Fulton Market District Corridor Plan © Joshua Koonce April, 2010

Fulton Market District
Corridor Plan

FULTON MARKET DISTRICT CORRIDOR PLAN

Joshua Koonce
Fulton Market District Corridor Plan
Master‟s Project
Advisor: Dr. Phil Ashton
Urban Planning Program
College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs
University of Illinois at Chicago

Unless otherwise noted, all text, images, and maps are the
work of the author.

All aerial images are from Google Earth.

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Introduction

Fulton Market Street lies at the nexus of an industrial swath of the City of Chicago and the burgeoning West
Loop neighborhood. Historically, Fulton Market Street has been a haven for a variety of light industrial
businesses, especially meatpacking and seafood warehousing. Light industry continues to be the dominant
land use around Fulton Market Street. However, in addition to industrial uses, today the eleven blocks of
Fulton Market Street between Halsted Street and Ogden Avenue also act as an attraction for a variety of
other businesses – art galleries, restaurants, bars, design firms and more, many of which seek out the
grittiness associated with a warehousing district. (1) For some of these restaurants and boutiques, the
proximity to (and association with) food storage and distribution is a plus. Lastly, as an increasingly
attractive place to live, the West Loop continues to attract residential development. More people interested
in taking advantage of these local offerings – and the proximity to Chicago‟s downtown Loop – are arriving
to stay in an increasingly popular neighborhood.

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Purpose

The Fulton Market District does not currently function well for the all the activities that take place there.

This plan aims to work for an assortment of actors with diverse interests in the area: industrial business
owners, restaurant and boutique owners, members of community groups, visitors and residents. The plan is
focused on an area that has had little planning, in spite of existing plans for the immediately surrounding
areas.

The plan seeks to build upon the assets of the Fulton Market District while mitigating the challenges that are
inherent in a small area with such a large variety of uses. Goals are defined to address these assets and
challenges, with recommended strategies and policies designed to meet these goals. The challenges will not
be instantly overcome with implementation of this plan, however – they are intended to be implemented
over time, allowing for the organic formation a functional and prosperous Fulton Market District.

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Location

The Fulton Market District study area is located in Chicago‟s 27th
Ward, served by Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. The Fulton
Market District lies on the east end of the 27th Ward in the Near
West Side community area, and is located directly to the west of
Chicago‟s central business district, the Loop.

Ward Map © October 2007, City of Chicago

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Study Area

Fulton Market Street is officially designated as Fulton Street to the west of Elizabeth Street, however, for the purposes of this plan the
corridor will be referred to as Fulton Market Street. The study area, bounded by the Metra Rail tracks to the north, Lake Street to the
south, Ogden Avenue to the west, and Halsted Street to the east, will be referred to in this plan as the Fulton Market District.

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Existing Conditions: Zoning

The Fulton Market District is composed of three designated zones: commercial to the southeast, manufacturing in the southwest and
center, and planned manufacturing district to the north, along the Metra tracks, part of the Kinzie Industrial corridor. The district in part is
characterized by the convergence of these three zones.

Zoning data from City of Chicago Department of Zoning

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Planned Manufacturing District

Planned Manufacturing Districts (PMDs) are “a means of and Randolph street market areas.” (3) TIF funds in the PMD
ensuring that businesses/jobs are not pushed out of the area by can be used for “site assembly efforts, rehabilitation projects,
either residential or retail, both of which are prohibited in the public works improvements, environmental clean-up, and
PMD.” (2) improvements that facilitate improved car access. Other priorities
include job training and readiness programs for nearby residents.”
The Kinzie Industrial Corridor PMD composes a strip of the (3)
north side of the district, bounded by the Metra to the north, and
Carroll Avenue and Wayman Street to the south. The Kinzie For the Fulton Market District, this has most recently meant the
Industrial Corridor, which stretches as far west as Humboldt arrival of the Coyne American Institute, a technical training
Park, was authorized in 1998, was established to enhance the school located at Green Street and Wayman Street, funded in part
Kinzie Street Corridor “as a modern industrial and distribution with TIF dollars. However, much of the PMD zone in the
center” providing “economic incentives that stimulate private Fulton Market district remains relatively barren, with a variety of
investment throughout the district, especially within the Fulton surface lots and truck trailer storage occupying surface lots.

