creilmann

The story in Chicago as of late is that Mayor Daley is gearing up for a summer olympic bid in 2016. Although this is in the very early stages and the USOC doesn't even know if they will submit an American bid for the 2016 games, I wanted to toss this out there and see what bounced back. I'm looking for ideas, support or opposition to the idea of Chicago hosting the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. I know there are enough Chicago fans out there that have an opinion. Maybe you have a better city fit for these games. Let's hear it. Imagine playing football/soccer at Notre Dame stadium. Bringing back baseball and playing in the ivy-covered, historic Wrigley Field. Rowing competions in one of our beautiful harbors with the Chicago skyline in the background. Basketball in the United Center with 6 championship banner and the retired #23 looming from the rafters. A marathon that runs down Wacker drive along the Chicago River. Celebrations and concerts in Grant, Millenium and Lincoln Park. Has there ever been a city that offers better transportation options (really, I'm asking)? O'Hare and Midway airports. The El. Metra. Chicago is a major Amtrak hub. Plus other regional rail options like the NICTD which runs right into South Bend from Randolph Station in downtown Chicago. Several major Interstates. There are some obstacles. The biggest is the fact that Chicago has no stadium big enough to hold the opening/closing ceremonies. Soldier Field seats only 61500. Ideas for a new domed stadium, which would eventually be the home of a second NFL franchise, have been floated. Some say that 20000 temporary seats could be added to Soldier Field. Daley has even suggested holding the ceremonies in South Bend, Champaign, or Madison and using high speed rail to connect it to Chicago. We'll see how that plays out. There is so much more at play here and I'm curious to hear what you think. Like I said, If you've got a better city in mind, or reasons as to why or why not Chicago would be a good candidate, lets's hear it.

I would love to see some rail stations with underground terminals such as Union Station in Chicago or Grand Central Station in New York. Elevated terminals would be nice too, like Ogilvie Transit Center in Chicago. As far as I know, all of the current stations available have the terminals at ground level. Unless somebody knows of one I haven't seen.

Almost forgot, The Illinois was supposed to be 1609m (5280ft) with 528 floors. http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=103162

Date: 12/31/2005 2:59:35 PM Author: toxicpiano out of all the visions on skyscraperpage, the illinois has to be the most beautiful.quote> Ah, the Illinois.... https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//138891.jpeg align=baseline> I personally like the more realistic Fordham Spire. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//1fordham_spire.jpeg align=baseline>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//3fordham_spire.jpeg align=baseline> https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//2fordham_spire.jpeg align=baseline> I say let the rest of the world have their tallest building. It's a title that never lasts long. Chicago will just keep building new, wonderful, architectural masterpieces, and hopefully preserving it's old ones, to enhance its magnificent skyline. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//413297.jpeg align=baseline> https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//299782.jpeg align=baseline>https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//401165.jpeg align=baseline> By the way, anytime I hear of Wal-mart suffering, I feel some satisfaction.

Phoenix, Arizona https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Chandler-Realestate.jpeg align=baseline> Imagine thousands upon thousands of homes that look just like this lined in miles and miles of perfect rows. Throw in a strip mall on every major intersection and there you have it. City planning at it's finest.

Date: 1/5/2006 8:36:02 PM Author: storms991 If you ask me, I would have to say I completetely despise and hate them. They are like parasites that infest your town and create areas of ugliness. I really believe that the US should start to build terrace houses and houses made solely out of brick instead of merely building the house out of wood and putting brick as siding to look 'pretty'. Brick rules!quote> I agree. Most American suburbs are ugly no matter the type of house. There is no character. If you really want to make yourself sick, check out the sprawling crap that is Phoenix, Arizona. I'll never live in the suburbs.....EVER.

Date: 1/5/2006 5:43:57 PM Author: ancientsociety But, where would we put it? Certainly not in the Loop (too many campaign-funding businesses there). Not in the Gold Coast or Lincoln Park (too many rich people there). Hey why not tear down say Pilsen or Bronzeville. Maybe Rogers Park. Someplace where there's a lot of poor people, that's a great idea! Let's displace more poor people to the outskirts of the city like we did when tearing down public housing and moving in upper-middle-class families. quote> If poor families are put in mixed-income neighborhoods and enough public housing is provided then yes, displace them. The problem with public housing is that it is usually constructed in neighborhoods that are already poor, thus making them even poorer. High-rise public housing has long been a haven for drug-dealers, prostitutes, and various other gang-bangers and criminals who terrorize the families living there. It's very difficult for police to patrol. You can't even get postal workers to deliver mail to some buildings. Individual, low-rise units are less vulnerable to these issues because they are exposed to public view. So I say yes, if there is an opportunity to tear down another high rise death trap so that future mixed-income housing can be provided to the former tenants that have been segregated from the rest of the city for decades, go for it. I'm not saying that Daley is the leader who can make this a success. I know that currently, while these buildings are being torn down, not enough alternative housing is being provided to low-income families, but I think that the idea can be a success if executed properly. As far as these venues go, most of them are in place. I agree that a major new stadium would be difficult, but as I said before, there may be alternatives to this. An Aquatic Center? With all of the universities in this city (Northwestern, Depaul, UIC, Chicago St., U of Chicago, Loyola), they alone could make good use of a facility such as that. Conference championships, Olympic trials, international competitions. Any additional venue can be put to good use in a city like Chicago.

