William "Holly" Whyte

What makes some plaza’s successful and others not?

What makes you decide to go to a plaza? How about where to sit at the plaza?

In, 1970 William “Holly” Whyte and The Street Life Project Team conducted research to find out why individuals choose to spend time in one plaza over another. Though Whyte’s research is over 40 years old the content is still relevant today, especially since we continue to make the same mistakes he teaches us to avoid in his book and film, The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces. Eventually Whyte’s research and analysis were included in new zoning rules for New York City.

Here are Whyte’s key elements for a successful plaza:

-Seating space proportion: at least 1 square foot of sitting space for every 30 feet of open space.
-Nature implementation: sun exposure, wind and inclusion of water and trees (4 trees for every 1,500 square feet, trees no more than 25 feet apart)
-Food vendors, or food available nearby

-Public Art

Whyte found that the more women in a plaza the safer the environment feels.

Are there any plazas in Chicago that seem to incorporate all of these elements? In general, I feel like we’re missing a lot of seating, especially at Daley and Federal Plaza. And am I the only one waiting for the day we can find street vendors to fill my constant Chicago dog yearnings?

Here's a short clip of the film:

The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces (1979) Short Version | Planum Magazine, Movies Column no.6 from Planum. The Journal of Urbanism 

WPD Member Interviews: Sarah Beck

We are going to start a monthly series of WPD member interviews! There are so many wonderful and interesting women that are apart of WPD and so this is a great place to get to know one another better.

Meet Sarah Beck! She is currently serving as Professional Development chair on the WPD board. Thanks Sarah for doing this great interview and kicking off this new series!

What do you do for work?

I am a Project Manager for the Alden Foundation, a non-profit affordable housing developer specializing in senior housing. Because the Foundation is very small (my boss and me), I get to see projects through from site selection to operation. My time is spent putting deals together -underwriting to make sure projects are financially feasible, working with municipalities to ensure the sites have appropriate zoning, and applying for every source of financing available to make the project work. Once all of the pre-development pieces come together (!), we manage the construction of the building - handling monthly pay outs, ordering equipment and appliances for the building, and making sure we are hitting construction milestones required by our lenders. Then, post-construction and lease up, we are responsible for ensuring an excellent quality of life for our residents, as well as financial health of the development. The Foundation has developed and maintains ownership of nine affordable developments across the Chicago metro, with a tenth under construction in Mount Prospect.

How did you get into it?

Here’s the abridged version, minus all the wrong turns and side steps. After undergrad, I worked for an organization in Philadelphia called “Bike & Build,” which hosted cross country bike trips to raise money and awareness for affordable housing. This got me interested in the critical shortage of housing for low and moderate income people, so I applied to grad school in urban planning. While I was in school, I was research assistant at the Voorhees Center at UIC, a research center specializing in affordable housing issues and community development. After grad school, I took my policy and research based knowledge of housing and leveraged that into a job where I’m actually building it.

Is it your dream job? If so, what makes it a dream? If not, what is your dream job?

My position is a great fit for me. Because I get to work on all aspects of our projects, my job has been like a boot camp on how affordable housing works. This also allows me to take ownership of projects from beginning to end, which is very important to me. Another great thing about this position is that while the Foundation itself is small, we have an in-house construction company, architect and interior design firm, and property management company that form our development team, so I get to see our projects from other team member’s perspectives in a way that wouldn’t be possible if we weren't sharing an office.

How long have you been a member of WPD?

I've been a member for three years now.

Why did you join?

I joined in grad school as a way to network, meet new people in the field, and learn about what kind of career options were out there for someone interested in planning and development.

What are some things you’ve benefited from being a member of WPD?

I may be biased as the co-host of the monthly small networking lunches, but I think being able to talk one on one with a senior-level professional is a tremendous opportunity for our members, and something I’ve benefited from. I also really enjoy our happy hour events, it’s a great way to meet cool ladies and learn about the interesting work they do while also eating, drinking, and being merry.

What are some of your favorite urban planning features about Chicago?

