Could Chicago's Lake Shore Drive Get a Complete Street Makeover?

As the State of Illinois and City of Chicago begin envisioning the future of North Lake Shore Drive, a coalition of 15 local advocacy groups have put forth a plan to return the artery to the original vision put forth by Daniel Burnham.

1 minute read

August 7, 2013, 8:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"State and city transportation officials Tuesday kick off three days of public hearings on how to overhaul North Lake Shore Drive, but a coalition of 15 civic groups has already proposed a dramatic reworking of Chicago’s famous scenic drive," reports Rosalind Rossi. 

"The 'Our Lakefront' plan would reduce the speed limit from Grand Avenue to Hollywood from 40 to 35 mph; create bus-only or high-speed-rail lanes; construct a nearby lane for high-speed bicylists; reduce parking and add greenery."

"Lake Shore Drive was originally designed as 'a boulevard. It was a pleasure drive early on,’' said Lee Crandell of the Active Transportation Alliance, among the 15 groups that helped to write the 'Our Lakefront' plan."

“It’s slowly turned into a freeway,’’ Crandell said. “We want it to feel like a boulevard.’’


Monday, August 5, 2013 in Chicago Sun-Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 10, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

A line of white wind turbines surrounded by wheat and soybean fields with a cloudy blue sky in the background.

Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal

The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.

1 hour ago - Fast Company

Red and white Caltrain train.

Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification

The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.

2 hours ago - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

View up at brick Catholic church towers and modern high-rise buildings.

Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation

Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.

2 hours ago - NBC Dallas