Slides presented by the Chicago Department of Transportation at a May 21, 2014 open house meeting. The renderings are of potential gateway markers for the Fulton Market Innovation District in Chicago's West Loop

1. Chicago Department of Transportation
Fulton Market District
Traditional materials of wood and
metal bent into a contemporary
shape. Night lighting can be used
to create different effects.
Food themes re-imagined as
artwork. Night lighting transforms
this gateway into an illustration of
market activity.
Traditional materials of steel
curved into an ephemeral shape
with a connection that can be
highlighted with unique lighting.
Previous Concepts
Cantilever Arch:
Fulton Food:
Curved Steel:

2. Chicago Department of Transportation
Fulton Market District
Current Concepts
Concept A
Concept B
Corten steel gateway inspired by the use of crates for transporting and packaging of food
products. Perforated metal sheets cover hidden exploratory objects behind, revealing
something different inside than what the outside appearance suggests.
At night, dynamic lighting can transform the gateway reinforcing the concept of change on
the street from daytime to night.
Perforated corten steel can be varied to create artwork within it
Lighting can be used to change and transform the gateway

3. Chicago Department of Transportation
Fulton Market District
History and existing uses Market changes from day to night Contemporary treatments and finishes
Use of metal on street can be inspiration for art
Street and elements can
be transformed by light

4. Chicago Department of Transportation
Fulton Market District
Task Force Feedback
April 25, 2014 May 16, 2014
Light levels from gateway should not be too bright, and
how lighting is developed is important for the gateway
Gateway should reflect history of area as a food market
Gateway location needs to be carefully considered
Technology is moving into the area, and this should be a
part of the theme as well as food
Food should continue to be part of future of Fulton and
reflected in the gateway design
Fulton should not be seen just as a historic market, but as
a future market as well
Fulton buildings are box shaped, brick and metal and
industrial, so gateway should reflect this and not be too
shiny or glossy
Impacts to sidewalks and street should be minimized
Gateway needs to accommodate current truck and street
uses, and not be a hindrance to businesses
The gateway should reflect the boxy character of the
buildings on the street, in lieu of more abstract forms
Continue with the food theme, with the group being split
between more literal vs more subtle interpretations
The market change between day and night, inside and
outside is interesting and should be explored as a theme
The area is changing, but food is a constant and the
gateway can represent that and also transform with it
Group prefers the “Fulton Food” theme and likes the
shape and incorporation of food theme
Abstract/curved arches don’t reflect the architecture of
the area
Corten steel is a good choice for material, as it is tough
and industrial

5. Chicago Department of Transportation
Fulton Market District
Identifiers on Randolph St. Streetscape / Flex Street on
Fulton Market
Proposed Gateway
• Streetscape improvements on Fulton and Randolph to build off of land use planning
process in 2015-2016
• Gateway identifier at Fulton Market / Halsted St. to launch implementation of
streetscape visioning plan in Fall 2014