One thing I’m really excited about now is the Bloomingdale Trail, also re-branded as “The 606,” which will convert a three mile stretch of abandoned elevated rail line into a recreational trail. I live near one of the parks that will be connected to the trail, so I can’t wait to use it. Logan Square doesn’t have a lot of open space, and particularly lacks space for active use, and I think the trail will meet a real need. And the views of the City from up there are fantastic!

What are some of your favorite cities or places?

I’m on a sort of undeclared mission to visit all 59 national parks, and so far my favorites are Death Valley (which I visited during the winter, I don’t think it would have been my favorite in July), the Everglades, Great Sand Dunes, and Canyonlands. I’m hoping to make it to a few more this year, hopefully on a trip out to the Northwest.

Prentice Womens Hospital Fate

There has been so much controversy around the destruction of the abandoned Prentice Women's Hospital. In 2007 the below and current Prentice Women's Hospital was built, have you been in either one as a patient? Or both? What was your experience? 

Architects so concerned with the demolition signed a petition to not tear the building down. Jeanne Gang even created this adaptation to preserve it:

Even though the building wasn't made to have a tower built on top of it and it also doesn't fit the needs of Northwestern to be able to connect the floors to the buildings on each side as pointed out in this WBEZ article and this Sun-Times article just calling the building ugly and to "tear it down". 

Perkins+Will has been selected to design the new Northwestern Biomedical Research Building, it will look more like this:

Lastly this video on the demolition of the building and Chicago architecture,  The Absent Column from Nathan Eddy. 

Holiday Party!

Hope to see you there!

Dear City...

If you could send Chicago a love letter about how you feel. What would it be?

Here are some examples from Dear City...

Cycling In The Winter

We've talked about cycling before. But how is your winter cycling going, are you a seasonal cyclist? With the New Year coming are you making any cycling resolutions? (If Minneapolis can cycle in winter, so can I).

Amanda Yang owner of Clear the Path Outfitting, a Chicago women start up for commuter cyclist clothing, is nice enough us some winter cycling tips:

What are your top winter biking gear recommendations for women?

it is possible to stay super warm and still look chic and sleek! i recommend a cape....when the roads get super slippery, i try to wear my puffiest coat, so that when i slip and fall i don't get hurt. :)
my rule of thumb is to keep your core warm first. the rest of your body will warm up soon after. then, remember your fingers and toes! they'll get frost bite easier in sub zero weather, so take an extra moment before leaving to grab those gloves and warm socks.

1. gloves: these may seem like overkill, but they're what i wear. they keep your hands super warm and also give you the flexibility to break on a dime 

2. scarf: i wear this pretty much november to april every year on my bike. it's a huge scarf that doubles as a poncho. it breathes and is 

3. thick & thin socks: think thin is in when it comes to socks. double up on socks if you have to. i recommend wearing one or two pairs of smartwool socks. 

4. flexible boots: make sure when you decide to wear your cute winter boots that they're flexible enough to handle your stride.

5. sunglasses: in the winter, the snow really reflects on your eyes. i recommend wearing some sun glasses to break up the wind. any cheapy fun pair will do!

Congratulations on starting Clear the Path Outfitting! How are you feeling about it so far? 

it's been amazing, but it's also been a ton of work! we're working so hard to get out some new designs and to also increase and promote an active lifestyle in our communities. one thing that has been really cool was being featured in the redeye and (upcoming in 2014) in fastcompany!

Do you have any secret bike pathways? (don't worry, we won't tell) 

heheh. you can definitely share. i really think sharing any tips and tricks you have is the best way to get other people involved in cycling. my favorite path is the north shore trail that goes all the way up to the botanical gardens. it's not a secret, but it's still my favorite path. another pathway i love is the Lincoln/Wells from the NorthWest to downtown. another favorite is halsted going from the north from broadway all the way south past china town into pilsen. this ride has transformed into something spectacular and safe in the past few years. what was once a drive through pot holes and scary fast cars has now has buffered lanes and feels really safe and secure.

Lastly, what's your favorite thing about Chicago? 

my favorite thing about chicago is the lakefront. we're so lucky to have a city close to water. it's refreshing and really puts the mind at ease. i also love the pace of the city. the energy of everyone around me keeps me motivated and focused to keep going. everyone is here to do something big. it's a great environment to keep you inspired.

