Why aren’t Chicago’s public spaces more like Europe’s?

Places like Buckingham Fountain’s plaza are mostly empty. Why aren’t there any café tables, benches or coffee stands?

By Christian Elliott
Illinois Daily Life
A 150' water jet shoots from the center of the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain in Grant Park, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, in Chicago. The iconic fountain, one of the largest in the world, was dedicated and opened to the public in 1927. While in operation, every hour on the hour for 20 minutes, the Fountain produces a major water display which at dusk, is accompanied by a major light display. Spencer Green / AP Photo
Illinois Daily Life
A 150' water jet shoots from the center of the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain in Grant Park, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, in Chicago. The iconic fountain, one of the largest in the world, was dedicated and opened to the public in 1927. While in operation, every hour on the hour for 20 minutes, the Fountain produces a major water display which at dusk, is accompanied by a major light display. Spencer Green / AP Photo

Why aren’t Chicago’s public spaces more like Europe’s?

Places like Buckingham Fountain’s plaza are mostly empty. Why aren’t there any café tables, benches or coffee stands?

By Christian Elliott
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