Five years after the pandemic led to significant changes in urban centers, a group of master's students from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy has devised a plan to rejuvenate downtown Chicago.
The team secured first place in the 2024-25 Harris Policy Innovation Challenge and received a $10,000 prize for their project focused on "culture and connection." Their proposal, presented at a pitch event on April 16, suggests converting a portion of Michigan Avenue into a pedestrian-only area between Monroe Street and Wacker Drive. Alongside this, the plan includes creating affordable housing for artists and revitalizing the 40-block Pedway system with new shopping opportunities and social spaces.
“More than anything, I am so grateful,” said Samantha Anderson, a member of the winning team, which consisted of Krista Brown, Uchenna Andrew Offorjebe, and Ashton Mayo-Beavers.
The competition posed the question: "What can Chicago do over the next three years to create a thriving downtown for the next 20 years?" The students' proposal aims to leverage the "Cultural Mile" corridor, integrating art, museums, and economic impact to sustain downtown as Chicago's economic and cultural hub.
Drawing inspiration from Denver's 16th Street Mall, the plan seeks to use 12 museums, 120 public art installations, and cultural activities that yield $2.25 billion in economic returns. It also highlights the connectivity provided through existing public transit options in the Loop.
The winning team will present their concept to civic leaders throughout Chicago.
From over 20 initial entries, four finalist teams outlined unique strategies for revitalizing the Loop. Their proposals were evaluated by a panel of six judges, including Phil Clement, president and CEO of World Business Chicago; Better Chicago CEO Beth Swanson; and investor David Wells.
“The quality of the students’ work was really outstanding,” said Research Professor Justin Marlowe, director of Harris’ Center for Municipal Finance, who oversaw the challenge.
Other finalists included Alison Collard de Beaufort's team, which proposed co-living spaces in converted office buildings, offering amenities like shared kitchens and fitness centers. Another team suggested extending the 606 elevated park into downtown to boost local business activity and adding a vertical farm at 211 W. Adams St. Marlin Exton's team focused on urban planning to retain Millennials by providing larger residences and ensuring quality elementary schools in the area.
Dean Ethan Bueno de Mesquita emphasized the challenge's value in merging academic learning with practical policy exploration. The Harris School collaborated with UChicago's Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation for the event.
Christopher Berry, the institute's director, noted, “This event is taking great ideas from students and trying to bring them out into the world, so it's perfect for us.”