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Commercial
Commercial and residential uses are found mostly in pockets east Most of the well-regarded restaurants in the district, such as The
of Racine, taking advantage of the C1 zoning that makes up the Publican, Moto, and Otom, are found in the commercial zone on
southeast part of the Fulton Market District. Commercial zoning the south side of Fulton Market Street.
is present mostly east of Racine Avenue and south of Wayman
Avenue. The C1 zone, also known as a “Neighborhood The commercial zoning has allowed for mostly linear commercial
Commercial District” allows for a variety of uses, including infill occurring primarily along Fulton Market Street. The zone
“small-scale business, service and commercial uses” and has not eliminated industrial uses in this section of the district.
“intensive, more auto-oriented commercial use types” (than the As the land use map will show, many of the functioning
similar, but smaller scale B1 , or Neighborhood Business District, warehouses are still located on the east end, between Halsted and
zoning). (4) The C1 district also allows bars, liquor stores, Racine, with commercial and service sharing blocks with
restaurants, and residential dwelling units above the ground floor. industrial uses.

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Manufacturing

The M2 manufacturing zoning in the Fulton Market District is According to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance, manufacturing
found primarily on the southwest side of the district. A strip of zones “are intended to accommodate manufacturing,
M2 zoning lies between Sangamon Street and Racine Avenue on warehousing, wholesale and industrial uses outside the Central
the north side of the block, without touching Fulton Market Area.” (4) Manufacturing districts also promote the economic
Street. Some residential loft conversions and commercial uses feasibility of manufacturing and industrial uses in the city,
occur in this strip, specifically between Aberdeen Street and encouraging employment growth and limiting the “encroachment
Carpenter Street. of unplanned residential and other non-industrial development
within industrial corridors.” (4) The M2 zoning in the Fulton
Market District contains light industrial activity – primarily
warehousing and meat distribution activities.

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Existing Conditions: Land Use
(See map on page 12)

Land use in the Fulton Market District follows the zoning for the As a whole, the district remains primarily industrial, even in the
most part. The commercial zoning has created a variety of land commercially zoned section. Commercial infill has only fully
uses in the southeast side of the district. While vehicular taken the place of industrial in three of 31 blocks in the district.
congestion remains a problem, infill has successfully helped with Two of these three blocks are block between Lake Street and
vibrant district creation. Fulton Market Street, entirely in the commercial zone. One lies
between Carpenter Street and Morgan Street, and the other
The manufacturing zone contains more surface parking lots. between Green Street and Halsted Avenue. Both of these blocks
Some of these lots are used for employee parking, but many are contain new construction facing Fulton Market Street, mixed-use
storage for trucks, trailers, and unused, old equipment. The buildings with ground floor retail and upper level residential. The
PMD zone, north of Carroll and Wayman, is composed of more third non-industrial block in the district lies between Aberdeen
than half surface lots, and many are likewise storage for tractor and Campbell, bounded by Fulton Market Street to the south,
trailers and similar equipment. and Carroll Avenue to the north. This block is mostly made up
of rehabbed warehouse lofts.

Newer mixed-use buildings between Morgan and Carpenter. Corner of parking lot at Peoria and Wayman.
On Fulton Market, facing west toward Carpenter. Facing northwest.

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Note: Land use is based on multiple field visits conducted October 2009 – March 2010, and on available resources from Google Earth.

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Stakeholder/Community Involvement

The stakeholders in the Fulton Market District primarily include small business and boutique owners, residents, and owners and employees
of the warehousing and light industrial businesses. A few organizations exist representing the interests of these stakeholders.

