Millennium Park #1 Most Beautiful Public Space + Maggie Daley Restaurant Deal Dead: Top 5 Stories In

Bright sunny days and golden fall colors graced Grant Park this season. Also gracing headlines both locally and nationally are several Grant Park-related stories.

Neighborhood news for the month of November include two top rankings for Chicago and its downtown parks, an update on the proposed restaurant at Maggie Daley Park, an inside look at the 1000M penthouse to open across from Grant Park in 2018, and a Rolling Stones follow up story on music festival security that included an interview with Bob O’Neill, President of the Grant Park Conservancy.

1) Chicago Ranked #10 on “World’s Best Cities” 2018 Report

On November 5, Resonance Consultancy—a leading advisory firm in real estate, tourism, and economic development—announced the 2018 World’s Best Cities, a ranking of the 100 best-performing cities around the world. Chicago secured the 10th spot in the global report, and was among the top three U.S. cities (behind New York and San Francisco).

From nightlife numbers to airport stats, Chicago was analyzed across 23 factors in six key categories, which also combined TripAdvisor reviews, Facebook check-ins, Google searches and Google Trends. This helps cities understand their strengths and weaknesses through the lens of the people who visit and live in each city.

Chicago scored high in the Product category, which factors in attractions and cultural institutions, and the Programming category, which considers cultural and performing arts experiences. Lollapalooza and “music festivals that span genres and the calendar” were specially called out, and Grant Park is home to that and more.

2) Maggie Daley Park Restaurant Deal Dead, Chicago Tribune Reports

Making headlines in the Chicago Tribune on November 14 was news of the proposed restaurant for Maggie Daley Park falling through. According to Chicago Park District CEO Michael Kelly, the 10-year concession agreement with Four Corners Tavern Group is off the table, though the Park District would still like to see a restaurant at that site, preferably one with public restrooms as one of its amenities.

Bob O’Neill of Grant Park Conservancy was in agreement and addressed the “dead space on Monroe” as not being fully utilized given the success of Maggie Daley Park. Understanding the potential for this site on the northern end of Grant Park, he is pushing to see what the new plan is.

Known for its striking, modern glass design, the proposed 8,000-square-foot restaurant would have generated revenue for the Park District and provided a place to eat at the park with indoor and outdoor seating.

3) Curbed Chicago Calls Out Penthouse List Price in Upcoming 1000M Tower: $8.1 Million

Luxury living around Grant Park is reaching new heights and Curbed Chicago covered the South Loop’s 1000M high-rise (1000 S. Michigan Avenue) on November 6. The 71st-floor penthouse in the upcoming glass skyscraper has an asking price of $8.1 million and is the first residential unit to hit the market. Designed by internationally-renowned architect Helmut Jahn, the spectacular new tower will add to the downtown Chicago skyline, taking full advantage of the unobstructed views across Grant Park.

Sales materials tout the skyscraper’s location “among cultural masterpieces and natural wonders” and also call out the fact that this block is one of the “last undeveloped parcels of land in the Historic Michigan Boulevard District.” The LEED-certified tower is expected to break ground in late 2018, with completion planned for 2021.

1000M website: https://1000southmichigan.com/

4) Millennium Park Most Beautiful Among 19 Public Spaces Named by Urban Designers

Business Insider recently reached out to urban designers and planners around the world, seeking out spaces that are game-changers for their cities, have been inspiring, and are simply stunning. Making the list of the world's most beautiful parks, libraries, streets, and plazas—according to people who design them for a living—is Chicago’s own Millennium Park. Lurie Garden received special mention for its ability to be deeply calming in the midst of the larger park.

From the graffiti-covered lanes of Melbourne, Australia to the outdoor square in Germany that hosts the country’s oldest Christmas market, shared spaces have incredible impact on residents and visitors. In the case of Millennium Park: "It was clearly a game-changer, not only for Chicago and the real estate that surrounds the park, but for its influence on cities everywhere," says Carol Coletta, the VP of Community and National Initiatives for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. She adds that “Millennium Park is the ideal public space”.

5) Rolling Stone Explores How Live Music Organizers are Looking Cautiously Forward, Chicago Included in Festival Safety Discussions

With public safety of utmost priority, Chicago joined in the conversation on festival security in the November 3 feature in Rolling Stone. Several security experts and organizers involved in large-scale events, including Bob O'Neill of the Grant Park Conservancy, were interviewed.

Speaking to concerns following reports that Las Vegas shooter Stephen Paddock likely intended to attack Lollapalooza, O’Neill noted that discussions are already happening with police and Lollapalooza management, and a top priority will be monitoring surrounding hotel rooms.

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