west chicago

The 2017 Central-Main Street Redevelopment Plan update offers West Chicago a once-in-a-generation opportunity to realize its enormous transit-oriented development potential. The construction of nearly 400 new market-rate dwellings, beautiful pocket parks, inspiring stormwater plazas, and small retail amenities would represent the largest single physical transformation to downtown West Chicago in its history. By scrupulously following the steps to implementation in this report over the next several years, West Chicago can attain this long sought vision and set the stage for its long-term prosperity. 

The project focused on updated the 2007 Master Plan and updating the preferences based on the aftermath of the real estate crash. The project focuses on transforming the area into a transit-oriented development. To entice Metra passengers to walk between the station and downtown, the plan calls for the mixed-use buildings at each bend in Main Street to feature tower elements and provide plazas with a small amount of retail. A midblock connection shortens the walk distance to the top of the hill, the plazas have fountains, blank walls along sidewalks are avoided, and parking is screened. To maximize the benefits of the Vision Plan, the City is well advised to embrace high design standards and not settle for less. 

Client: West Chicago Central Main Street Redevelopment Plan

Location: Chicago, IL

Year: 2018

Project Area: 12 acres

West Chicago is surrounded by attractive towns, has access to transportation options, and boasts natural amenities. The City is well connected to the greater Chicago region with readily available access to Interstate-88, Interstate-90, IL-59, IL-64, the DuPage Aiport, and the Union Pacific West (UP-W) Metra line. Sought after communities, such as St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Aurora, and Wheaton, surround West Chicago. Fermilab, the United States’ premier particle physics laboratory, is only a few miles away. Forest preserves, bicycle trails, and the Fox River are nearby amenities that connect residents with nature and surrounding communities.