Small Business Owners and Residents

Representation of the residents has fallen mostly on the shoulders The proposal cites the presence of unrestricted parking as a
of the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO). WLCO is contributing factor to congestion, and a dwindling number of
a volunteer-based association of business owners, residents, and daytime spaces for local residents. While the proposal doesn‟t
members of other community groups with an active interest in directly address parking on Fulton Market Street, a number of
the quality of life in the West Loop. The organization deals with businesses that partner with WLCO are located on the street.
issues that take place in the West Loop, specifically in “parks, “Explore Fulton Market,” an annual open house organized by the
development, schools, traffic, safety, and more.” (5) The WLCO art galleries, boutiques and design studios in the district, also cites
has specifically identified a need for parking restrictions and free parking as an advantage for the district. (7)
traffic congestion mitigation in the West Loop area in a 2007
Parking Proposal. (6) The WLCO also promotes the planned CTA station at
Morgan/Lake Streets as a significant future advantage to the
community.

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Warehousing and Light Industrial Businesses

The Randolph/Fulton Market Association (RFMA) looks to Similarly, the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC) is
revitalize and bolster the industrial aspect of Chicago‟s Near active in the area. “The mission of ICNC is to strengthen
Westside. An economic development agency, the RFMA has companies in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor and to facilitate
worked to secure funds for projects such as the new CTA Station economic and community development.” (2) ICNC “provides
at Morgan/Lake Streets, acting as a liaison to local government space and business development assistance to over 100 small
agencies. The RFMA is looking for infrastructure improvements companies,” many of which are located in the Fulton Market
that specifically will foster industrial growth in the district. (8) District. The ICNC is focused on keeping industrial businesses
The RFMA executive board includes approximately fifteen in the West Side of Chicago.
members, representing a variety of meatpacking and light
industrial companies located on or immediately surrounding
Fulton Market Street.

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Existing Plans and Studies

This plan is intended to function as a complement to two existing Chicago plans – the Plan for Chicago’s Near Northwest Side and Chicago
Central Area Action Plan. These plans have an impact on the Fulton Market District in that they serve the area immediately surrounding the
district. The areas in these plans directly border the Fulton Market District.

Plan for Chicago’s Near Northwest Side Chicago Central Area Action Plan

The Plan for Chicago’s Near Northwest Side was developed in 2002 to The Chicago Central Area Action Plan was adopted in 2009 and is
strengthen neighborhood corridors in the Fulton River District, “intended to encourage the implementation of policies and
Eckhart Park, Noble Square, East Village and Ukranian Village projects essential for the Central Area‟s effective functioning,
neighborhoods. “The Near Northwest Side is also home to the growth and quality of life.” (10) The plan calls for improvements
Kinzie Industrial Corridor and the Chicago-Halsted Planned in twelve subdistricts that make up the Central Area of Chicago.
Manufacturing District, which includes both older, established The Near West subdistrict (bounded on the north by Lake Street)
facilities and new high-tech operations.” (9) Major components and the West Loop subdistrict (bounded on the east by the
of this plan include “improving the quality and capacity of transit Kennedy Expressway; essentially at Halsted) lie directly on the
and transportation infrastructure, guiding new development so it borders of the Fulton Market District.
fits within existing neighborhoods and provides clarity to the
development community, and creating new retail and commercial The Chicago Central Area Action Plan highlights the burgeoning
uses to meet the needs brought by new residential development.” residential population in these districts as the impetus for
(9) planning for these areas. It aims to plan for these new residential
populations while retaining the industrial uses (Near West) and
The Kinzie Industrial Corridor sits to the north and overlaps the new office development served by transit improvements (West
Fulton Market District with a south boundary at Carroll Avenue Loop).
and Wayman Street. The Fulton River District lies immediately
east of the study area and shares the boundary of Halsted Street.

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Assets and Challenges

A number of insights on the characteristics of the area were gathered based on information from the WLCO, the RFMA, and the ICNC.
Informal communication with employees from the Chicago Department of Transportation yielded some insight to the study area,
especially concerning the characteristics of the actual street. A close physical assessment of the district was conducted as a primary
determination of assets and challenges.

