When a site’s program becomes detrimental to the area, should it be deconstructed and completely rebuilt? Or could the celebration,... Show moreWhen a site’s program becomes detrimental to the area, should it be deconstructed and completely rebuilt? Or could the celebration, preservation and integration of the site’s history yield a much more sustainable, successful and ultimately satisfying result? If the area has fallen into urban blight, can this serve as a catalyst for urban renewal? Can focusing on such projects eventually lead to more sustainable and safer cities while cutting down on urban sprawl? The Union Stock Yards in Chicago was once the center of the meat packing industry in America, at one point the most productive in the world. Famous for its massive size, terrible working conditions and struggle for labor rights, the Stockyards had enormous effects on its surrounding neighborhoods which are still being felt today. The site has since been gutted and is currently an industrial park. This has created a gaping hole in the urban fabric, and much of it is still abandoned, resulting in an urban wasteland. This project uses the troubled history of the site positively and adaptively reuses the Chiappetti Lamb and Veal building. Taking cues from the site’s history as a food producer, an urban farm will offer both fresh produce and jobs for residents of the area. An on site market will be added which will sell locally grown produce, create more jobs and act as a potential draw for residents within and outside the district. Given the infamous history of the stockyards, a Museum of Labor Rights is an appropriate addition. This will attract people from outside the site’s immediate surroundings and preserve the gradually disappearing history of the district. This catalyst for urban renewal in the New City neighborhood of Chicago will be the first phase of the masterplan envisioned for the Union Stock Yard site. M.S. in Architecture, December 2012 Show less
