First new post from Chicago Cityscape in four weeks! The monthlong hiatus wasn’t on purpose, but a lot of important commitments came up:
- I’ve been studying the updated Chicago building code with my colleagues at MAP Strategies. I’m not an architect, and I don’t work on the permit management services that the majority of my colleagues at MAPS do, so I’m learning building codes for pretty much the first time. I’m excited about the new building code because it allows some lower-cost construction types for low-rise multi-family housing (2 and 3-flats) to a greater extent than the current code. I also helped design our seminar that we’ve started presenting to developers and architects (sign up here).
- I’ve spent most weekends since January building a hoop house on the West Side with my friend; we finished last Sunday.
- I went on a helicopter ride for the first time ever. What. A. Blast.
- City Open Workshop has needed attention since our whole season of workshops has been about Accessory Dwelling Units — I’ve learned what people want to know about ADUs and coach houses as their re-legalization happens this year. We’ve talked about data, mapping, policy, financing, and community engagement.
- I volunteered on one of Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot’s transition committees, for transportation & infrastructure. You can read my memo (amongst everyone else’s) about piloting more bus lanes downtown so people can have consistent commute times on the South Side express buses.
