What the Cubs did different from other Chicago teams is what they didn’t do—tear down their home and/or try to move to the suburbs. The Bulls and Blackhawks are starting to build their own version of Wrigleyville around the United Center. Too bad the United Center replaced the Stadium, aka, the Madhouse on Madison. As for the Bears leaving Soldier Field for Arlington Heights, God only knows what the McCaskeys will dump on their fans. My guess is the talked-about “entertainment district” will be urban in the way a Hollywood backlot is. Which brings us to the White Sox, who have plenty of land to develop around The Rate. Of course, they also had a ballpark just as unique as while different from Wrigley Field. Jerry Reinsdorf could’ve fashioned “Soxville” while strengthening ties to Bridgeport, which is slowly but surely evolving into one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods. My father wouldn’t recognize his old haunts. I doubt Richard J. Daley would, either. The story reminds me of all these commuter suburbs that are attempting to build old-fashioned downtowns; it can be done, but not easily or cheaply and without much chance of recapturing the spirit of the original, pre-WWII downtowns with their density and varied architecture. Oh, well. Soon, the Sox will have a new steward. Maybe he’ll have vision enough to see the potential that abounds at the corner of 35th and Shields. It's the holiday season. I can hope.