Assets Challenges

1. Location in the West Loop and proximity to downtown 1. Decay of streets
Chicago 2. Inconsistent land use across the district
2. Planned CTA station at Morgan/Lake Streets 3. Congestion on Fulton Market Street
3. Restaurants, art galleries, and a growing shopping/eating 4. Sidewalk problems
district 5. Inconsistent street parking
4. Warehousing, meat/seafood storage, and shipping
activities
5. The Kinzie Industrial Corridor planned manufacturing
district (PMD), a haven for industry

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Assets

1. Location in the West Loop and proximity to downtown Chicago

The study area is less than two miles from the Chicago Loop, and as such it has become increasingly popular for living, working,
and recreation. The Central Area Action Plan cites Census data showing that residential populations in the West Loop and the
Near West have more than doubled in the years from 2000 to 2007. High rises in the West Loop and Fulton River District and
adaptive-reuse residential projects in the Near West have accommodated these incoming residents. (10) The Central Area Action
Plan indicates that both office and residential development is expected to continue around this district, noting further plans for
both adaptive reuse and new construction.

Warehousing and shipping operations have benefited from the proximity to the Chicago Loop as well. The City of Chicago is a
freight transport hub, and proximity to the business center of the City means industrial businesses are primed to take advantage of
easy access to both truck and rail transport. (11)

Nearby Randolph Street has proven the receptiveness of the Near West Side to new dining and shopping establishments. (1) Many
popular restaurants now line Randolph Street in what has become a dining district immediately west of the Loop. Overall, the area
surrounding the Fulton Market District is a growing “mix of established residential neighborhoods alongside commercial and
industrial uses” just outside of downtown. (10)

2. Planned new infill CTA station at Morgan/Lake Streets, to be completed in 2012
An “infill station” planned for the Green and Pink Lines along Lake Street at Morgan
“will improve transit access to and from the Near West, where stations are currently
spaced more than one mile apart.” (10) In addition to access to the Near West Area,
the planned CTA station also means even easier access to downtown from this area.

“Design for the Morgan station was carried out by TranSystems. The new station will
have two entrances -- one on each side of Lake Street -- bike racks, a concession
stand, customer assistance kiosks, security cameras, and a six-car length translucent
Proposed site of CTA Morgan/Lake Street Station

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canopy, according to the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO). The station will have dual elevator towers and an
overhead transfer bridge, according to artistic renderings of the station released by CDOT. The project's cost is projected between
$35 million and $40 million, according to CDOT. The city has secured $8 million in federal funds through the Congestion
Mitigation and Air Quality program, and the rest will come from the Kinzie Industrial Tax Increment Financing District.” (14)

Within the Fulton Market District study area, the planned CTA station promises improved walkability. A half mile radius is
considered a reasonable “walkable catchment,” or pedestrian shed, around a rail-oriented transit facility. (12) This is a larger
catchment than the quarter mile radius surrounding a bus station. A half mile radius means that the entire Fulton Market District
study area can be reached on foot from the new station within ten minutes. Nearly half of the District (Halsted Street to Racine
Avenue) is even more accessible by foot – within a quarter mile radius, it can be reached within five minutes.

With the arrival of the new station, it is presumed that the Fulton Market District will become even more desirable for residential

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development as access to transit increases land value. (12) Likewise, since new transit stations mean increased ridership, an
increased percentage of employees within the District will be expected to take public transit.

3. Restaurants, art galleries, and a growing shopping/eating district

Popularity of the area has grown in large part to the dichotomy between the influx
of high-end restaurants and boutiques side by side with industrial warehousing
operations. Rather than being presented as a negative aspect of the District, this
dichotomy is at times marketed as a positive feature. The website for Explore
Fulton Market, an annual “art extravaganza” calls the Fulton Market District “one
of Chicago‟s most innovative and dynamic neighborhoods.” (7)

Explore Fulton Market‟s website doesn‟t shy away from the fact that this is indeed
a functioning industrial area. “The West Loop has been transformed over the past
several years and there has been intense interest in the new commercial elements in
the area. In particular Fulton Market has always been a mystery, since weekdays it
is quite congested with trucks shipping and receiving meat, cheese and heaven
knows what else! Known for fish, Fulton has a lot more to offer these
days.....swanky dining, upscale art galleries, antiques, photography studios and
much more!” (7)

The WLCO similarly declares the West Loop “one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Chicago. It is home to thriving
restaurants, shops, a burgeoning gallery district, and spacious residential lofts.” (6)

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4. Warehousing, meat/seafood storage and shipping activities
Field visits have confirmed that more than twenty-five light industrial companies operate in the Fulton Market District, many of
them meat and seafood companies. Much of the loading and storage takes place in the Fulton Market Cold Storage building,
located between Morgan and Carpenter Streets on Fulton Market. Advertised as “The only warehouse located five minutes from
downtown Chicago,” Fulton Market Cold Storage is the literal center of shipping and packing operations in the area, with a number
of local long term customers from within the District as well as around metropolitan Chicago utilizing their services. (13) Fulton
Market Cold Storage touts this local loyalty and family ownership as features key to its success.