It would be a tricky scenario. Border security would be a nightmare. Tijuana would have to have alot of money invested in it. I mean investing in the actual city, not the outlying resort areas. What's interesting about Denver is that they voted down the Olympics AFTER they won the bid. There is a small movement to go after the games again. A new rail system from Denver to Vail (possibley maglev) would be a major transportation incentive for the winter games in Denver.

A couple of other items. An Olympic bid would probably help push through the Chicago Transit Authority's long-planned Circle Line. There is talk of the first bi-national bid from the US and Mexico ( San Diego/Tijuana ).

Date: 1/5/2006 3:36:24 PM Author: mayormommy Date: 1/5/2006 1:59:39 PM Author:creilmann A marathon that runs down Wacker drive along the Chicago River.  quote> A marathon along Lower Wacker Drive would be really entertaining... I've heard of plans to build a San Antonio-like riverwalk along Lower Wacker. Extend the existing walkways underneath all bridges and even building some shops and boat docks down there. I'd love to see how they plan to do that. I would love to see the Olympics come to South America. It is long overdue. I think the idea of the Winter Games in Mendoza would be interesting.

I think Chicago has many venues to choose from already. Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, Us Cell Field, Allstate Arena, United Center, UIC Pavillion, McCormick Place, Northwestern U. facilities. I also believe that there are plenty of areas within the cith were new venues, such as an aquatic center, can be built. Areas in the South and West sides. The one big venue obstacle, as I said before, would be for the opening/closing ceremonies. There was a wonderful article written by Maggie Haskins of Sports Illustrated on this subjuct. Here's the link: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/maggie_haskins/07/08/chicago.2016/

It's been over six months since I last visited this sight and I am truly amazed by some of the things I am now seeing here. I think it's time to start a new CJ. The Patoka Bay Region has been retired for quite some time now, but here's a look. the arena https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//ad3.jpeg align=baseline> City hall at night Downtown ferry landing https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Fisherferry.jpeg align=baseline> Capitol center https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//capcentmainagain.jpeg align=baseline> boardwalk https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Preboardwalk.jpeg align=baseline> Well, I guess it's time to start working on something new. I'll see what I can come up with. Hopefully I can keep up with you guys.

Welcome to the City of Edwards in the heart of The Patoka Bay Region Thanks for your interest in my first city journal! Like most of you, I'm sure, I have thought about posting a few cities before, but I would usually destroy them instead because I wasn't happy with the way they were turning out. I think I'm on to something this time. I started with skippydam73's Seattle region and made a few modifications. I knew where I wanted to put my first major industrial, commercial and residential areas, but from there, I just let it flow. I have to say thanks to Pegasus for the Leveler and Industrial Kit. Thanks also to jeronij for the CMD Walls and Shore Conforming Walls. I used these lots fairly liberally to get the effects that I wanted. I've used several other lots and mods from this sight so if you see one of yours, thank you and I hope you like what I've done with it. I am open to any suggestions or comments so let 'er rip. Here we go! As you can see, Edwards strong economy is a result of it's efficient industrial seaport area. As Edwards' industry goes high tech, it will become a little more integrated with commercial and residential areas, but for now, it stands alone. Most of the residental area is to the right and bottom on Mt. Adams. I used trees and walls to emphasize the elevation change. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//MtAdams.JPG width=800 align=baseline border=4> Edwards not only relies on it's seaports. It has an extensive rail system for a city of it's small size. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Freightstation.JPG width=800 align=baseline border=4> https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Roundhouse.JPG width=800 align=baseline border=4> I really like this neighborhood because it shows that industry and high-wealth residential can coexist. With a few well placed trees and walls, I got a nice range of buidings in a small area. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Navyport.JPG width=800 align=baseline border=4> I had to find a way to get my rail to the military seaport so I sunk it and put some retaining walls around it. Add a tunnel for a quiet exit and problem solved. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Railtunnel.JPG width=800 align=baseline border=4> This is just the beginning. Edwards is the starting point of a huge region of which you will see in the near future. My focus is on getting a good city center started and expanding out to the other areas of Patoka Bay. I hope this gains a few fans. Like I said, any comments and suggestions are welcomed. I plan on keeping this going, so I can use any help. Enjoy! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//creilmannbanner.JPG align=baseline>

What the.........................................who the...............................................how the................................................... Man, have I been gone that long? SEVEN PAGES!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations on making such a successful CJ in such a short period of time Aleking. You are truely doing some wonderful work. I love the Transit Hub. The way you have built a transportation network between islands is most impressive. Where did you get those cool highway overpasses and the El stations with the pedestrian walkways attached? I'll have to take some time and really like back on the last 5 pages you've built since I've been here. Think I'll start now!

