Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan VILLAGE of LAKE VILLA, ILLINOIS

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Approved as an Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan by the Village Board on September 11, 2013 Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan VILLAGE OF LAKE VILLA, ILLINOIS

PREPARED BY THE CONSULTANT TEAM OF: Teska Associates, Inc. | Fish Transportation Group | Business Districts, Inc. | wohltgroup Table of Contents

Section Page 1: Vision, Goals & Strategies 1 2: Economic Development Strategies 9 3: Branding Strategies 15 4: Redevelopment Strategies 21 >> Downtown Lakefront Opportunity Site 24 >> Industrial Park Opportunity Site 27 >> Pleviak School Opportunity Site 29 >> Cedar Lake Road Opportunity Site 33 5: Transportation Strategies 39 6: Urban Design Strategies 59 A: Appendix A1

This document summarizes the work conducted for the Village of Lake Villa. The document was prepared under contract with the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeastern Illinois and was financed in part through through a grant from the Regional Transportation Authority. The contents of the document do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Regional Transportation Authority. The Village of Lake Villa also provided funding for this project.

This document was prepared for the Village of Lake Villa, Illinois, by the Consultant Team of: Teska Associates, Inc. Fish Transportation Group Business Districts, Inc. wohltgroup 1 : Vision, Goals & Strategies

VISION STATEMENT The Lake Villa community has traditionally identified its downtown as the triangular area bounded by Cedar Avenue, the Canadian National The vision for the Lake Villa Railroad, and Grand Avenue. Downtown Lake Villa and its environs are Triangle is to become one of the home to several community assets -- from retail businesses, a post of- most desirable addresses within fice, and municipal facilities to a Metra commuter rail station, lakefront the Lakes Region for those who park, and an elementary school -- all of which create a unique district enjoy an active lifestyle. for local residents and visitors. In 2009, the Village prepared a downtown redevelopment strategy to identify the market strengths of Lake Villa and determine approaches to ensure the downtown is market Lake Villa Triangle is home to many ready for development as the economy continues to rebound. distinctive assets, including the Village’s legacy as a resort destina- Three years later in 2012-13, the Village received a grant from the Re- tion, the historic character of Cedar Avenue and the nearby Lehmann gional Transportation Authority (RTA) to build from the 2009 redevelop- Mansion, the close proximity of ment strategy to prepare strategies to revitalize the downtown, includ- many compelling natural features ing: marketing downtown opportunities; creating a brand promise and and trails, the presence of commut- identity; devising concepts for key redevelopment opportunity sites; er rail service, and the ongoing use improving safe multimodal accessibility, particulary for pedestrians and of the downtown as the preferred bicyclists; and enhancing the downtown streetscape. As these strate- location for important community festivals, events and recreational gies are detailed within this plan, they are supported by a downtown programs. vision statement (see left). These assets -- along with presence of significant development opportunity sites that include water access and views -- suggest that Lake Villa Triangle is well positioned to attract new investment and new residents attracted to the area’s many outdoor amenities.

Downtown Lake Villa includes a mix of uses, including retail businesses and civic facilities, within the historic core along Cedar Avenue.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 1 1 | Vision, Goals & Strategies A NEW DOWNTOWN LEGACY: the name and identity for the down- As described in more detail in Section 3, LAKE VILLA TRIANGLE town area. the Village has defined branding strategies for the Lake Villa Triangle, including In addition to the distinct triangular As illustrated in the map below, Lake the creation and support of a brand shape of Lake Villa’s downtown core, Villa Triangle encompasses the historic promise to help market the downtown the downtown is commonly referred downtown core bounded by Cedar as an attractive place for a diversity of to as “The Triangle”, encompassing Avenue, Grand Avenue, and the railroad people -- business owners, shoppers, not only the historic core along Cedar (yellow triangle), as well as extends homebuyers, renters, bicyclists, out- Avenue but also including a broader beyond to include adjacent areas (red doorsmen, athletes, adventure seekers, area, particularly east towards Milwau- shaded triangle) that have significant investors, and developers. This brand kee Avenue and south towards Park influence on how downtown evolves. promise is provided below. Avenue. With the term “The Triangle” Along with the already within common use in the local SUN LAKE FOREST PRESERVE vernacular, the Lake Villa community is distinctness of the presented with a unique opportunity to Lake Villa Triangle SUN PETITE LAKE RD differentiate its downtown from those name, the downtown LAKE in other nearby communities, especially has also increasingly those that utilize the term “downtown” become known for in the name or even have the word the active lifestyle af- “Lake” in the community name (e.g., forded by the natural MILWAUKEE AVE DEEP Fox Lake, Round Lake, Grayslake, etc). landscape, lakes, CEDAR LAKE sports facilities, rec- LAKE To help enhance the overall awareness reational amenities, of the downtown area, the community and family-friendly CEDAR AVE GRAND AVE built momentum around the idea of environment found in utilizing the triangle theme that already Lake Villa. This active CN RAILROAD has traction among residents, visitors, lifestyle is evolving

and businesses. The result was formal- into the brand for the KINLEY AVE C izing the name “Lake Villa Triangle” as Lake Villa Triangle. NORTH M

BRAND PROMISE By 2023, Lake Villa Triangle will be one of the most desirable mixed use, transit oriented neighborhoods within the Lakes Region for Metra commuters, businesses, visitors and residents who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 2 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Vision, Goals & Strategies | 1 A VIBRANT, CONNECTED & DISTINCT DOWNTOWN VIBRANT CONNECTED DISTINCT The Lake Villa Triangle A multimodal transporta- From lakefront properties The vision statement intends for will attract new uses and tion network will deﬁne near Metra service to the the Lake Villa Triangle to be a redevelop underutilized the Lake Villa Triangle, community’s focus on an vibrant, connected, and distrinct properties to create a providing safe and efﬁ- active lifestyle, the Lake area not only in the Village, but complementary mix of cient access for motorists, Villa Triangle will evolve also in the Lake County and businesses, housing op- bicyclists, pedestrians, into a district that offers Chicago regions. tions, civic uses, and em- outdoor enthusiasts, and unique residential, busi- ployment opportunities to Metra rail commuters. ness, employment, civic, make the downtown area and recreation opportu- a place where shoppers, nities for residents and residents, visitors, and visitors alike. employers want to be. WESTWARD PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT FOR THE DOWNTOWN LAKEFRONT OPPORTUNITY SITE [SEE PAGES 24-26 FOR COMPLETE CONCEPT DETAILS]

NORTH A RETAIL/RE C TOWNHOUSESTO GROCERYGGRR D CEDAR LAKE ROWHOUSES/USUSESES/ B MIXED USE RESIDENTIALRESESIDIDENEN FLATS RETAILRETA + RESIDENTIAL D

C TOWNHOUSESTO LAKEFRONT GRAND AVE PARK STORMWATER CIVIC FESTIVAL DETENTION PLAZA BLACKHORN GRILLE NEW STORMWATER DEVELOPMENT DETENTION

CEDAR AVE VILLAGE ADAPTIVE REUSE FIRE HALL OF AUTO DEALER SITE STATION LEHMANN PARK NEW A BIRDSEYE VIEW DEVELOPMENT The Downtown Lakefront opportunity site has the strongest potential to advance the ideas associated with the Lake Villa Triangle. Looking westward towards Cedar Lake, the proposed redevelopment concept for the Downtown Lakefront site is situated to the west of Cedar METRA Avenue but ties connects with the historic STATION downtown core. This includes safe pedestrian and bicycle access to amenities in both the historic core and expanded downtown area, including the Metra station, Lehmann Park, a new lakefront park, civic space, trails, mixed housing options, and commercial businesses.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 3 1 | Vision, Goals & Strategies DOWNTOWN GOALS