Other warehousing and packing companies found within the district include On-Cor Frozen Foods, Aspen Foods, L Frankel
Packing, Aspen Foods, Sam‟s Meat, and Amity Packing Co. Many of these utilize the Fulton Market Cold Storage building.

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5. The Kinzie Industrial Corridor planned manufacturing district (PMD)
(See page 8 for more information on the PMD zone)

The northern third of the Fulton Market District is comprised of a portion of the Kinzie Industrial Corridor PMD, a designated
zone for industrial operations. The PMD uses tax increment financing (TIF) as a way for industrial businesses to lower costs and
expand and modernize operations. (8) Because of the PMD zoning, warehousing and shipping businesses will have a home in the
Fulton Market District without threat of being forced out by a residential influx or commercial development.

Challenges

1. Decay of streets
Fulton Market Street is decaying in the district. The street is pitted and potholed, with a significant amount of patching. Heavy
truck traffic has created a street that in some places is nearer to a gravel road in terms of consistency than a paved city street.

2. Inconsistent land use in the district
(See land use map, page 12)

The district has been filled in with new development to the east, where
commercial zoning has allowed for residential and commercial developments
to be interspersed with functioning warehouses. While the east end of the
District has benefited from this zoning, the west end (west of Racine
Avenue) is a more desolate place. The largest vacant structure in the district
sits at the intersection of Ada Street on the north side of Fulton Market.
Directly across from it is a fenced parking lot/vacant lot for Wichita
Packing, a business which sits between two surface lots on Fulton Market.

Overall, a considerably higher percentage of open lots dot the west side of
the District. The amount of open space is even more surprising in the PMD
zone to the north. While some lots are used for parking, fairly large lots
remain vacant, especially in the block bound by Peoria, Wayman, and Carroll. Vacant structure at Ada and Fulton Market

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3. Congestion on Fulton Market Street

The loading operations of many of the warehouses contribute to the congestion. In the study area, Fulton Market Street runs one-
way westbound for the half mile between Halsted Street and Racine Avenue. From Peoria to Carpenter, this congestion is
pronounced. The congestion on the streets is a combination of car, truck, and forklift traffic. Often, users of the street will be
forced to wait for a truck to move or use a side street as a detour. The WLCO has identified a need for traffic congestion
mitigation in the West Loop area. (6)

Fulton Market Street, Carpenter to Morgan Fulton Market Street, Sangamon to Peoria Congestion at street level.

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4. Sidewalk problems
The sidewalks are often interrupted by diagonal truck parking. At many warehouse buildings, trucks pull up onto the sidewalk to
access loading docks. Some buildings lack sidewalks, and the whole area in front of the building is a loading zone. In many cases
where buildings are repurposed from warehouses, the sidewalks run above old loading docks, with a significant drop-off to the
street. While sidewalks in front of new structures are likewise new and functional, most of the sidewalks in front of warehouse
buildings are either nonexistent or in need of repair.

Sidewalk above old loading dock, with large Nonexistent sidewalk in front of warehouse. Sidewalk above old loading dock, with large
drop-off. Commercial warehouse rehab. Loading zone only; not suitable for drop-off. Makeshift ramp.
pedestrians.

5. Inconsistent street parking on Fulton Market Street

The need for parking in the West Loop has been highlighted by the WLCO. Along the north side of Fulton Market Street,
diagonal parking is present in some sections, while the south side of the street and some sections of the north side function with
traditional parallel parking. There are no metered spots along Fulton Market Street, and no residential parking restrictions.

