Circuit North situates Chicago’s north side as an exciting new destination and innovation hub. Bringing together industry, innovation, and culture, Circuit north creates an edge while connecting multiple centers. Formally, it is organized around the extension of the 606 to the north end of the site, and extends east to the river and south towards downtown—creating a series of interconnected circuits. The circuits revolve around animating, innovating, and creating the sites and programs within the site and beyond.

Activated by the purchase and development of the CTA-owned site to the north, Circuit North anchors transit-oriented development along the new 606 and transitions between the Finkl site to the north and development along parcel A. The 606 extends south towards the core of the site and hugs the river to create an immersive and active recreational and entertainment experience. A new boardwalk allows visitors to linger on the site, or make multi-modal connections towards downtown and Lincoln Park.

The center is anchored around Switchboard Plaza and “the Switch,” a high tech flex industrial and office space, anchored by the technology firm, “Uptake.” Bringing together digital and physical production methods in one site will incubate and grow Chicago’s burgeoning tech and advanced manufacturing centers.

Circuit North creates an innovation ecosystem between industries, residents, and visitors. “Industrial Village” creates a hub for manufacturing bringing in both new and established entrepreneurs from multiple disciplines to create bold new industries as well as entertainment options. Production space is visible through the large garage glass doors, making an industrial and manufacturing spectacle for neighbors and visitors alike. Industrial Village nestles among the established developments to the west of the site, transitioning towards the river. At the core of Industrial Village is a local brewery on Parcel B, fostering night life and neighborhood connections.

Social interactions grow through healthy lifestyles, entertainment and event options, as well as collaboration across industrial sectors. Connections to the river, Goose Island, and the Finkl create circuits beyond the site, and pulse through Chicago’s innovation culture.


Jury Comments: "The overall design proposed intriguing use of the property and land. The graphics and displays used were extremely cohesive and there is a clear uniformed theme throughout the design. The Industrial Village is an extremely creative idea, however there must be a consistent stream of revenue that must be brought into the area in order for the area to grown and be self-sustainable."