A Bit of Background of the Structure of Chicago 2016

I’ve received the same question these last few weeks, ‘Is Chicago 2016 part of the City of Chicago’?  Simple answer: Nope.  Let’s break down how things work.

 

Chicago 2016  is defined as a 501c3 Non Profit Organization. It is a privately funded organization whose mission is to win the Olympic and Paralympic Games.  Though Chicago 2016 does work with various civic groups, the city and other local organizations, there are many topics that fall outside of Chicago 2016’s abilities (city improvements, etc.). Many of you have been asking me about the role of Chicago 2016 when it comes to city services.  

The good news is, the Chicago 2016 organization and their current efforts to win the bid will result in fantastic legacies that our fine city will enjoy for  years to come!

Why Chicago?

by: Andy Angelos

“Why your city?” is a common question posed to candidate cities.  Answers to this open-ended question range from the superficial “our city is awesome” to complex concerns of international respect and desire for economic gain.  At a base level, however, the “Why your city?” question can be dissected into three specific categories surrounding what scholars refer to as Olympic Legacy.  Let us examine how the city of Chicago is already developing the foundation for the potential Olympic Legacy.  

1.     The construction of world-class sporting and entertainment facilities

2.     Regional attention brought by global media coverage

3.     Job creation and community involvement

World Class Facilities.  Not surprisingly, construction projects are often the most visible signs of the Olympic Games before and after the celebration.  Recent hosts Atlanta and Barcelona successfully developed lasting structures with still contribute to the local economy.  Atlanta’s downtown Olympic Stadium is now home to the Atlanta Braves and the Olympic Village transformed into dormitories for Georgia Tech.        

The most ambitious additions to Chicago’s existing facilities would be the construction of a temporary Olympic Stadium in Washington Park along with an enlargement of Monroe Harbor for rowing events.  Washington Park – a 372 acre creation from famed landscape architects Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux - houses a number of landmarks including Chicago’s first arboretum in a park and the Fountain of Time.  Inserting an 80,000 seat arena in the park is not predicted to destroy any major landmarks and will scale to a smaller venue after the games in an effort to maintain the pastoral urban environment originally envisioned by Olmstead and Vaux.   

Regional Attention.  Chicago is already considered a “global city” by 20^th century standards, boasting institutions of cultural, athletic, and economic importance.  The qualifications for a 21^st century “global city,” however, will likely include concerns of sustainability and creation of new industry to meet humanities changing lifestyle. 

Chicago 2016 would provide an opportunity for the city to once again establish a presence among the world’s elite metropolitan areas.  A large collection of green roofs combined with progressive architecture like the Chicago Spire and a new flood of entrepreneurs for the Olympic economic boom could recreate the impact of 1893 Chicago’s World Fair.

Job Creation.  The Midwest gradually declined as the manufacturing and industrial heart of the United States during the second half of the 20^th century.  Hosting the Olympic Games in Chicago – the region’s financial and cultural center – also would create opportunity for surrounding states Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. 

Chicago 2016 Gets Approval From Chicago River Explorers and Enthusiasts

You know it’s summer in Chicago when thousands of locals and tourists descend to the Chicago River, sail away a Sunday or enjoy a rich architectural tour.  Danielle caught up with such a group the other day and asked their opinion about Chicago 2016.

A Neighborhood Tour Brings A Bevy of Ideas for Chicago 2016

Danielle Uhlarick visits different corners of Chicago and get somes unique ideas about the Chicago 2016 Opening Ceremony. From fire balls to pterodactyls, Chicagoans have a pretty vivid imagination! Wiffle ball, anyone?

Meet the Chicago 2016 Channel Managing Editor

When people ask me what I think of Chicago, I always come up with the same response, “If I could put my arms around the entire city and kiss it, I would.” Here’s why.

My first visit to Chicago was as a wee tot. My uncle was in the Navy and we visited him at the Great Lakes training facility on the North Shore. I remember driving along Lakeshore Drive and seeing tall buildings to my left and water to my right. I was enamored and didn’t understand how the two could co-exist. My Windy City curiosity was piqued at the age of four. I wanted to be a part of those buildings and that Lake and had no idea if it would happen. The word ‘Chicago’ remained a foreign and magical thing to me through the rest of my Michigan childhood.

Fast forward 16 years later. I was a sophomore at Western Michigan University and had the chance to come back to Chicago and tour the famous Leo Burnett building. I was an advertising major and wanted to be the equivalent of Angela Bauer from ‘Who’s the Boss’. My ride was late, we hit traffic and I never did get that tour. I was crushed. There I was in downtown Chicago, no Leo Burnett tour, no extra spending money and a chilly Chicago spring. I did all that I could do - I took a walk. After hours of exploring and cheering myself up, I found myself at the statute at 9th and Michigan. I climbed up the steps, patted one of the horse’s hooves and declared, “One day, I am going to live, work and breathe around the corner from you. Just watch.”