Based on the findings and analyses of the Existing Condi- tions Report, the Downtown TOD Plan is guided by a set of eleven downtown goals, as summarized to the right and on the following pages. The downtown goals are the over- arching guideposts to which all elements of the Downtown TOD Plan are crafted to ensure 1 | Attract new 2 | Support trans- 3 | Support sensi- consistency with each other retail, housing, and portation options in tive reuse and rede- and with the community’s vision and expectations for mixed-use develop- Lake Villa, including velopment of prop- the Lake Villa Triangle. These ment to the Lake access and use of erties along Cedar eleven goals work together to Villa Triangle. Metra, biking, and Avenue to promote propel the plan and reinvigo- walking. a “downtown main rate the downtown area. The Lake Villa Triangle will be street” environment comprised of a diverse and FRAMEWORK STRATEGIES From Metra service and an that mixes stores, complementary mix of uses interconnected network of that provide retail uses for restaurants, servic- The eleven downtown goals bike trails and sidewalks to shoppers, business spaces improved roadway intersec- es, and residential provide a solid foundation for entrepreneurs, jobs for for the framework strategies, tions and parking facilities, development. the workforce, housing for the Lake Villa Triangle will which are designed to ad- residents, and recreational dress the following elements provide access for mul- While there are downtown facilities for athletes, outdoor tiple modes of transport that impact how the Lake Villa enthusiasts, and those properties that are pres- Triangle will evolve in terms to ensure all who seek the ently underutilized that offer seeking an active lifestyle. downtown area can get of character, growth, demand, While the mixed use quality reuse and redevelopment access, and design: there safely, efficiently, and opportunities, there are also of the Lake Villa Triangle will conveniently. primarily cater to people a few nearby greenfield sites >> Economic Development seeking a place to live within within walking or biking >> Marketing & Branding walking or biking distance of distance to the core of the >> Redevelopment a variety of amenities, it will Lake Villa Triangle. These >> Transportation also attract visitors seeking greenfields enable the Vil- >> Urban Design a unique place to spend a lage to envision completely day, with multiple places to new development that From conceptual site plans explore and things to do in builds up the character of and a reimagined transporta- one central area. a “downtown main street” tion network to a marketing atmosphere and embraces program and a new downtown a distinct mixed use district brand, the framework strate- that promotes an active gies define how the Village and lifestyle and encourages its partners will achieve the increased transit ridership. downtown goals and evolve the Lake Villa Triangle.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 4 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Vision, Goals & Strategies | 1

4 | Create vibrant 5 | Support a 6 | Focus on 7 | Expand access new development range of housing sports and recre- to Cedar and Deep on key opportu- options that bring ation as anchor Lakes to non-motor- nity sites that bring residents in close uses in and around ized watersports. character, a strong proximity to retail, the Lake Villa Tri- sense of place, and transit and other angle to attract Very few communities can boast access to two major economic vitality to services, and that visitors, custom- lakes within walking dis- the Lake Villa Tri- expands the resi- ers, and prospec- tance of a commuter rail sta- angle. dential base sup- tive investors in tion, but Lake Villa can. With porting Lake Villa complementary a growing reputation as a re- Two of the four key opportu- Triangle businesses. businesses, includ- gional destination for sports nity sites are expansive new and recreation, the com- development sites -- one ing restaurants and munity can further enhance along the Cedar Lake water- Increasing the number of stores. its appeal by diversifying the front and the other at Cedar rooftops around a Metra range of activities offered at Lake Road -- which enable station area will generate its recreation facilities and commuters who utilize As a community known for within its lakes. Expanding the Village to conceptualize its lakes, outdoor recreation, major multi-use develop- transit and boost ridership. access to Cedar and Deep More residents will also sports facilities, and active Lakes to non-motorized ments. The third site is an lifestyle, Lake Villa provides industrial park site that can support local businesses watersports will achieve this, within walking distance or a competitive advantage in while protecting the serenity boost economic develop- the marketplace by empha- ment as well as contribute a short bike ride from their of the lakes from more ob- front doorsteps. Lake Villa sizing sports and recreation trusive disturbances created to Lake Villa’s active life- as anchors that deﬁne the style. The fourth site is the envisions a diverse mix of by motorized watercraft. housing options that meets community’s identity, cre- Pleviak Elementary School ate unique opportunities site, which -- if it becomes market demands and realities, ensuring what gets built for new businesses and available -- could open the investors, and attract visitors doors for major redevelop- also gets absorbed by the local market of home buy- from near and far. Have a ment at a prime downtown Saturday soccer tournament? intersection. Taken together, ers and renters. The Lake Villa Triangle will provide Bring the family to spend the the four opportunity sites whole day in the Lake Villa will strengthen the sense of home products that meet a variety of needs, family size, Triangle and enjoy all the place and economic vitality amenities it has to offer. of the Lake Villa Triangle. lifestyles, and budgets.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 5 1 | Vision, Goals & Strategies

8 | Connect the 9 | Improve walk- 10 | Implement 11 | Implement a Lake Villa Triangle to ability of the Lake a streetscape and marketing program the natural resourc- Villa Triangle by signage program to through a variety es and open spaces completing all enhance the experi- of traditional and throughout Lake needed sidewalks ence of visitors to social media to pro- Villa and neighbor- and safe pedestrian the Lake Villa Tri- mote the Lake Villa ing communities crossings on Cedar angle. Triangle. through multi-pur- Avenue at Grand pose bicycle and and Milwaukee Providing new downtown A downtown marketing walking paths. Avenues and im- uses may be able to attract program ensures the Village visitors on their own, but it and its partners have a proving access to also helps to create an envi- step-by-step guide to effec- As Lake Villa integrates a transit. ronment that is welcoming, tively promote the business, mix of new developments into the present downtown attractive, and memorable to housing, and redevelopment tapestry of commercial, resi- While sidewalk improve- bring people in and enc- opportunities presented in dential, civic, and recreation- ments will create a more ouarge them to come back. the Lake Villa Triangle. Tra- al uses, there will be a need connected system that An enhanced streetscape ditional marketing methods, to provide safe, convenient, provides convenient acces- experience will create a such as advertising in trade and efficient linkages for sibility throughout the Lake memorable identity for the publications and collabo- pedestrians and bicyclists to Villa Triangle, pedestrian Lake Villa Triangle, particu- rating with local business generate a “downtown main safety will also be impera- larly building on the active associations, will be utilized. street” atmosphere with tive, particularly given the lifestyle branding theme In addition, innovative forms broad accessibility. These at-grade railroad crossings and visual identity concepts. of outreach will be explored, linkages will also radiate out- and vehicle traffic generated Following suit, a distinct sig- including use of social media ward to connect bicyclists, on Grand Avenue and Mil- nage program will contribute tools and distribution of joggers, walkers, and skaters waukee Avenue. Improved to the enhanced streetscape, marketing sheets that target from the Lake Villa Triangle safety often goes a long way as well as ensure visitors the four key opportunity to nearby forest preserves, parks, lakefronts, and other to make a place more invit- can capably navigate the sites and specific businesses natural resources. ing to pedestrians. Lake Villa Triangle by foot, that would be a good fit for bike, car, or train. the Lake Villa Triangle and its active lifestyle branding theme.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 6 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Vision, Goals & Strategies | 1 STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

The contents of this plan are comprised of strategies and implementation tasks that address marketing, branding, redevelopment, transportation, and urban design aspects of the Lake Villa Triangle. To better understand how these strategies and implementation tasks build upon and work in concert with each other, the graphics above and continuing on the next page illustrate a timeline of the action steps that the Village and its partners should implement in general sequential order. Each action step is marked with a page or section reference for more detailed information

ECONOMIC MARKETING DEVELOPMENT & BRANDING REDEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION URBAN DESIGN

Organize private Recruit destination Pursue funding Work with Metra to ex- Pursue funding Ongoing investment in businesses to Lake Villa resources to support plore service expansion resources to support Lake Villa Triangle Triangle redevelopment Task M1-D (page 11) streetscape improve- Task M1-C (page 11) Tasks M5-A,B,C,D Appendix A ments (page 13) Monitor regional road- Appendix A Step up enforcement Maintain communica- way and trail improve- of Village building and Pursue recreation tion with property ments that impact Lake zoning codes events that could owners and interested Villa Triangle Tasks M3-B (page 12) relocate or replicate in developers of the Transportation Strategies Lake Villa key development (Section 5, Figures 5.1 Task M-C (page 12) opportunitiy sites to to 5.10) pursue redevelopment Utilize marketing as supported by the Coordinate with road materials in this plan marketplace jurisdictions to make to promote the key Redevelopment roadways safe and suit- opportunitiy sites Strategies (Section 4) able for bikes Tasks RL2,RI2,RS3,RC2 Transportation Strategies (pages 35-36) (Section 5, pages 51-54)

