A Field Guide to Tactical Heritage Urbanism Volume 1: October 2016 | Page 115

The 606 (or the Bloomingdale Trail)

Location:
Chicago, Illinois
What used to be an elevated railroad
in the early 1900’s, named the 606, to
support Chicago’s industrial growth is
now a space for informal public gathering supported by the aesthetics of
its design. When the infrastructure
found itself to be completely unused
prior to its redevelopment, it became
nothing but an abandoned railroad. It
was nothing until nearby communities
discovered the space and created their
own nature trail that allowed for neighbourhood gatherings to occur. In 2003,
the City’s planning department saw the
potential in the economic and environmental success of creating a mandated
public space and it was the residents
who took charge of what was to be built.
By bringing together the cultural values
of nearby residents and the design and
use of the railroad, the 606 has become
a successful open space in the rights
of the public.

Precedent Notes for
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