I moved here two months after graduation, didn’t know anyone and began working. As my career and love life experienced their own ups and downs,Chicago was my constant partner. I still claim a special bed of rocks at Fullerton that is my ‘special sitting place’. I can’t count the number of times I needed someone to talk to and the Lake listened. I got my sense of humor back when I took Second City classes and realized how much I enjoyed crisscrossing the city by bus or train. I was discovering that magical place I found when I was four - and it continues to surprise me every day.

Those constant surprises are why I’m here. Chicago surprises everyone, and I know that we’re ready to surprise the Olympic committee with who we are and where we came from. This City’s taught me so much and it’s time for me to return the favor and say, ‘Thank You’.

Chicago is where I started my career and went on to work with some of the most talented people the City has to offer. Chicago is where I met my dearest friends. Chicago is where I get a taste of the Balkan delights I miss from my grandmother’s kitchen. Chicago is where I met my Bridgeport born-White-Sox-loving husband. Chicago is my home.

You may wonder if I made good on that promise I made to the statue. I bought my condo in the South Loop three years ago - two blocks away from where I made that promise. If you ever see a gal at Michigan and 9th streets, sporting a smile and a saluting a horse, that’d be me.

I, along with other members of the Chicago 2016 Channel team have similar stories to share about ourselves and other Chicagoans. Visit us daily to see what we are up to, understand what’s happening with the Olympic bid and see how you can contribute YOUR story to this Channel. I am delighted to be serving as your guide!

Blagica S. Bottigliero

Managing Editor, Chicago 2016 Channel

pronounced (blah-gee-tsa), like ‘pizza’

Ten Things I Hear When I Tell People I Am Working with Chicago 2016

Since taking on this project, I’ve been asked a series of Chicago 2016 related questions on a daily basis. I will be keeping a running list of these questions and The Channel will try to answer these as best we can. As you can see, there are some questions that really can’t be answered….Enjoy!

10. HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE YOUR NAME AGAIN?

9. WHO’S GOING TO PAY FOR IT?

8. WILL THEY FIX MY SUBWAY STOP?

7. CAN YOU GUARANTEE I WON’T HAVE TO WATCH AN ALDERMAN RUN WITH THE TORCH?

6. CAN OPRAH PAY FOR IT?

5. CAN YOU GET ME TICKETS TO MICHAEL PHELPS?

4. WHERE’S EVERYONE GOING TO STAY?

3. DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO WANTS TO RENT MY APARTMENT?

2. WHO’S GOING TO PAY FOR IT?

1. CHICAGO? 2016? SUMMER OLYMPICS? HOW DO I HELP?

Welcome to the Chicago 2016 Channel!

This site is a way for US, the people of Chicago, to bring our voice to the Chicago 2016 Movement. We’re here to tell the story of how Chicago is going to get the 2016 Olympics. Our site aims to give Chicagoans a chance to have their say about why and how the Olympics should come to our city.

We’re going to be as open and as transparent as possible. (For example — some of us have been hired by a firm that does social media, which has been contracted by Chicago 2016 to create this site.)

Throughout the next year, we’ll be inviting you to be part of this — by posting videos (See today’s “Why Chicago” video challenge), photos, comments. It’s “Web 2.0″ meets Chicago’s Olympics Bid.

Why would Chicago 2016 do this? Because these Olympics won’t be GREAT unless the city is behind it. And Chicagoans like to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Here’s the way to make the Olympics great, by getting involved in the bid to bring them to Chicago.

We’re serious about representing all points of view here, and taking on all questions. Many of the people who are writing for this site have made a career out of their dedication to this city, its people, and its many treasures. We CARE about Chicago, and want the Olympics to come here in a way that’ll be great for all of us.

There are numerous stories to be told and we want to hear them. Our city is a treasure chest of multiple languages, cultures, cuisines, sports, history and pride. This Channel aims to bring us all a little closer together and, who knows, you may learn a thing or two about Chicago!

Starting this week, you will be introduced to other members of the Chicago 2016 Channel team. We’ll be writing about the venues, about the people working on Chicago 2016, about the city’s spirit and how the Olympics would impact us.

Most importantly, this Channel is about YOU. US. We’re inviting the world to our home for two weeks in 2016. Let’s work together to make sure they have the warm and hearty welcome that only the City of the Broad Shoulders can provide.

Let’s start now, submit YOUR video and tell us why the Olympics should come to Chicago. We hope you have as much fun creating these videos as we are watching them!