WorkW with property Work with EDC to deter- Consider revising the Work with roadway Pursue funding 2013 (YEAR 1) ownerso on under- mine whether it should zoning ordinance, jurisdictions and resources to support 2014 (YEAR 2) standings the value expand to undertake particularly the VC-O property owners on streetscape improve- ofo maintenance and implementation or ap- District, to be support- advancing an intercon- ments along Cedar Ave improvements point a separate project ive of downtown nected pedestrian and Transportation Strategies Task M3-A (page 12) steering committee (SC) redevelopment bicycle trails network, (Section 5, Figures 5.13 Tasks M1-A,B (page 11) Task M4-D (page 13) including: to 5.15); Appendix A Support temporary Tasks RL1,RI1,RS2,RC1 commercial activities, Create additional (pages 35-36) Cedar Ave Trail particularly inviting marketing materials to Tasks Z1 to Z9 (page 37) CONNECTING CEDAR LAKE local, regional, and complement materials RD TO DEEP LAKE RD ALONG CEDAR AVE national businesses provided in this plan Work with Lake Villa Tasks M4-A,B,C (page 13) Task M2-A (page 12) School District 41 to determine the short term Lehmann Trail Support clean-up Utilize branding ele- and long term plans for CONNECTING EXISTING TRAILS AROUND LEHMANN MAN- and ﬁx-up of existing ments and pedestrian/ Pleviak School site SION TO THE CEDAR LAKE properties bicycle improvements Task RS1 (page 36) WATERFRONT, LEHMANN Tasks M3-C,D to create a marketing PARK, AND GRAND AVE (page 12) campaign to promote Metra use Park Ave Trail Branding Strategies CONNECTING GRANT WOODS (Section 3) FOREST PRESERVE TO LAKE Break tasks down Transportation Strategies VILLA LIBRARY VIA PARK AVE into Phase I (Pre- (Section 5) liminary Design), Transportation Strategies Phase II (Final Promote Lake Villa at (Section 5, Fig. 5.1 to 5.8) Design), and Phase Chicago ICSC events Tasks RL5,RI4,RS5,RC4 III (Construction), Task M2-D (page 12) (pages 35-36) and complete over time as resources ONGOING become available

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 7 1 | Vision, Goals & Strategies

STRATEGIES IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE [Continued]

ECONOMIC MARKETING DEVELOPMENT & BRANDING REDEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION URBAN DESIGN

AddA significant daytime Concentrate place- Work with the Lake Reconfigure Cedar Av- Begin integrating the 2014 (YEAR 2) populationp by develop- making and branding County Stormwater enue to provide parking Lake Villa Triangle sym- CONTINUED ingi office space to building strategies on Management Commis- on both sides and new bol into promotional accommodatea at least Lake Villa Triangle’s sion to define stormwa- bike paths materials and signage 800 employees within historic core ter regulations for the Transportation in and around the 1/2-mile of the Metra Task B1 (pages 19-20) opportunity sites Strategies (Section 5, downtown area Station Tasks RL3,RI3,RS4,RC3 Figures 5.4, 5.13, 5.14) Urban Design Marketing Strategies Introduce the new Lake (pages 35-36) Strategies (Section 6) (Section 2) Villa Triangle signature Work with property and visual identity Work with the Parks owners to study the Add to the residential Task V1 (pages 19-20) Division to plan for the potential to consolidate base by developing at expansion of Lehmann and reconfigure private least 500 new housing Park linking to the parking spaces behind units of all types within Downtown Lakefront buildings along Cedar 1/2-mile of the Metra Opportunity Site Avenue Station Task RL4 (page 35) Transportation Strategies Marketing Strategies (Section 5, Figure 5.15) (Section 2) Work with selected developer(s) to prepare Add commercial space engineering and site to accommodate a Develop a family of design plans for the Extend signage utilizing 2015 (YEAR 3) grocery store and identifiers for sub- opportunity sites, as the Lake Villa Tri- additional stores and brands that comple- projects progress from Break tasks down angle symbol into new restaurants to complete ment the Lake Villa refining concepts to into Phase I (Pre- development sites, the shopping mix in the Triangle signature and breaking ground liminary Design), particularly the four key Lake Villa Triangle present a highly unified Tasks RL6,RI5,RS6,RC5 Phase II (Final opportunity sites, as Marketing Strategies appearance (pages 35-36) Design), and Phase they get built (Section 2) Task V2 (pages 19-20) III (Construction), Redevelopment Strate- and complete over gies (Section 4) ONGOING ONGOING time as resources Urban Design Strategies become available (Section 6)

Promote and lever- Extend the family of Provide improved 2016 (YEAR 4) age the sub-brand of sub-brand identities to pedestrian connections Lake Villa Triangle’s new entities as they to link Metra parking historic core to support come online to the downtown and redevelopment and Task V3 (pages 19-20) future development public improvements to opportunity sites the highly visible Grand Transportation Strategies Avenue and Milwaukee (Section 5, Figure 5.15) Avenue corridors MARKETING Task B2 (pages 19-20) & BRANDING

Promote the Lake Villa adjacent areas or other Work with roadway Pursue funding re- 2017 (YEAR 5) Triangle as a distinct locations within the jurisdictions and prop- sources to consolidate AND BEYOND entity and use it as an Village erty owners on building and reconﬁgure private endorser, typically oc- Task B4 (pages 19-20) proposed bike paths parking spaces behind curring when a critical along Milwaukee Ave, buildings along Cedar mass of new destina- Adopt all or partial ele- Petite Lake Rd, and Avenue tions, features, and ments of the Lake Villa Fairﬁeld Rd Transportation Strategies physical improvements Triangle visual identity Transportation Strategies (Section 5, Figure 5.15); are attained for use on a broader (Section 5, Figures 5.1, Appendix A Task B3 (pages 19-20) range of marketing 5.3, 5.8) promotional needs Leverage the brand Task V4 (pages 19-20) equity and good will TRANSPORTATION associated with Lake Villa Triangle to support MARKETING new development in & BRANDING

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 8 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 2 : Economic Development Strategies

Marketing strategies are established to guide the Village in its efforts to effectively promote the business, housing, and redevelopment opportunities presented in the Lake Villa Triangle. Supported by short term goals that achieve easy wins and establish the necessary resources and building blocks to meet more long term goals, the marketing strategies are formulated in an implementation framework of tasks and objectives to clearly identify the steps the Village and its partners will take to real- ize the vision and goals set forth for the Lake Villa Triangle. MARKET ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW

While Lake Villa’s housing sector was impacted by the national economic downturn, the Village is expected to emerge more quickly than other communities due to higher income residents, prominent recreational attractions, and the employment opportunities provided by the new Vista Health System campus on Grand Avenue. The Lake Villa Triangle offers unique opportunities on which to capitalize, including lakefront access, a downtown Metra station, 36 acres of lakefront property, and space in local schools to support new families. In addition, a community survey conducted in Fall 2012 indicated that residents would support more commercial and entertainment activities downtown, particularly in an enhanced pedestrian friendly environment (the word cloud below illustrates the interest of the community).

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 9 2 | Economic Development Strategies ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT This goal recognizes that fully develop- that will lead to a future more market- FRAMEWORK ing Lake Villa’s TOD area as a known able experience. brand depends on delivering a sub- The economic downturn that began in stantial, high quality experience, and The prevailing situation also suggests a 2008 offers Lake Villa and other north- the current offering is not sufficiently marketing focus on increasing business west Lake County communities an op- impressive to deliver a product worthy and investor interest rather than con- portunity to strengthen their image and of extensive marketing. sumer visits. This strategy requires that set a bolder framework for development the objectives outlined below be met. that will come as growth resumes. As Unfortunately, current commercial this plan documents, Lake Villa’s TOD development economics suggest that The implementation tasks summarized has unique advantages in its recreation- weak demand will keep prices too in the matrices on the following pages al amenities and available property. low to fund high quality new building recommend specific actions that will Strategic implementation priorities will without significant public investment. achieve this short term strategic ap- change over time, and consequently Working within the current land use and proach for the Lake Villa Triangle. there are differences in Lake Villa’s building configuration suggests a focus short term and long term marketing on methodical improvements in appear- strategies, objectives, and implementa- ance, business mix, and visit frequency tion actions, as outlined below.

