Millenium Park
Chicago, IL

The 2009 Selection Committee chose Millennium Park as a Silver Medal winner in recognition of the remarkable accomplishment of creating a vibrant new park in the middle of downtown Chicago. The Committee noted the unique public/private partnership that helped create this park, the bold creativity that characterizes Park components, and the widespread use of the park by Chicagoans and visitors from around the world. The Committee applauded the Park for: Transformation of a dilapidated ground level parking garage and rail yard into what may be the world's largest "green roof," covering a 4,000-car multi-level parking lot and commuter rail line; The creation of a 24 acre new public park with twelve installations created by well-known artists and designers that supports over 400 free cultural programs each year; Providing a new catalyst for downtown economic development, including estimated increases in nearby real estate values that total $1.4 billion, and a projected ten year (2005-2015) increase in tourism revenues of $2.6 billion. [Visit the Project Website] [View Bruner Foundation case study]