ScottFTL: If I may say, I think that starting a CJ is the best way to really get your city moving. You'll know if you're headed in the right direction or not from the feedback you get and people are always willing to share ideas. Anyway, I look forward to seeing it one day. Finally, and update! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Livingbanner.JPG align=baseline> I wasn't real sure what to do with this area, so after goofing around with it for a while, I came up with Livingston National Cemetary. It's nowhere near completed, but it's been so long since I've updated, that I thought I'd give you a peek. Enjoy! https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//livingstonnat.JPG align=baseline border=4> https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//livingstonnat2.JPG align=baseline border=4> https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//livingstonnat3.JPG align=baseline border=4> And if you don't mind, I'd like to share some real pictures of the area in which I live. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//rmnp1.JPG align=baseline border=4> https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//rmnp2.JPG align=baseline border=4> https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//rmnp3.JPG align=baseline border=4> I don't plan on making real pictures a part of this CJ, but I thought maybe I'd toss a couple of them in every once in a while. That's all for now. I'll have more updates next week and, if you'd like, maybe a couple of pictures from the rafting trip I'm going on this week. See you soon!

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//fishi6.JPG align=baseline> https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//fishi4.JPG align=baseline> https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//citycompnight.JPG align=baseline> https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//fishi3.JPG align=baseline> Feel free to stop by for a visit!

ScottFTL: I'm glad to see you are enjoying Patoka Bay. I haven't done anything with the new modd except download it. I got rid of my old water modd and rock modd. I would suggest using it. By the way, when will we see some of your work? You should at least post some pictures on the accomplishment thread. I feel an update coming............soon..............I promise. Hallelujah, Page 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No offense, but it's a little irritating when people go out and beg for comments. It seems like people will do anything to just get a comment on their CJ. This is what was posted on Page Two of my CJ. great work so far!! keep up the good job! looking forward for some more great updateS! p.s. could you visit my CJ and vote in the poll? Now I appreciate the kind words, but I feel that I created my CJ for my region, not for other people to come on there and use a comment to solicit comments for their CJ. Of course I don't mind an add in the signature or even comparing your CJ to mine and sharing ideas from yours, but don't comment on mine just to get me to visit yours. Chances are, I would have gone there in the first place. I've commented on plenty of CJ's and have not had a comment from that author on mine. I feel no anger torwards these people and I will continue to visit their CJ's and comment if I'd like. There are a ton of CJ's out there. You can't visit all of them. When I go to other CJ's, I comment if I feel the need. If something interests me I will comment or ask questions. Sometimes, someone has already beat me to my comments and I don't feel like repeating them. I visit Jeronij's Sculpting Columbia River all of the time, but by the time I get there, there are already 500 comments about his latest update. So I may comment or I may just try to be one of the first to catch his next update. You've been given a lot of good advice by other people on this thread. I would suggest following it. Please, though, don't beg for comments or give us the sob story. It's just gonna turn us all off. The great CJ's never ask for comments. They eventually come anyway

Lookinin, You sold yourself short with that first statement about not expecting much in this CJ. You have some very good talent. Don't be so modest. My expectations for Franklin County are quite high now. You've got a new fan. Keep it up. (now I must go try out my new diagonal streets)

First, I want to compliment Dusktrooper on that wonderful highway sytem. Los Angeles would be jealous. Second, here's some of the latest pics from Patoka Bay. Enjoy! Come on by for a visit!

Just wonderful. One of the best rail systems I've ever seen. Thanks for the lovely tour.

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//VerdeBanner.JPG align=baseline> Just thought I'd show you a couple of pictures of the Gorge with Cycledogg's new modd. https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Patcount1.JPG align=baseline border=4> https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Patcount2.JPG align=baseline border=4> An update is coming soon. I promise!

This is nice. Another promising start to a CJ. I'll keep an eye on it. P.S. How about Walter freakin' Payton! (yes, I know freakin' is not a part of his name.)

Aleking, When it comes to industrial sectors, you are one of the masters. As I've said before, the canal is wonderful. I also like the use of trees. It blends your industry into the rest of your city nicely. More real city governments should follow suit.