SHORT TERM STRATEGY // YEARS 1 TO 5 LONG TERM STRATEGY // YEARS 6 TO 15 Implement a marketing program to support Pursue additional housing options, commercial development, the Lake Villa Triangle. and recreational opportunities in the Lake Villa Triangle. SUPPORT SUPPORT >> Brand development success depends on a desirable >> Unique opportunities like a site in the study area with Metra, product; current offering is too weak stores and restaurants, and lake access will improve in value with >> Current commercial development economics suggest the market’s recovery that weak demand will keep prices too low to fund >> Current market does not support development concepts at an high quality new buildings without significant public unsubsidized, competitive price point investment >> Methodical improvements in appearance, business OBJECTIVES mix, and visit frequency will make future develop- >> Add significant daytime population by developing office space to ment more marketable accommodate at least 800 employees within 1/2-mile of the Metra Station OBJECTIVES >> Add to the residential base by developing at least 500 new housing >> Create an implementation organization units of all types within 1/2-mile of the Metra Station >> Participate in regional activities with the potential to >> Add commercial space to accommodate a grocery store and ad- enhance Lake Villa’s image ditional stores and restaurants to complete the Lake Villa Triangle’s >> Support clean-up and fix-up of existing properties downtown shopping mix >> Support temporary commercial activities >> Develop a reverse commute where employees arrive to Lake Villa >> Recruit destination businesses on Metra >> Encourage shoppers and recreational visitors to utilize Metra access

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 10 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Economic Development Strategies | 2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPLEMENTATION Implementation Tasks # Task Phasing Partners Resources

Create an implementation organization M1 A. Work with EDC to determine whether its membership should Near Term Village; EDC; Staff and expand to undertake responsibility for implementation or a (Mar 2013) Steering Com- committee separate project steering committee (SC) should be appointed. mittee time Implementation organization should include: >> Lake Villa Triangle property owners >> 3 Triangle business owners (great if also property owners) >> Commercial real estate professional >> Local banker >> Lake Villa Triangle institution representatives (Kids Hope United, School Board, Churches, etc.) >> Youth sport league leaders >> Community event organizers >> Lake County non-motorized watersports leaders >> Local service club leaders (Lions, Rotary, etc.) >> 1 or 2 Village board members B. Meet quarterly to assess results and coordinate plans for next Ongoing Steering TBD quarter Committee (Based on volunteer vs >> Review and make recommendations on Lake Villa Triangle paid possibili- marketing materials ties; max paid: >> Promote Triangle as location $10,000) - Regional recreation events sponsored by non-profits - Offices - Destination retail, service, and restaurant businesses >> Coordinate calendar to create event synergies and prevent conflicts >> Evaluate progress >> Recommend private and Village investment >> Report annually to the Village Board C. Organize private investment in the Lake Villa Triangle Ongoing Steering TBD Committee >> Joint landscape design and purchase for private property >> Revolving fund for seed capital and property improvement D. Work with Metra to determine ways to enhance service, such as Ongoing Steering Committee weekend service that is important for recreational users Committee time

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 11 2 | Economic Development Strategies ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPLEMENTATION Implementation Tasks # Task Phasing Partners Resources

Participate in regional activities with the potential to enhance Lake Villa’s image M2 A. Develop materials to market this plan Near Term Steering TBD (May 2013) Committee (Expected less >> 8-1/2 by 11 handout than $5,000) >> Poster B. Arm elected ofﬁcials, business leaders, land owners, and develop- Near Term Steering Committee ers with the “elevator speech” on Lake Villa that ﬂows from the (May 2013) Committee time branding and image program C. Send “delegations” to recreation events that could be held in Ongoing Steering Committee Lake Villa to meet organizers and learn about duplication or relo- Committee time cation opportunities >> Kids mini-triathlons >> Bicycle criterion >> Youth sports tournaments >> Non-motorized Watersports D. Promote Lake Villa at Chicago International Council of Shopping Near Term Steering $300 Centers (ICSC) events (Sep 2013) Committee

Support clean-up and ﬁx-up of existing properties M3 A. Based on the plan, educate Lake Villa Triangle property owners Near Term Village Staff time on the value of investing in property maintenance and improve- (Mar 2013) ments and making them viable for current use or adaptive reuse B. Strictly enforce building codes Ongoing Village Staff time C. Seek local architects to voluntarily create concept drawings for Near Term Steering TBD to cover enhanced facades in the Lake Villa Triangle (Jul 2013) Committee printing costs >> Offer space in Village Hall to display drawings >> Create cost estimates D. Meet one-on-one with property owners to understand investment Near Term Village, consul- Staff time plans and promote appearance enhancement (Jul 2013) tant, or Steering Committee

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 12 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Economic Development Strategies | 2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPLEMENTATION Implementation Tasks # Task Phasing Partners Resources

Support temporary commercial activities M4 A. Determine whether there is local interest in temporary retail by Near Term Village; Steering $250 for inviting all interested residents to a facilitated meeting (May 2013) Committee refreshments and mailings >> Coffee cart at the Metra Station >> A beach concession >> Farmer’s Market >> Rental watercraft and bicycles >> Other fundraising art/craft fairs B. Invite regional/national temporary retailers into vacant properties Near Term Village; Steering $250 for and spaces (May 2013) Committee refreshments and mailings >> Food trucks >> Recreational vehicle show >> Hunting/ﬁshing showcase >> Others C. Encourage local businesses from other areas of town to sell food Ongoing Village Staff time & goods at triangle events D. Review ordinances to create temporary retail friendly zone in the Near Term Village Staff time Lake Villa Triangle (Mar 2013)

Recruit destination businesses M5 A. Encourage family oriented destination businesses to choose the Ongoing Village; Steering TBD Lake Villa Triangle as a location Committee >> Kids dance schools >> Tutoring >> Indoor sports skills development facilities like archery, soccer, baseball, and gymnastics >> Other high visit frequency uses B. Promote the Lake Villa Triangle to destination dining businesses Ongoing Village; Steering TBD Committee >> Microbrewery with onsite pub >> Winery on the Coopers Hawk model >> Locally raised chef with a farm to table operation C. Communicate with local internet based businesses about the Ongoing Village; Steering TBD opportunity to locate in the Triangle and add a customer pick-up Committee option D. Use Village newsletter, website, and water bill to promote locating Ongoing Village Staff time in the Lake Villa Triangle

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 13 2 | Economic Development Strategies LONG TERM ECONOMIC velopment objectives are summarized rior to other communities. As detailed DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY in the graphics below. in this plan, those amenities include:

As the Lake Villa TOD area improves If the short term implementation has >> Recreation options through implementation of the short accomplished its objectives, there >> Village image term strategic plan, there will be oppor- would be an oversight organization that >> Downtown’s attractiveness as a tunities to add signiﬁcant development could guide the activities necessary to place for personal and community to achieve the long term strategy to attract new development in what will celebration pursue additional housing options, com- again be a competitive market, the long >> Metra service mercial development, and recreational term objective. >> Multi-modal connectivity opportunities in the Lake Villa Triangle. >> Family friendly facilities Summary This goal recognizes that work done in Although long term commercial and The methodical, short term and long the short term to improve the existing residential prospects are much brighter, term focus of this implementation ap- conditions will increase developer inter- Lake Villa still must be competitive with proach recognizes that limited govern- est in Lake Villa’s unique amenities and other, nearby growing communities. To ment resources force responsibility reduce the need for public subsidies to win the competition for TOD, Lake Villa for amenity improvement on private induce development. The long term de- must improve its amenities to be supe- property owners and volunteers.

LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

Add signiﬁcant Add to the residen- Add commercial Develop a reverse Encourage shoppers daytime population tial base by devel- space to accom- commute where and recreational by developing ofﬁce oping at least 500 modate a grocery employees arrive on visitors to utilize space to accom- new housing units store and additional Metra. Metra access. modate at least 800 of all types within stores and restau- employees within 1/2-mile of the rants to complete 1/2-mile of the Metra Station. the shopping mix Metra Station. in the Lake Villa Triangle.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 14 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 3 : Branding Strategies

Although economic conditions DEFINING A LAKE VILLA BRAND PROMISE & POSITION “ nationally are challenging, factors such as the amenities Based on ﬁndings of the Lake Villa TOD Plan Existing Conditions Report and of Downtown Lake Villa, walk- guidance from the Steering Committee and other stakeholder feedback, a ability, and the strong nearby theme emerged that can help to clearly differentiate Lake Villa Triangle from recreational facilities, support other regional competitors.

development opportunities.

