Northern cities in the with a cold climate and a diminishing industrial base have to create new opportunities to compete in todays global economy. Retaining their existing population and businesses, maintaining healthy tax base, attracting new business, retaining and enhancing convention business and expanding tourism visits are among the critical economic elements that a city must have to be successful. In 1998, Mayor Richard M. Daley initiated a project that would change the way the rest of the world would view Chicago. He established a partnership with Chicagos generous philanthropic community and together they produced a spectacular cultural venue adjacent to the central business district that has become an economic dynamo. This cultural park has replaced all the other icons as the one that now defines Chicago to the world.

Chicago's Millennium Park is a case study in how to create demand for downtown services and real estate.