An architect shows a rendering of the first phase of the planned Bronzeville Lakefront mega-development

Members of the Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday heaped praise on a $6 billion, multi-decade endeavor to redevelop a 71-acre swath of the city’s Near South lakefront, calling it a model for urban planning and community involvement. They also accepted at face value the developer’s vow to sharpen its long-term hiring commitments amid pressure from a major hospitality union.

Commissioners unanimously voted to approve a planned development application (O2020-3001) for the “Bronzeville Lakefront” mega-development, the first in a long line of public approvals that will be needed to bring the endeavor to fruition before its projected 2041 completion date.