Lake Villa could choose to make This “Active Lifestyle” theme revolves “ ACTIVE LIFESTYLE family entertainment and day around nature, sports, recreational ameni- Suggests a design approach trip tourism a market focus. ties, families and festivals / events that that conveys energy, optimism, appeal to those with active lifestyles. The and forward thinking - Findings from the Lake Villa TOD Plan Active Lifestyle theme is supported by Existing Conditions Report the desire stakeholders expressed for November 2012 improved pedestrian connections within Lake Villa Triangle, and for new trail connections to surrounding natural features. This theme is also supported by preliminary analysis that indicates there will be opportunities within Lake Villa Triangle to recruit new businesses, enhance existing public spaces and / or create new ones, and add festivals and events that align with and support the Active Lifestyle theme. These opportunities include several development sites in close proximity to the Metra station that are attractive locations for a variety of new residential products.

Lake Villa Triangle neighborhood encompasses the entire TOD district -- the area within one-half mile or ten minute walk of Lake Villa’s Metra station -- which includes attractive residential neighborhoods, family focused features, and amenities such as parks, schools, churches, sports facilities, and destination quality businesses that align with and support the Active Lifestyle theme. Establishing this overall theme does not suggest that other uses and activities are to be excluded from Lake Villa Triangle redevelopment activities. In fact, over time it is highly likely that Lake Villa Triangle will be known for many good things. However, the natural assets already in place and a growing consensus among stakeholders for improvements that enhance personal mobility suggests that the Active Lifestyle theme is one that can be developed and leveraged relatively quickly to advance Lake Villa Triangle redevelopment goals -- and one that the marketplace will recognize as viable and authentic.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 15 3 | Branding Strategies LAKE VILLA TRIANGLE never promise something that cannot ferentiation,” the degree to which a BRAND PROMISE be delivered. As the variables that de- brand’s key attributes are seen to be fine the Lake Villa Triangle product and unique and distinctly different from At its most basic, a “brand” is just a brand change, so must the brand prom- those of competitors. Finally, the Lake promise, the gut feeling one has about ise change in order to remain valid. For Villa Triangle “brand experience” must the quality of an entity when they see example, if over a period of years Lake be found to be authentic by the various a representation of that entity such as Villa Triangle develops a critical mass audiences with whom the brand con- a logo or a package on a shelf. Brand- of destination quality restaurants, the nects. Internal audiences -- Lake Villa ing, by extension, is simply the act of core brand promise and position should residents and stakeholders -- are espe- managing the promise. be re-evaluated to determine if and cially important because they are likely how this new business cluster can be the ones who will experience the brand Defining a brand promise for Lake Villa incorporated into the core brand prom- mostly frequently on a daily basis. The Triangle is ideally the starting point of ise and leveraged to attract additional brand promise for Lake Villa Triangle a management practice that evolves as investment. builds on the “Active Lifestyle” theme marketplace dynamics, stakeholder api- and is comprised of four elements that rations, and the availability of resources Like all good brands, the core promise define the core promise – its targeted change over time. In short, the Lake Vil- for Lake Villa Triangle should be simple, market position, its targeted audience, la Triangle brand should not be viewed direct, easy to understand and easy the geographic reach of its intended as static or etched in stone. One of the to communicate. Another important market, and the date when the promise basic rules of brand management is to element of effective branding is “dif- will to become active:

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 16 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Branding Strategies | 3 NAMING STRATEGY The “Lake Villa Triangle” name is years and has established “name recommended for a variety of additional equity.” It was noted in the Existing Conditions reasons: Report that the word “Lake” in the >> Use of an existing, well-recognized name “Lake Villa” did not have the >> “Downtown” is generally consid- word (“Triangle”) requires few cache it might normally enjoys because ered to be Cedar Avenue and the resources to establish marketplace it is used in the names of so many area immediately around the train awareness than a newly coined other municipalities and geographic station -- “Lake Villa Triangle” sug- name, or a name that has ele- features. However, Lake Villa does have gests a broader and more inclusive ments (“Downtown,” “Lake”) in a unique opportunity to differentiate geography that encompasses many common with nearby competitors. itself in the marketplace with a distinc- additional businesses, destinations, tive name. Research revealed that “The and neighborhoods. >> The name is simple and vivid -- the Triangle” is commonly used to reference “Triangle” exists as a clearly visible Lake Villa’s greater downtown area. >> “Lake Villa Triangle” is a more geographic feature on maps. Adopting “Lake Villa Triangle” provides distinctive name than “Downtown an opportunity for the Village to employ Lake Villa” and helps to more >> Triangles are a common existing ar- a name that is already recognized clearly differentiate Lake Villa’s chitectural and visual motif already within the community and clearly dif- central business district from those in use. ferentiates it from competitors in the of other regional competitors Lakes Region -- almost all of whom use >> Use of triangles as a graphic motif “Downtown” to reference their central >> The name has been used locally has tremendous potential to en- business districts. on an informal basis for many hance recognition and awareness in marketing endeavors.

Audits of regional geographic names (left) revealed how frequently KEY MARKETING ELEMENTS the word "Lake" appears in titles. In addition, a review of other nearby NAMING central businesses district names (below) found that all of them incorporated the word "Downtown" into their titles. Collectively, these Antioch Lake Fox Lake Hills Lake Mary Spring Lake Army Lake Fox Point (WI) Lake Michigan Sullivan Lake Baker Lake Fox River Lake of the Coves Sylvan Lake ﬁndings suggested that "Lake Villa Triangle" might be an effective way Bangs Lake Fox River Grove Lake Shangrila Third Lake Bass Lake Fox Valley Lakeview Tichigan Lake to help clearly differentiate the Village's central businesses district Benet Lake Gages Lake Lake Villa Tower Lakes Beverly Lake Galvins Lake Lakewood Turner Lake Bluff Lake George Lake Lake Zurich Voltz Lake from those of other potential marketplace competitors. Bohners Lake Grass Lake Liberty Lake Waterford Lake Booth Lake Grays Lake Lily Lake Wind Lake Brandenburg Lake Griswold Lake Long Lake Wolf Lake Browns Lake Hastings Lake Loon Lake Wonder Lake Camp Lake Hawley Lake Mallard Lake Cedar Lake Hawthon Lake Minear Lake La Fox Channel Lake Heritage Lake Mitchell Lake Fox Lake KEY MARKETING ELEMENTS Countryside Lake Highland Lake Miltmoe Lake Fox Lake Hills Crabtree Lake Homerr White Lake Mud Lake Fox River NAMING Crooked Lake Honey Lake Muskego Lake Fox River Grove Cross Lake Huntley Lake Nippersink Lake Fox Valley Crystal Lake Island Lake Northlake Deep Lake Keene Lake Paasch Lake Beach Park Deep Quarry Lake Lake Barrington Paddock Lake Round Lake Beach Deer Lake Lake Beulah Peat Lake Antioch: “Historic Downtown District” Downtown Lake Forest Delavan Lake Lake Bluff Petite Lake Diamond Lake Lake Catherine Pistakee Lake Druce Lake Lake Charles Pontoon Beach Duck Lake Lake Como Potter Lake Downtown Grayslake Downtown Highland Park Dunns Lake Lake County Redwing Slough Lake Eagle Lake Lake Defiance Rock Lake East Loon Lake Lake Forest Round Lake Elizabeth Lake Lake Geneva Round Lake Beach Downtown Fox Lake Downtown Highwood Fish Lake Lake George Saint Mary Lake Flathead Lake Lake in the Hills Sand Lake Fourth Lake Lake Kadijah Silver Lake Fox Lake (IL) Lake Killarney Slocum Lake Downtown McHenry Downtown Round Lake Fox Lake (WI) Lake Marie Slough Lake Downtown Woodstock Downtown Crystal Lake Downtown Crystal Lake Downtown Barrington Audits of regional geographic names (above) revealed how frequently the word “Lake” appears in titles. In addition, a re- Downtown Libertyville view of other nearby central businesses district names (right) Downtown Mundelein found that all of them incorporated the word “Downtown” into their titles. Collectively, these ﬁndings suggested that Downtown Waukegan “Lake Villa Triangle” might be an effective way to help clearly differentiate the Village’s central businesses district from those of other potential marketplace competitors.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 17 3 | Branding Strategies VISUAL IDENTITY STRATEGY “generic,” and not meant to represent of existing historic design elements a stylized design concept. Design that exist in the core area. Past design Lake Villa’s name and primary identi- concepts for Lake Villa Triangle signature styles that reflect this quality include fier will be the single most important -- along with other elements that typi- Beidermeier, Arts and Crafts, Prairie, Art elements of a visual identity system cally comprise a visual identity system Deco and, more recently, Post Mod- that aligns with and supports its brand such as type and color -- are featured in ern. The products and structures that promise. Preliminary analysis suggests the urban design strategies in Section 6. epitomize these styles were considered that a “logotype” (a graphically styl- contemporary at the time they were ized version of the Lake Villa name) LAKE VILLA TRIANGLE created but also respective of design or a “signature” (a primary identifier DESIGN CREATIVE BRIEF traditions from past eras that were comprised of a logo and a distinctive more classical in nature. symbol) will provide the most effective The purpose of this creative brief is to graphic approach for identifying Lake define and guide the tone of design It is important to note that this is not Villa Triangle. elements provided in this plan, which to suggest that Lake Villa Triangle adopt include visual identity system design, one the historic styles listed above. In Primary identifiers have to be aestheti- signage system design, and streetscape fact, many communities tend to adopt cally pleasing and legible in a variety design, as provided in Section 6. historic styles when making improve- of environment that can range from a ments to public spaces like streets and water tower to a business card. In addi- The Lake Villa Triangle brand promise parks, and these include a number of tion, the primary identifier must easy to positions the Village’s central business towns in the Lakes Region. As a brand, use by those responsible for marketing district as a highly appealing, mixed use it is important for Lake Villa Triangle to endeavors. Collectively, these require- neighborhood that appeals to “Metra both differentiate itself from market- ments suggest a stylistic approach that commuters, businesses, visitors and place competitors and convey the “ac- is as simple and intuitive as possible, residents who enjoy an active lifestyle.” tive lifestyle” brand promise. This can but that clearly expresses the “Active The “active lifestyle” theme suggests a most effectively be accomplished with Lifestyle” character of the Lake Villa design approach that conveys energy a design approach that is perceived to Triangle targeted brand promise. and optimism, and an overall look contemporary, but that also incorpo- and tone that appeals to those who rates materials, colors, motifs and other The graphic below illustrates the com- are forward thinking. Stylistically, this design elements that connect visually to ponents of a signature format. Please can be expressed by concepts that are Lake Villa Triangle’s cultural legacy. note that the diagram’s components are contemporary but also complementary