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Vision

The Fulton Market District is a district that needs to thrive for a multitude of uses. This is a part of the City
of Chicago where industrial development, light manufacturing and warehousing is going to remain for years
to come due to the presence of a planned manufacturing district. Although residential and commercial
development is currently on a downturn, trends point to the fact that it will resume – especially with the
arrival of the new CTA station. In order to retain good industrial jobs in Chicago, prepare for incoming
residents, and look toward the future of development, a plan must be in place.

The goals, strategies, and recommendations outlined below are the key components of that plan. They
attempt to build upon the assets of the Fulton Market District while mitigating the challenges that are
inherent in a small area with such a large variety of uses. The plan helps the Fulton Market District prepare
for growth.

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Goals, Strategies, and Recommendations

The goals outlined here are general in nature, addressing the issues facing the Fulton Market District, as
outlined in the assets and challenges section. Strategies and recommendations are more specific and are
designed to identify ways to meet the goals. Recommendations include, if applicable, agencies and
organizations to coordinate with for implementation.

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Goal 1: Use the proximity to downtown Chicago and the location in the West Loop to the advantage of the Fulton Market District.
Strategy 1: Incorporate the District into the rest of the City of Chicago. Acknowledge existing plans by addressing connections
to adjacent areas. Create a recognizable district that functions well in relation to directly surrounding parts of Chicago.
Focus on the “Imageability” of the district, or “the quality of a place that makes it distinct, recognizable, and
memorable.” (13)

- Recommendation 1:
Create gateways, or district identifiers at each end of the district on Fulton Market Street.
Locate a gateway at each end of the Fulton Market District: one at Fulton Market and Ogden
Avenue, and one at Fulton Market and Halsted Street. Coordinate with Chicago Department
of Transportation Streetscape Program, WLCO and RFMA on gateway design.

www.flickr.com/photos/eridony/4349021962/

Gateway locations outlined in red District gateways in Chicago

- Recommendation 2:
Use light pole banners to identify the Fulton Market District to visitors, especially along the Fulton Market corridor and along
Morgan Street from Lake Street to Fulton Market. Coordinate with WLCO and RFMA on design.

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Goal 2: Capitalize on the implementation of the new Morgan/Lake CTA Station, planned for 2012.
Strategy 1: Encourage and incentivize local Fulton Market District employees to take public transit. Promote the
Morgan/Lake CTA Station before it is built.

- Recommendation:
Work with the CTA to develop marketing around the new station, aimed at residents, warehouse workers, foodies and boutique
shoppers alike. Promote the new station as the premiere way to arrive to the Fulton Market District and to leave from the District.

Strategy 2: In coordination with district creation efforts, create an inviting pedestrian entrance to the district at the
intersection of Morgan and Lake Streets, the location of the new CTA station.

- Recommendation:
Implement streetscaping and greening on Morgan Street from Lake to Fulton Market. Make this short stretch of Morgan Street the
inviting „red carpet‟ into the Fulton Market District. Mimic current greening and streetscaping as found in other parts of the Fulton
Market District. Coordinate with Chicago Department of Transportation Streetscape Program and with the CTA.

Goal 3: Maintain the unique blend of uses in the district, including shopping, dining, residential, and warehousing.
Strategy 1: Create a commercial overlay district on the southwest side of the Fulton Market District. Allow for new
commercial development infill in a manner similar to the east side of the district, where the blocks are full and the
street wall is continuous. (See map of overlay, page 28)

- Recommendation 1:
Encourage commercial infill in the overlay district where new industrial uses would be too large or impractical. Encourage these
uses particularly along the Fulton Market Street in areas where surface lots face the street.

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Overlay zone at the southwest and center of the District.

- Recommendation 2:
Continue to allow dining, commercial and gallery uses in the district to take advantage of the improved walkability brought by the
Morgan/Lake Street CTA Station. Encourage these uses in available or acquirable parcels (surface parking lots, vacant lots, and
vacant buildings). Encourage development of the vacant structure that has become an eyesore at the intersection of Ada Street and
Fulton Market.

- Recommendation 3:
Encourage adaptive reuse only for any warehouse buildings deemed too outdated for continued industrial usage.

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Strategy 2: Continue to encourage industrial uses, especially along Carroll and Wayman Avenue and in the Kinzie
Industrial Corridor. Identify sites for possible development, either for commercial or industrial uses.

