Central Area Plan

      The Central Area Plan is a guide for continued economic success, physical growth, and environmental sustainability in downtown Chicago. Approved by the Chicago Plan Commission in 2003, it's the first plan for downtown produced by the City since 1958.

The product of a broad group of dedicated Chicago elected officials, government, business and civic leaders, the plan is the city’s response to the transformation of downtown Chicago in the 1990s. It details the Central Area’s potential for growth over the next two decades.

As it is enacted, Chicago’s economic engine will be strengthened, it’s parks and open spaces will be expanded, and its rapid transit and roadway systems will be extended and improved.

Download chapters and subjects below.

Contents and Executive Summary
Area Development History and Expectations
Physical and Economic Assessment
Area Sub-sectors
Vision and Guiding Themes
Development Framework
Transportation
Transportation cont.
Traffic Management
Waterfronts and Open Spaces
Waterfronts and Open Spaces cont.
Waterfronts and Open Spaces cont.
Waterfronts and Open Spaces cont.
WWaterfronts and Open Spaces summary
District Recommendations
District Recommendations cont.
District Recommendations cont.
District Recommendations cont.
Implementation
Task Force Summaries

 

 

 Central Area Plan Cover

 

Supporting Information Facts

Department:
People We Serve:

Additional Information

See also:

Central Area Action Plan

2024 Central Area Plan Update