Primary Identiﬁer Elements LAKE VILLA „ TRIANGLE Logotype: Symbol Graphically stylized version of the Lake Villa Triangle name

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 18 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Branding Strategies | 3 BRANDING & VISUAL IDENTITY ROLLOUT STRATEGY Marketplace opportunities, available trate redevelopment initiatives on one forts to deliver on the targeted Lake Villa resources, the geographic focus of rede- subdistrict. Once the subdistrict brand Triangle brand can be accomplished in velopment, and the pace of transforma- is established and perceived as authen- the most timely and cost effective man- tion to a large degree will determine tic by the marketplace, the good will as- ner possible. how long it will take for the Lake Villa sociated with the subdistrict brand can Triangle “product” to deliver on its tar- be leveraged to support redevelopment This does not preclude pursuing rede- geted brand position. In an ideal world endeavors in other Lake Villa Triangle velopment opportunities that might -- with favorable market conditions and subdistricts. arise in other locations throughout the bountiful public/private resources -- the study area -- it’s just that in terms of entire Lake Villa Triangle would be revi- There is a strong consensus among image and identity, the historic core talized quickly and comprehensively. the community to improve Lake Villa Tri- area presents the most logical place angle’s historic core along Cedar Avenue to successfully establish a Lake Villa However, given the realities of both the and the area around the train station. Triangle product that reﬂects the Active current economic climate and availabil- This is considered to be Lake Villa’s Lifestyle theme, and then leverage its ity of public resources, the fastest way true heart and center. The relatively success to support revitalization in to establish an authentic brand for Lake compact geography of this core area other locations throughout the down- Villa Triangle will be to initially concen- suggests that it is the place where ef- town study area.

Implementation Tasks # Task Phasing Partners Resources

Branding Strategy B1 Concentrate placemaking and branding building strategies on Lake Near Term Village; Steer- TBD Villa Triangle’s historic core to develop a sub-brand that can be pro- ing Commit- moted and leveraged tee; downtown businesses and B2 Promote and leverage the sub-brand of Lake Villa Triangle’s historic Intermediate organizations core to support redevelopment and public improvements to the Term highly visible Grand Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue corridors B3 Promote the Lake Villa Triangle brand as a distinct entity and use it as Long Term an endorser, typically occurring when a critical mass of new destinations, features, and physical improvements are attained B4 Leverage the brand equity and good will associated with Lake Villa Long Term Triangle to support new development in adjacent areas or other locations within the Village Visual Identity Strategy V1 Introduce the new Lake Villa Triangle signature and visual identity, Near Term Village; Steer- TBD using the signature to endorse existing features that are considered ing Commit- high value tee; downtown businesses and V2 Develop a family of identiﬁers for sub-brands that complement the Near Term organizations Lake Villa Triangle signature and present a highly uniﬁed appearance V3 Extend the family of sub-brand identities to new entities as they come Intermediate online Term V4 Adopt all or partial elements of the Lake Villa Triangle visual identity Long Term NOTE: See the diagrams on the next page for use on a broader range of marketing and promotional needs for a more complete visual description of the branding and visual identity rollout strategy

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 19 3 | Branding Strategies BRANDING & VISUAL IDENTITY ROLLOUT STRATEGY The diagrams below illustrate how this “brand / leverage / extend” strategy could be rolled out in phases over a 10 year time frame. It should be noted that while the phased rollout describes an expedient approach to establishing and leveraging a Lake Villa Triangle product and visual identity system, it may ultimately not dovetail perfectly with other implementation strategies recommended as part of this plan. As with all revitalization strategies, the branding and visual identity strategies should be reviewed on a regular basis and modiﬁed as necessary to reﬂect changing conditions.

SHORT TERM ROLLOUT INTERMEDIATE TERM ROLLOUT LONG TERM ROLLOUT

SUN SUN SUN LAKE LAKE LAKE

SUN LAKE SUN LAKE SUN LAKE FOREST FOREST FOREST PRESERVE PRESERVE PRESERVE

ISLANDCEDAR CEDAR CEDAR ISLAND ISLAND

ILLINOIS ROUTE 83 ILLINOIS ROUTE 83 ILLINOIS ROUTE 83

CEDAR DEEP CEDAR DEEP CEDAR DEEP LAKE LAKE LAKE LAKE LAKE LAKE

ED ED ED CEDAR AVE CEDAR AVE CEDAR AVE

GRAND AVE GRAND AVE GRAND AVE

LAKE VILLA TRIANGLE LAKE VILLA TRIANGLE LAKE VILLA TRIANGLE NEIGHBORHOOD NEIGHBORHOOD NEIGHBORHOOD

Branding Strategy: Concentrate placemak- Branding Strategy: Once a crtitical mass of Branding Strategy: The Lake Villa Triangle ing and branding building strategies on improvements within and adjacent to the brand becomes fully realized once the Lake Villa Triangle’s historic core, including Cedar Avenue corridor is perceived to be marketplace believes its core promise is Cedar Avenue and the area around the delivering on the brand promise, the Cedar authentic, and this usually occurs once a train station. Refrain from promoting Lake Avenue sub-brand should be promoted crticial mass of new destinations, features, Villa Triangle at a broad scale or to other and leveraged to support redevelopment of and physical improvements has been at- sub-areas until a critical mass of destina- and public improvements to the highly vis- tained. At this point, the Lake Villa Triangle tions and features emerges that align with ible Grand Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue brand itself can be promoted as a distinct and support the brand promise. corridors. entity and merely used as an endorser. In addition, the brand equity and good will Visual Identity Strategy: Introducing the Visual Identity Strategy: The family of sub- associated with Lake Villa Triangle could new Lake Villa Triangle signature and visual brand identifiers should be extended to potentially be leveraged to support new identity, use the signature principally to new entitities and activities as they come development in adjacent areas or other endorse existing features that are consid- online in the Lake Villa Triangle. Some locations within the Village. ered high value such as Lehmann Park, examples are provided below. festivals, and special events. As illustrated Visual Identity Strategy: The Village may by the samples below, a family of identi- wish to adopt all or partial elements of the fiers should be developed for sub-brands Lake Villa Triangle visual identity for use on that complements the Lake Villa Triangle a broader range of marketing and promo- signature and that collectively presents a tional needs. The styling of the master highly unified appearance. brand should remain consistent with origi- nal signature standards, but may be used to endorse sub-brands with proprietary identities, as illustrated below. Examples Examples CedarAve ArtFest: 2017 LAKE VILLA TRIANGLE Celebrationof Summer LAKE VILLA „ TRIANGLE „ LAKE VILLA „ TRIANGLE CEDAR LAKE Kayakathon VILLAGE OF „ LAKE VILLA Lehmann Park LAKE VILLA „ TRIANGLE LAKE VILLA „ TRIANGLE Miss HOLIDAY PARADE& GRILLIN'ON LakeVilla TREE LIGHTING GRAND Pageant LAKE VILLA „ TRIANGLE LAKE VILLA „ TRIANGLE VILLAGE OF „ LAKE VILLA

