Current Projects
If you'd like to learn more about any of our current projects listed below, please contact us.
Brownfield Redevelopment
Calumet Brownfield Mapping Tool
The goal of the Calumet Collaborative Mapping Project is to put underutilized sites back into productive reuse. The purpose of this map is to create a baseline of Brownfield and underutilized sites in the Calumet region, so we can plan for the best future use of these sites. Additional information, such as transportation assets, economic development tools, environmental data, and social vulnerability information, helps aid decision making when determining best future use of a site. This mapping tool is made by the partners of Calumet Collaborative so we can collectively address Brownfield Redevelopment as a way to advance sustainable development in the region. Partners involved include Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Voorhees Center, South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA), Delta Institute, and the Field Museum.
The Future of Brownfields
Calumet Collaborative is partnering with Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Institute of Design (ID) on a project called The “Future of Brownfields”. This project started off as a semester long course, and was able to secure funding to continue into the summer months in order to engage with Calumet residents on Brownfield redevelopment solutions. This project changes the way we think about landfills, vacant sites, and contaminated natural areas. Learn more about the project with the following resources:
The goal of the Calumet Collaborative Mapping Project is to put underutilized sites back into productive reuse. The purpose of this map is to create a baseline of Brownfield and underutilized sites in the Calumet region, so we can plan for the best future use of these sites. Additional information, such as transportation assets, economic development tools, environmental data, and social vulnerability information, helps aid decision making when determining best future use of a site. This mapping tool is made by the partners of Calumet Collaborative so we can collectively address Brownfield Redevelopment as a way to advance sustainable development in the region. Partners involved include Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Voorhees Center, South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA), Delta Institute, and the Field Museum.
The Future of Brownfields
Calumet Collaborative is partnering with Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Institute of Design (ID) on a project called The “Future of Brownfields”. This project started off as a semester long course, and was able to secure funding to continue into the summer months in order to engage with Calumet residents on Brownfield redevelopment solutions. This project changes the way we think about landfills, vacant sites, and contaminated natural areas. Learn more about the project with the following resources:
- An article on the beginnings of the project
- An article on the outputs from the semester long project as well as information on the summer's community engagement work
- "The Future of Brownfields" report
- "Brownfields: Critical Paths for Regional Redevelopment" report
Bi-state Conservation Strategies
Conservation Action Planning
A Conservation Action Planning (CAP) process involving partners in northwest Indiana developed strategic conservation plans for areas previously not covered under Indiana’s Lake Michigan Coastal Program.
Learn more about Indiana Conservation Action Planning with these factsheets on the conservation areas covered in the process:
Calumet Conservation Survey
A conservation needs assessment survey will identify the conservation projects in the Calumet and uncover how the Calumet Collaborative can support and help build capacity for bi-state conservation initiatives. Survey responses can also connect existing efforts and identify areas of opportunity for broader and positive regional impact.
A Conservation Action Planning (CAP) process involving partners in northwest Indiana developed strategic conservation plans for areas previously not covered under Indiana’s Lake Michigan Coastal Program.
Learn more about Indiana Conservation Action Planning with these factsheets on the conservation areas covered in the process:
Calumet Conservation Survey
A conservation needs assessment survey will identify the conservation projects in the Calumet and uncover how the Calumet Collaborative can support and help build capacity for bi-state conservation initiatives. Survey responses can also connect existing efforts and identify areas of opportunity for broader and positive regional impact.
Calumet National Heritage Area Initiative
The Calumet National Heritage Area Coordinating Committee is currently working in the areas of communications, management planning, programming, advocacy and capacity building to advance the Calumet Heritage Area.
Learn more about this project with:
Learn more about this project with:
- The Calumet Heritage Area Factsheet
- The Calumet Heritage Area Website
Wayfinding & Placemaking
Identity and Branding
The story of the Calumet Region is beginning to be captured in a regional Identity and Branding project. A brand that unifies the region will have tourism and economic benefits, will draw more visitors to the region, and will raise awareness among residents about the many incredible places and stories the Calumet has to offer.
After an Identity and Branding exercise with the Calumet Collaboration’s Communications Committee held in May 2018, the Communications Committee identified available resources that tell the story of the Calumet region. The committee also determined work that needs to be done to create the Identity and Branding for the Calumet region. The Calumet Collaborative is currently in the process of applying for grant funding that would allow for completion of this project with the help of a consultant. The consultant's output would be a roadmap that will be used to bring the Identity and Branding of the Calumet to life. This includes community engagement on a proposed identity and brand, wayfinding products and design specifications, and a toolkit for wayfinding implementation.
The story of the Calumet Region is beginning to be captured in a regional Identity and Branding project. A brand that unifies the region will have tourism and economic benefits, will draw more visitors to the region, and will raise awareness among residents about the many incredible places and stories the Calumet has to offer.
After an Identity and Branding exercise with the Calumet Collaboration’s Communications Committee held in May 2018, the Communications Committee identified available resources that tell the story of the Calumet region. The committee also determined work that needs to be done to create the Identity and Branding for the Calumet region. The Calumet Collaborative is currently in the process of applying for grant funding that would allow for completion of this project with the help of a consultant. The consultant's output would be a roadmap that will be used to bring the Identity and Branding of the Calumet to life. This includes community engagement on a proposed identity and brand, wayfinding products and design specifications, and a toolkit for wayfinding implementation.