Thanks Amanda! Your practical tips and links to gear are really motivating to keep cycling in subzero degree weather! Good luck with your new company!

If you need another motivator to bike in the winter maybe you could try one of these pollution fighting high-tech bikes!

Holiday and Homelessness

Especially around the holidays it seems that an awareness towards homelessness goes up.

But this is an entire new level of awareness, have you heard of the homelessness tour in Seattle, Sub-Urban Experience?

For $2,000, you can spend three days and two nights exploring Seattle's homeless culture.

The tour, officially called "Sub-Urban Experience," is the creation of 62-year-old Mike Momany, who says he's been living in Seattle for over 40 years. A self-proclaimed entrepreneur and West Coast nomad, he claims he decided to give homelessness a shot starting last August after Seattle's rising cost of living became more than he could afford.

(via The Atlantic Cities)

In case you would rather volunteer to serve the homeless here are a list of places the Greater Chicago Food Depository has listed on their site:

North Side

BREAKING BREAD (A MINISTRY OF LASALLE ST. CHURCH), 1111 N. Wells St., is a soup kitchen that needs volunteers on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to help with food preparation, serving, and clean up. Volunteers will be required to do some lifting, stretching and bending. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator below to find out about volunteer openings.

Minimum age: 18. Maximum group size: 4.

Contact: Marianne Pytel walsgooger@aol.com 312-376-0118

BREAKTHROUGH URBAN MINISTRIES, 402 N. St. Louis, is looking for volunteers in its food pantry to drive to various grocery stores to pick up food donations, stock the storage area with delivered food items, and deliver fresh produce to seniors at the residential facility across the street. Volunteers are needed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at various times.

Minimum age: 16. Maximum group size: 10.

Contact: Tonisha Daniel freshmarket@breakthrough.org 773-346-1743

DEBORAH'S PLACE, 1532 N. Sedgwick and 1456 W. Oakdale, is a supportive housing organization with meal service for tenants (please note, this is not a soup kitchen). Help is needed Sunday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sedgwick location, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Oakdale locaation. Volunteers will prepare, serve and clean up from meals for 25 to 30 tenantsand will need to be able to stand, carry and serve food. Volunteers may choose to bring food or help prepare the food that is planned for the day. A volunteer orientation is held once a month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is required for all volunteers at both locations. Volunteer requests for holiday meals (Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve/Day) are first come, first served. It is recommended to inquire about availability for these meals in August.

Minimum age: 18. Maximum group size: 2-3 for lunch; 4-5 for dinner.

Contact: Laurie Respass, lrespass@deborahsplace.org 773-638-6579 or visit our website.

HARVEST FOOD PANTRY - VINEYARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF EVANSTON, 2495 Howard St., is a pantry that is looking for volunteers on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the 3rd Saturday of each month from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. to help with food preparation and distribution. Volunteers will assist with greeting patrons, preparing and serving snacks, bagging produce, filling grocery bags, moving stock, helping patrons select items, set-up and clean-up.

Minimum age: 12. Maximum group size: 6.

Contact: Lisa Haskin, harvest@evanstonvineyard.org 847-328-4544 ext. 2468

MERCY HOME/FRIENDS FIRST MENTORING, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., is a community based mentoring program that needs volunteers to share a few hours with a young person. Mentors will meet two or three times per month for one year, and are matched with a child of the same gender. You are encouraged to do fun, free activities throughout the city. Complete staff support and supervision is provided. Volunteers are required to attend an info session, and participate in an interview, background check and training. Just a few hours can make a lifetime of a difference to a child. Contact us for mentoring and volunteer opportunities.

Minimum age: 21. Maximum group size: 1.

Contact: Dee Yelvington volunteer@mercyhome.org 312-738-7552

ST. THOMAS OF CANTERBURY SOUP KITCHEN, 4827 N. Kenmore Ave., has opportunities for service on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please note that this site does not have opportunities for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or weekends. We are currently seeking volunteers for the week before Christmas and the first three weeks of January. Volunteers assist with food preparation, set-up, serving the meal, and clean-up. This site is unable to take volunteers for court-ordered community service. Volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Please note that this site is only accessed via stairs.