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 20 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 4 : Redevelopment Strategies

Redevelopment in the Lake Villa Triangle focuses on two strategies. The ﬁrst strategy is to focus on four opportunity sites that hold the greatest potential to transform vacant or underutilized sites into more productive uses, as well as enhance the cohesiveness among the sites and other elements that comprise downtown. The opportunity sites have the capacity to effectuate transformative change in the Lake Villa Triangle, particularly to enhance economic development, increase transit ridership, make multimodal connections, and strengthen Lake Villa’s character as an active community with places to visit, play, and explore.

The second strategy is to update the zoning and development regulations to encourage redevelopment that is consistent with the vision for the Lake Villa Triangle, making the development process more predict- able and ensure high quality design.

The potential for each of the four opportunity sites is visualized through redevelopment concepts, as provided on the following pages. Each concept is provided with a detailed site plan, as well as a summary of site characteristics, land use program, and analysis of the development economics that assesses the feasibility of each redevelopment.

DOWNTOWN LAKE VILLA PLEVIAK ELEMENTARY CEDAR LAKE LAKEFRONT SITE INDUSTRIAL PARK SITE SCHOOL SITE ROAD SITE Located along the wa- a WWithith eexisting isting indindustrial strial IfI the school district district SituatedSit ated west est of the terfront of Cedar Lake, uses along Park Avenue decides to make the downtown core, this this opportunity site has to the south of the site available for reuse opportunity site is suit- the greatest potential to downtown core, this or redevelopment, this able for lower density extend the downtown opportunity site has opportunity site has the residential development. area with residential, the ﬂexibility to either capacity to revitalize the With proximity to Grant commercial, civic, and provide space for addi- prime Milwaukee/Grand Woods Forest Preserve, open space uses to tional industrial users or intersection with a mix Cedar Lake, and the trail complement the adja- accommodate sports fa- of uses and improved network, open space cent downtown core. cilities that cater to Lake circulation for cars, pe- provisions are central to Villa’s active lifestyle. destrians, and bicyclists. this site.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 21 4 | Redevelopment Strategies DEVELOPMENT PLAN owner. These projects must be sold, feasibility is a gross estimate of poten- CONCEPTS ECONOMICS though, before the study area proper- tial market response. Essentially these ties, which require entitlement, site feasibility analyses screen each of the Businesses and developers investing in preparation, and construction, com- development concepts to determine Lake Villa face a market that had been mand prices that justify their develop- land value and gauge whether property stalled by the 2008 economic downturn ment costs. Added retailer and office owners might consider selling or are but is now beginning to show signs spaces await the demand from a grow- content to hold onto land as an invest- of life. The overall competitiveness of ing residential population base. ment. The sensitivity analysis consid- this market, especially for residential ers where public investment could be products, is greater than what currently METHODOLOGY mutually beneficial in improving the active promotions suggest because dor- return to both the property owner and mant Lake County projects have been With limited information on building the Village. The assumptions listed in approved but not built, as their owners materials and specific tenants’ needs, Figure 4.1 underlie this initial investiga- wait for higher prices associated with any analysis of site concept financial tion. market recovery. Those projects are in two forms: 1) projects that are entitled and where lots are fully prepared for CEDAR construction; and 2) projects that are NORTH LAKE entitled but not ready for construction CN RAILROAD because roads and water and sewer MILWAUKEE AVE hook-up are not completed. DOWNTOWN LAKEFRONT OPPORTUNITY SITE The projects entering the market ready E Metra for construction are often priced below CEDAR AV * current infrastructure development and * The Downtown Lakefront opportunity site is located immedi- construction costs, as these items are GRAND AVE ately adjacent to the downtown core west of Cedar Avenue. sunk costs, usually born by a previous

FIGURE 4.1 Investment Returns Development 1 Equity & Mortgage Blended Return: Going Concerns 7.5% Assumptions 2 Equity & Mortgage Blended Return: New Retail Development 11.0% 3 Equity & Mortgage Blended Return: Rental Apartment 9.0% Project Income 4 New Construction Net Operating Income per SF $23 5 Grocery Store Income per SF $11 6 Monthly Luxury Apartment Rent $1,600 7 Townhome sales price $250,000 8 Stacked Flat Condo price $200,000 Project Costs 9 Residential Construction per SF $135 10 Grocery Store Construction (Vanilla Box) $134 11 Commercial Construction $174 12 Additional Soft Costs 5.0% 13 Surface Parking Space $6,000 14 Garage Parking Space $23,000 Other 15 Average Condo/Apartment Size 900 sq ft 16 Footprint utilization for upper stories 85.0%

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 22 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Redevelopment Strategies | 4 The site feasibility analyses for the four $182,700. The following sample calcula- ants paying different rents to make a opportunity sites, which are shown on tion solves for land value by deducting development work. It also explains why the map in Figure 4.2, utilize these as- construction cost from project value: grocery stores often are supported by sumptions to calculate project econom- public/private partnerships that include ics by comparing project costs to the Value $209,000 public financial support. value of recommended development. Total Costs $182,700 The income method was used to esti- Land payment $26,300 The fiscal feasibility summaries for mate the value of development. the preferred conceptual development A similar calculation for a grocery com- plans utilize this method to identify the For example, a 1,000 square foot space ponent provides this estimate: investment economics associated with where the property owner has net the four opportunity sites. The feasibil- operating income of $23 per square Value $100,000 ity summaries also examine ways in foot (line4) has a value of $209,000, as Total Costs $134,000 which the project financial feasibility the annual income is $23,000 and that Land payment -$34,000 could be changed by community and is an 11% return (line 2) on an invest- market decisions. The possibility of ment of $209,000. The assumptions Although this calculation shows costs higher rent for uniquely desirable sites provide a commercial construction cost above value even before the land costs and shared parking adjustments are (line 11) of $174 per square foot, so a are included, it is not necessarily a examples of potential development 1,000 square foot store costs $174,000 less feasible project than the previous changes. The possibility of tax incre- to construct, the hard costs. Soft costs, calcuation. ment financing is examined by calculat- including marketing and permitting, ing the potential annual property tax add 5% to costs (line 12). Totaling hard These calculations explain why develop- increment’s net present value over a and soft costs calculates project costs at ers commonly provide a mix of ten- 20-year period.

