Embedded Files
An Urban Design Framework Plan for Chicago's First National Park Community
Prosperous. Proud. United.
Pullman United is a community-centered urban design framework developed by UIC's Master of City Design program in partnership the Friends of the Historic Pullman National Park, the 9th Ward Alderman Office (Anthony Beale), the Historic Pullman Empowerment Organization with residents and other community organizations.
Building on the larger Calumet: Off the Grid vision, the plan explores how historic preservation, ecological restoration, housing, mobility, and economic development can work together to create a healthier, more connected future for Pullman and Chicago's Far South Side.
A Neighborhood with a National Legacy.
Pullman occupies a unique place in American history. Established in 1880 as the nation's first planned industrial community, Pullman became a proving ground for ideas about urban design, labor, housing, and public life. It later emerged as a cornerstone of the labor movement through the Pullman Porters and the leadership of A. Philip Randolph, whose work helped lay the foundation for the modern Civil Rights Movement. Today, Pullman stands as both a National Historical Park and a living neighborhood whose residents continue to shape its future.
Five Principles for a Unitied Pullman
Clean.
Supporting environmental regeneration, public health, green infrastructure, and climate resilience.
Cultivate.
Investing in cultural heritage, community identity, education, and historic preservation.
Connect.
Creating stronger physical and social connections through trails, streets, transit, and public spaces.
Create.
Building economic opportunity through entrepreneurship, workforce development, tourism, and innovation.
Coexist.
Supporting diverse housing choices, equitable development, and thriving mixed-use communities.
Three Focus Areas.
North Pullman
Reinvestment, housing neighborhood commercial activity, and community assets
Central Pullman
Historic preservation, tourism, culture, and strengthening the National Historical Park district
South Pullman
Ecological restoration, connections to Big Marsh, green infrastructure, sustainable development opportunities
View the Vision.
Access the Pullman United plan document, the final presentation boards, and the Community Presentation slide deck.
Pullman United Plan Document
Pullman United Final Boards
Pullman Community Presentation Slides
Created with Community.
Pullman United was developed by the Fall 2025 Urban Edge Studio within the University of Illinois Chicago's Master of City Design program under the leadership of Dr. April Jackson and Vinayak Bharne. The project was completed in collaboration with the 9th Ward Alderman's Office, Historic Pullman Foundation, Historic Pullman Empowerment Organization, community residents, and numerous planning, design, and civic partners.
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