Minimum age: 14. Maximum group size: 15.

Contact: www.stcuptown.com

THE SALVATION ARMY - IRVING PARK, 4056 N. Pulaski Rd., is a food pantry seeking help during food distributions on Tuesday and Thursdays fom 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m., for administrative work on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 pm., and to assist with occasional special events. Volunteers must be able to lift 10 pounds, must go through a background check and bilingual Spanish speakers are preferred.

Minimum age: 21. Maximum group size: 3-4.

Contact: Jonathan Herron jonathan_herron@usc.salvationarmy.org 773-685-7676 x206

Iglesia Evangelica Emmanuel, 5016 W. Armitage Ave., is a food pantry that is seeking volunteer help on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30am-2:00pm from July 1 through August 13. Volunteers are needed to assist our program by transporting clients to and from the agency for field trips. Volunteers will need to have good people skills and have a CDL License and a clean driving record. Experience with driving a school bus is also required.

Minimum age: 21. Maximum group size: 1.

Contact: Jenny Perez iee5018@sbcglobal.net 773-490-1985


South Side

CANAAN MBC PANTRY, 6659 South Harvard, is a food pantry that is requesting volunteers to help restock shelves, sorting food, administrative duties, filing client records, loading/unloading food, and assisting with heavy cartons/bags for elderly and disabled clients. Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays. Volunteers may be asked to do some lifting, stair climbing, data entry and filing.

Minimum age: 13. Maximum group size: 5.

Contact: Claire Callahan canaanvolunteers@gmail.com

CHATHAM-AVALON MINISTRIES, 8601 S. State St., is a food pantry that is seeking volunteers to help unloading food and stocking shelves on the first Wednesday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will need to be able to lift 20 pounds or more.

Minimum age: 18. Maximum group size: 4.

Contact: Anna Horton 708-557-4747

CHOSEN TABERNACLE MINISTRIES, 4310 South Champlain Ave., is a food pantry that is looking for volunteers to provide administrative client intake and to oversee food as clients choose food products from their "choice based" pantry distribution model. Volunteers are needed on Thursdays from 12 p.m to 3p.m. Volunteers will need to able to stand for at least 30 minutes.

Minimum age: 18. Maximum group size: 10.

Contact: Pastor Sandra Gillespie sandygill526@yahoo.com 312-749-8991

CHRIST LIFE CHURCH CHICAGO, 8056 S. Harper Ave., is a food pantry seeking volunteers to help during food distributions every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Some lifting is required.

Minimum age: 18. Maximum group size: 4.

Contact: Gabriel Olu oluwakotanmi@gmail.com 773-443-6307

HYDE PARK KENWOOD FOOD PANTRY, 1169 E. 56th St. (side door of 5600 S. Woodlawn), is seeking assistance with their Saturday food distributions from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers will help to set up the distribution area, pack grocery bags and cases of food and carry them to the recipients, organize/clean the pantry storage area and take inventory after the distribution. Volunteers must be able to climb up and down the stairs while carrying groceries, arrive on time, and treat recipients with respect and friendliness.

Minimum age: 12. Maximum group size: 6.

Contact: Jan Deckenbach jdeckenbach@press.uchicago.edu 773-702-7034

MERCY HOME/FRIENDS FIRST MENTORING, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., is a community based mentoring program that needs volunteers to provide one-on-one mentoring. This includes doing fun, free activities with an assigned child of the same gender, with complete staff support and supervision. Volunteers will meet two or three times per month for one year. Volunteers are required to attend an info session, and participate in an interview, background check and training. Volunteers choose the type of child they wish to mentor.

Minimum age: 21. Maximum group size: 1.

Contact: Mary Ann Pilet volunteer@mercyhome.org 312-738-7552

TRCDO - HARVEST FOR THE WORLD, 1415 W. 104th St., is a food pantry that is seeking volunteer help on Fridays and Saturdays. Volunteers are needed to pack food bags, give food to clients, take the food to clients' cars, and remove from storage areas. Volunteers will need to have good customer service skills and be able to lift bags of about 25 to 30 pounds.

Minimum age: 18. Maximum group size: 6.

Contact: Lynn Munson 773-881-7710