I think the 1890's was the greatest decade. It was the height of Chicago's position as the economic gateway of the west and 1893 was when Chicago hosted the legendary World Columbian Exhibition. What do you all think?

1970's when we put up our skyline.
1960's when those towers were in planning.

Bear in mind that I am not just talking about development of the skyline, although that is certainly a good factor to keep in mind. :wink2: Take into account all factors affecting the city when defining the greatest decade.

I think Chicago is currently entering it's greatest era. The city is revitalized, new construction- the likes we have'nt seen in decades. People are moving back in, especially downtown. Still politically corrupt compared to other major cities, Daley has fine tunned the "political machine", something his old man was not able to do. Today however, Chicago must share it's economic dominance with upstart cities (unlike in past decades) such as Houston, Dallas, the Bay area...
Still Chi-Town is the Second City!

I chose "other" because its greatest days are ahead :)

^Cop out. :)

I'd say the present due to Chicago's transformation into a global city. My sense is that this will be a benchmark in the city's history.

I'll say the 1920s when it became the Midamerican metropolis

It facinates me that so many voted for the 1920's. Sure, that was probably the most important period of sustainable economic growth so far but there was also rampant crime and corruption. Although some of Chicago's greatest buildings were built in that decade so maybe it wasnt so bad. :)

I think Chicago is currently entering it's greatest era.


I Second that.
Overall,it's a tough city to beat and it's only getting better and better

Kudos to this topic

Really I don't know. It's really a toss up between 1890's and TODAY! Think about it. Chicago entered the global arena in the 1890's during the Columbian Exposition. I know it doesn't have relevancy nowadays, but we defeated NYC in this bid and in doing so millions saw our city and the saw the framework for what would shape the cities of America for generations to come. Chicago became a model for urban planning at that point. It also gave birth to the plan of Chicago 1909. Without the world's fair of 1893, Burnham would've never had the momentum to head into the Chicago plan for 1909. This decade was VERY IMPORTANT. How important? Look at our flag because one of those stars recognizes the importance of that world's fair to city.

Then there is TODAY. how do we justify this decade as the best to come. in the 1900's all roads and rail tracks crossed this city, now we are working on how every strand of fiber optic tech. will someday cross this city too. I think its possible, we have the resources and no doubt the civic pride. Then there's the redevelopment. I always bitch about how carefull urban planning should be for the next 10-20 years, because WE CAN NOT MAKE ANY MISTAKES. This city must expand right, build right, and live right. That includes inclusive economic and social policy as well as good quality urban redevelopment with stunning architecture. The redevelopment going on this city is astounding and is currently defying the market trends. Let's hope that the city is not sacrificing quality over quantity becayse this is the first city of American architecture, we must continue to rival the world because as far as I am concerned our only rival is Rome.