We’re happy to see Ald. Bob Fioretti’s push to help South Michigan Avenue’s Motor Row district moving forward.

It’s a fantastically promising neighborhood with gorgeous buildings. Everything seems primed to go.

We do wonder a bit if his proposed zoning change will really have that much effect on the neighborhood, though. Nothing was stopping music venues, clubs and restaurants from moving in before. Why would things change now, with even fewer options for developers?

We’re hoping that one developer’s prediction will be correct, that by ruling out future residential uses for the area, new projects will be more focused.

If things go wrong though, it could become more of a ghost town than it already is. Developments like the Motor Row Lofts look great, and we’re a bit wary to see that choice going away. Then again, developers’ fear of NIMBYs and neighbors complaining about loud night clubs ring at least a little bit true.

We’ll keep watching this one to see how it plays out.

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By Motor Row vs Music Row from Motor Row
Posted: 09/09/2011 9:40 AM

How does this happen with out any community discussion or review? If the Alderman were so concerned about a Music Row, why push through a bland Data Center with no ammeneties or architectural fit with the rest of Music Row?