The 606 Cultural Center

This proposal looks to expand on the 606 Bloomingdale Trail located on the northwest side of Chicago. The 606 repurposes a previously abandoned elevated train track into a pedestrian and bike path, stretching for miles as a transportation infrastructure connecting various neighborhoods. Although it functions well as a transportation corridor, free from vehicular traffic, the linear proportions and lack of program of the elevated space inhibits the uses of the green space from much else besides passing through. 

This project implements an architectural infill strategy that occupies the available space in the urban fabric to expand the elevated surface in the transverse direction in order to create additional park space for leisure instead of transportation. It also looks to increase points of access up to the elevated public space while using the space beneath the trail for community related programs. 

This system look to expand the use and function of the 606 from a transportation infrastructure towards a cultural infrastructure for the communities. It can be implemented anywhere along the span on the 606 where the space is available without impairing the bike and pedestrian connection.

S. 2017 Richard Nelson Studio