GREENING OF SOCIABLE SPACES AND BUILDINGS IN POSTINDUSTRIAL HIGH-DENSITY CITIES

This chapter uses case studies of urban green corridors and districts to illustrate how U.S. Midwest postindustrial cities are using sustainable strategies to reimagine and rehabilitate urban waterways and districts for sociability. Urban waterways and industrial buildings are being reclaimed and repurposed for human occupation and enjoyment. Cities such as Chicago and Milwaukee, WI, have maintained their lakeshores as public green spaces and redeveloped their waterfronts with public parks, sustainable riverwalks, and natural corridors as habitats for native wildlife and fauna. Promoting smart growth strategies and fostering innovative green technologies, once derelict warehouse districts and brownfields have been repurposed into vibrant mixed-use buildings and neighborhoods that have enticed people and entrepreneurs to once again live and work in city centers. While affordability for housing remains an obstacle for many, urban public waterways are being sustainably redeveloped to become more desirable and accessible for living, commerce, recreation, leisure, and socializing.