Bennett's work to realize the Plan continued throughout the 1920s and into the early 1930s, though several factors contributed to the delay of key Plan components and, ultimately, to its disuse: first, the economic ramifications of World War I and the depression that followed it; second, the creation of the Chicago Regional Planning Association in 1925; third, lack of capital due to antiquated municipal debt limitations imposed by a rural-dominated state legislature; and finally, the Great Depression of the 1930s. Nevertheless, significant public works were completed during this period or, as in the case of the proposed superhighway system, were at least sufficiently planned so as to create a framework from which future development could originate.

  1. Chicago Plan Commission meeting minutes, [p.30], February 17, 1913.
  2. Edward H. Bennett untitled manuscript, May 24, 1929.
  3. Edward H. Bennett manuscript, "Theme of West Side to the Lake Front Parks," circa late 1920s.
  4. Edward H. Bennett to Charles H. Wacker, July 18, 1924.
  5. Congress Street axis rendering, Bennett, Parsons and Frost, c.1928.
  6. Lake Shore Drive link bridge, construction view, c.1936-1937.
  7. Zoning diagram, 2nd Volume District, Chicago, IL, c.1920s, after 1923.
  8. Diagram of Proposed Chicago Superhighway System, Chicago Plan Commission, December 1927.
  9. Diagram of Proposed Lake Shore Development From 18th St. to Jackson Park, study, Chicago Plan Commission, c.1910s.
  10. Lake Front Development, Lincoln Park District, Montrose Avenue to Foster Avenue, c.1932.

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