- Recommendation:
Use TIF funds provided by the Kinzie Industrial Corridor to attract modern industrial development to the PMD zone in the
district. Investigate the blocks directly north of Carroll and east of Morgan as possibilities for a new loading center for warehousing
and shipping operations in the district. Coordinate with RFMA and the ICNC.

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Goal 4: Improve navigability and alleviate congestion in the district. Make the Fulton Market District functional, attractive and navigable
for residents, small business owners, and warehousing/packing employees alike, especially along the Fulton Market Street corridor.
Strategy 1: Mitigate traffic congestion along the Fulton Market Street corridor.

- Recommendation 1:
Encourage loading and unloading operations on side streets and on Wayman Street
and Carroll Avenue when possible. For example, Fulton Market Cold Storage
conducts many loading operations on Fulton Market Street, but has a number of
loading docks and shipping bays on Morgan Street and Carroll Avenue. During the
day when field visits were conducted, these bays were mostly unused while Fulton
Market Street was jam-packed with trucks. Along with the recommendation to use
the surface parking lots immediately northeast of the Fulton Market Cold Storage
building, it is advised that utilization of the bays be increased in order to keep large
Empty Fulton Market Cold Storage bays. They
trucks from idling in the street.
may be more widely utilized at 2am when
loading operations begin.
- Recommendation 2:
Eliminate the one-way section of the corridor. Make Fulton Market Street two-way from Racine to Halsted, matching up with the
street characteristics immediately west of Racine and east of Halsted. The street width varies from approximately 48 – 50 feet wide.
This width should allow for a 12 ½-13 ½ foot travel lane in each direction. The benefits of a one-way to two-way street include
“improved business activity, increased investment on the street, improved traffic distribution… a more pedestrian-friendly
environment, and produced a general feeling of improved „livability, quaintness‟ and „sense of community.‟ None reported
significant negative effects or plans to convert back to one-way traffic.” (13)

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The map above shows in red the location of the conflict zone on Fulton Market Street. By moving some of the loading operations
to lightly used bays on Morgan Street and Carroll Avenue, conflict zones can be alleviated. Redesign of Fulton Market Street as a
two-way street from Halsted to Racine will likewise help reduce congestion. Coordinate with Chicago Department of
Transportation.

- Recommendation 3:
Improve the quality of the pavement in the Fulton Market District to account for the presence of large trucks.

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Strategy 2: Improve the pedestrian experience in the Fulton Market District.

- Recommendation 1:
In sections of Fulton Market Street where warehouses must load and unload on the street, investigate implementation of sidewalk
reconfiguration, allowing for trucks to park as close to the buildings as possible. In locations where sidewalk installation is not
possible, or a sidewalk exists but is not navigable, install signage to direct pedestrians to use the other side of the street for a short
stretch.
- Recommendation 2:
Install railings along abnormally high sidewalks. Install ramps and bump pads at intersections and at stairways. Follow ADA
compliance guidelines.

Strategy 3: Improve parking in the Fulton Market District.

- Recommendation:
Diagonal parking should be implemented on the North side of the Fulton Market Street for the entire stretch of the district, from
Ogden to Halsted. Diagonal parking requires approximately 15 feet of street width. Traditional, parallel parking (eight feet of
street width) should serve the south side of street. This leaves ample width for two travel lanes of 12 ½-13 ½ feet throughout the
district.
Adopt parking restrictions based on use on a block by block basis.

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References
7. Explore Fulton Market. [Online] [Cited: January 13, 2010.]
1. Meyers, Tiffany. Chicago's Hot Market. The Globe and Mail. http://www.explorefultonmarket.com/.
[Online] December 15, 2009. [Cited: January 5, 2010.] 8. Randolph/Fulton Market Association. [Online] 2010. [Cited:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/chicagos-hot- January 13, 2010.] http://rfmachicago.org/.
market/article1401516/. 9. Plan for Chicago's Near Northwest Side. Skidmore, Owings &
2. Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago - About Us. Industrial Merrill LLP; Urban Works Ltd.; Goodman Williams Group. City
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