Chicago City Builders Book Club: Nature's Metropolis, Part Three

Chicago City Builders Book Club: Nature’s Metropolis, Part III

We made it. After hundreds of pages of prairies, railroads, lumber, grain, and hogs, we are in the home stretch of William Cronon’s Nature’s Metropolis: Chicago and the Great West. Part III ties it all together, tracing how Chicago’s economic dominance didn’t just transform the 19th century but set patterns that still shape the city and the region today.

This section pushes us to think about legacy. What does it mean for a city to concentrate so much power? How do the choices of one era ripple through to our present challenges in land use, climate, and equity? And maybe most importantly: what does the book’s story suggest about the future cities we are building now?

Yes, it is a long book. But if you have stuck with it this far, you know it pays off. And if you are just joining now, Part III is the perfect chance to jump in at the big-picture level.

The Vibe
This is not a seminar where you are quizzed on every footnote. It is a happy hour for city builders. We gather over drinks and snacks to swap ideas, challenge each other, and laugh about the fact that we voluntarily spent months reading a book longer than some city comprehensive plans. If you are passionate about public service, urban design, or the messy mechanics of reform, this is your crew.

Where and When
We meet at locations near the Loop every six weeks or so. This final session covers Part III of Nature’s Metropolis. Join us to close out the series and raise a glass to finishing one of the most ambitious books ever written about Chicago.

Hosts

Marla Westervelt Berg, Principal, Cityfi, bWFybGEgfCBjaXR5ZmkgISBjbw==

Lauren Mattern, Founder & TDM Lead, Journey, bGF1cmVuIHwgam91cm5leW1vYmlsaXR5ICEgY28=

Mike Ernst, Associate, Arup, bWlrZSAhIGVybnN0IHwgYXJ1cCAhIGNvbQ==

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