Work has begun on the Wells-Wentworth Connector that will provide a key connection between Chinatown to Downtown Chicago.

CHICAGO—Related Midwest has begun major infrastructure work, specifically the Wells-Wentworth Connector, in connection with its long-anticipated $7-billion "The 78" mixed-use project here.

The connector upon completion will provide what the developer says will be unprecedented access between Chinatown and Downtown Chicago.

The Wells-Wentworth Connector is part of the first phase of development at The 78, which is bordered by Roosevelt Road, Clark Street, 15th Street and the Chicago River. The 78 could at full build-out include a total of 13 million square feet of mixed-use space.

Throughout a two-year collaboration, Related Midwest and the Chicago Department of Transportation created a design that prioritizes safety while considering the various modes of transit preferred by city dwellers. A double parkway integrates raised, separated bike lanes into a tree-lined path that helps ensure the safety of bikers by keeping them separate from automobile and pedestrian traffic. Street lighting—along with additional lighting for pedestrians—will create an aesthetically pleasing, multi-tiered space that illuminates the entire sidewalk, bikeway and landscape.

In addition, speed tables will ensure traffic moves safely, improve the walkability of the surrounding neighborhood and improve access to Ping Tom Memorial Park. Site Design Group, an urban design firm led by Ernie Wong, who created Riverwalk East, Pilsen Mural Park and Ping Tom Park, is the landscape architect for the Wells Wentworth-Connector.

The Wells-Wentworth Connector is one of several major infrastructure improvements in and around The 78, including a new CTA Red Line station, relocation of the existing Metra tracks and reconstruction of the Chicago River seawall.

"The Wells-Wentworth Connector is an important step in the development of The 78," says Curt Bailey, president of Related Midwest. "Because The 78 will sit on 62 acres of land that has been undeveloped for 90 years, this road will directly connect the Loop to many neighborhoods, including Chinatown, for the first time. The Connector will be a safe, beautiful streetscape to travel on, whether by car, bike or foot, and we're excited about the positive economic impact it will have on the surrounding communities."

The 78 will include green and open space that will feature a fully activated, five-acre riverfront and a seven-acre public park; public art; residential, retail and restaurant offerings; office space to attract flagship companies and cultural institutions.

"While The 78 will bring economic benefits to all of Chicago, we expect it has the power to transform Chinatown in significant ways," says Emma Yu, executive director of the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. "Chinatown is home to many small and family-owned businesses and the Wells-Wentworth Connector will open up those companies to access from visitors from other neighborhoods and bring additional business growth to our community."

In addition to infrastructure improvements, The 78 will provide opportunities for more than 15,000 trade, construction and professional services jobs and 24,000 new, permanent jobs. It will also create economic opportunities that directly benefit residents of the city's South and West sides.

To help guide its efforts to create sustainable careers through development of The 78, Related Midwest has formed the Community Inclusion Council (CIC), a trusted group of civic, business and community partners who will focus on diversity and inclusion in hiring and contracting at The 78.

Instant Insights /

Related Midwest Begins Construction on Wells-Wentworth Connector

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