Chicago has always been a city willing to imagine what doesn’t exist yet — and then figure out how to build it.
We reversed a river. Built a city around one of the world’s great transportation networks. Turned an audacious idea into Millennium Park. So earlier this year, we asked a simple question: What should Chicago build, create or reimagine next?
Nearly 200 ideas came back.
Today, World Business Chicago revealed the winning vision for Horizon Lines: Visions for Chicago 2050.
And there’s a twist: one idea wasn’t enough.
Two independently submitted visions rose to the top — and together, they imagine something potentially transformative for Chicago.
Green City Rising, from The Morton Arboretum
Wonderways, from MKSK
One imagines a network of community arboreta across Chicago. The other reimagines our historic boulevard system as greener, more connected and more welcoming public space.
Now, we’re bringing the two teams together to explore what these ideas could become as one shared vision for Chicago.
As Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said today: “This is Chicago at its best.”
Business. Government. Civic institutions. Philanthropy. Community.
Different perspectives. Different resources. One city willing to think beyond what exists and work together to build what comes next.
Meet the winners — and see the vision for yourself.