FIGURE 4.2 Location Map of Opportunity Sites NORTH CEDAR DEEP LAKE MILWAUKEE AVE LAKE

Downtown Lakefront Site 1 Metra * 3 Pleviak School Site CEDAR AVE * GRAND AVE

CN RAILROAD

2 Industrial Park Site KINLEY AVE C M OAK KNOLL DR

PARK AVE

CEDAR LAKE RD 4 Cedar Lake Road Site

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 23 4 | Redevelopment Strategies OPPORTUNITY SITE Downtown Lakefront Site

Located along the waterfront of Cedar Lake, this opportunity site has the greatest potential to extend the downtown area with residential, commercial, civic, and open space uses to complement the adjacent downtown core. The commer- RETAIL DEVELOPMENT A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT C cial uses, including a potential grocery store and mixed use 40,000 sq ft retail buildingbuilding 79 townhouse units w/ two- development wtih 160 upper floor apartments, would front (grocery store) w/ 180 park- car garage; building height along Grand Avenue for visibility and convenient access. A ing spaces varies at 2 to 3 stories mix of residential products, including 79 townhouse units and 264 condo flats, would be situated at the interior of the site MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT B RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT D closer to Cedar Lake. The lakefront also provides opportunities 50,000 sq ft of ground floor 264 rowhouse or residentialntial for recreation and open space facilities, such as a civic festival retail plus 160 apartment flat (condo) units w/ 432 plaza, expanded park, trails, and stormwater management. units on upper four floors w/ parking spaces; building 300 shared parking spaces height at 3 stories

NORTH CEDAR LAKE BEACH

Multi-use trail network for bicyclists and pedestrians

RAILROAD

LAKEFRONT PARK LEHMANN PARK

LAKEFRONT PARK C D D C STORMWATER CIVIC FESTIVAL DETENTION PLAZA

Metra C D D C * CEDAR AVE CONNECTION DETENTION STORMWATER B B A OAK LN [EXTENSION] STORMWATER

OAK KNOLL DR [EXTENSION] DETENTION Pedestrian connection from the lakefront site to the Metra Station VILLAGE VFW CEDAR AVE HALL

BLACKHORN GRILLE GRAND AVE OAK LN OAK KNOLL DR MCKINLEY AVE

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 24 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Redevelopment Strategies | 4 OPPORTUNITY SITE Downtown Lakefront Site

DEVELOPMENT CHARACTERISTICS

Building # A B C D Building Type RRetailetail MixedMixed Use ResidentialResid ResidentialResid Floors 1 floor 5 floors 2 to 3 floors 3 floors Space/Unit Count 40,000 sq ft 50,000 sq ft (retail) 79 units 264 units 160 units (residential) Parking 180 spaces 300 spaces 2-car garage per unit 432 spaces Use(s) Grocery store or other Retail businesses at ground Townhouses Rowhouses or retail businesses floor w/ rental apartments on residential flats top 4 floors (40 units per floor) (condos)

NORTH A RETAIL/RE C TOWNHOUSESTO GROCERYGGRR D CEDAR LAKE ROWHOUSES/USUSESES/ B MIXED USE RESIDENTIALRESESIDIDENEN FLATS RETAILRETA + RESIDENTIAL D

C TOWNHOUSESTO LAKEFRONT GRAND AVE PARK STORMWATER CIVIC FESTIVAL DETENTION PLAZA BLACKHORN GRILLE NEW STORMWATER DEVELOPMENT DETENTION

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 25 4 | Redevelopment Strategies OPPORTUNITY SITE Downtown Lakefront Site

SITE DATA TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS

Site Area 36.0 acres >> Primary site access via Grand Avenue w/ new # of Parcels 2 parcels signalized intersection at Oak Knoll Drive, including turn lanes and safe pedestrian crossings Existing Zoning CR >> Secondary site access via new connector street Proposed Zoning CBD from Cedar Avenue Existing Use(s) Open space >> Improved road network would provide greater ca- Proposed Use(s) Retail along Cedar Avenue; residential pacity to carry additional trafﬁc generated by new as stand-alone buildings and part of development mixed use buildings; recreation and >> Pedestrian and bicycle friendly linkages via multi- open space at the lakefront use paths and/or sidewalks to the core downtown area and Metra station LAND AREA DISTRIBUTION >> 25% reduction applied to trafﬁc estimates due to bike/ped access >> Potential for a left-turn lane for EB to NB move- Developed Land 34.4% 12.4 acres ment, striped crosswalks, and curb line extensions Open Space 33.3% 12.0 acres at Grand Avenue/Cedar Avenue intersection Stormwater Mgmt 19.2% 6.9 acres Road Right-of-Way 13.1% 4.7 acres

PROJECT FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS

Ground Floor Res Flats Component Grocery Commercial Apartments (Condos) Townhouses Total Sq Ft or Units 50,000 40,000 160 264 79 - Cost (Millions) $6.6 M $12.0 M $22.0 M $60.0 M $25.0 M $125.6 M Value (Millions) $4.0 M $10.0 M $30.0 M $53.0 M $20.0 M $117.0 M Land Value (Millions) -$2.6 M -$2.0 M $8.0 M -$7.0 M -$5.0 M -$8.6 M

This is a large project that could be phased to match a – 10 years of 50% sales tax sharing could provide $500,000 developing market. Although the full project falls far short of – TIF could provide as much as $1 million meeting the land value necessary to purchase the property – Higher rents in other project commercial space due to and prepare it for development by adding infrastructure and strong anchor could provide developer income streets, the commercial component with its grocery store and mixed use building (the first 3 columns of the table above) The equity residential phase is challenged by current market could work based on a public/private partnership strategy. In conditions caused by price competition in this weak condo- general, that partnership would include: minium and townhome market. Changes that could over- come this challenge include: >> Providing flexible policies that recognize how sharing residential and commercial parking fields could reduce >> Wait to build until townhomes can be priced at $330,000 parking requirements for the residential units. >> Wait to build until condos can be priced at $285,000 >> Building the mixed commercial and apartment building >> Reduce unit size and increase number while maintaining as the first phase to add a population attractive to the price point grocery component. >> Reduce construction cost by minimizing brick and luxury >> Promoting a variety methods to increase the grocery interior finishes development’s return on investment:

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 26 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Redevelopment Strategies | 4 OPPORTUNITY SITE Industrial Park Site

With existing industrial uses along Park Avenue to the south of the downtown core, this opportunity site has the ﬂexibil- ity to either provide space for additional industrial users or accommodate sports facilities that cater to Lake Villa’s active lifestyle. Space for a 30,000 sq ft retail center would also be accommodated, with visible frontage along Milwaukee Avenue. A new connector street would provide access to the industrial/recreational uses, as well as link Milwaukee Avenue to Park Avenue. The existing funeral home would remain on a modiﬁed site. Other site provisions include stormwater management, wetland conservation, and connectivity to the multi-use trail system.

RETAIL DEVELOPMENTT A INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY B FLEXIBLE DEVELOPMENTT C 30,000 sq ft retail building w/ 55,000 sq ft indoor sportsports Five lots on 6.25 acreses provprovide 120 parking spaces; exist- facility w/ 120 parking spaces; flexible space to accommodate ing chiropractor and carpet sports facilities are permitted either sports fields or new businesses would need to be in an L1 zoning district; the site industrial uses, depending on relocated to accommodate the also accommodates a storm- market; sports fields are per- new development water detention facility mitted in an L1 zoning district

PRINCE NORTH OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH

PARKING C A Potential signalization

PARK AVE RINGA at intersection FUNERAL HOME MILWAUKEE AVE

NEW ACCESS ROAD

NIELSEN ENTERPRISES PARKING C B STORMWATER DETENTION

Multi-use trail network for bicyclists and pedestrians

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 27 4 | Redevelopment Strategies OPPORTUNITY SITE Industrial Park Site

SITE DATA

Site Area 17.7 acres # of Parcels 5 parcels Existing Zoning CB and R2 Proposed Zoning LI Existing Use(s) Open space; chiropractor office; carpet store; funeral home Proposed Use(s) Industrial facilities w/ flexibility to accommodate temporary or permanent spaces for sports facilities; the funeral home would remain on a modified site

DEVELOPMENT CHARACTERISTICS TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS

Building # A B C >> Site access would be provided at both Milwaukee Building Type RetailRetail RecreationRecre IndustrialIndus Avenue and Park Avenue >> New access road proposed to connect Milwaukee Floors 1 floor 1 floor TBD Avenue to Park Avenue Space/Unit Count 30,000 sq ft 55,000 sq ft TBD >> Access to existing retail use fronting Milwaukee Parking 120 spaces 120 spaces TBD Avenue should be relocated to the new access Use(s) Retail Indoor sports Industrial facilities w/ road businesses facility flexibility to provide >> Consolidation of driveways along Milwaukee temporary or perma- Avenue is recommended to reduce vehicle/pe- net sports facilities destrian conflicts >> No intersection signalization is needed due to multiple points of access to the site; stop sign PROJECT FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS control is more appropriate >> Sidewalks along Milwaukee Avenue and Park Avenue should extend north to Grand Avenue for Indoor Fitness/ Outdoor connectivity Component Retail Ice Center Fields >> 25% reduction applied to traffic estimates due to Sq Ft or Units 30,000 55,000 5 fields bike/ped access Cost (Millions) $5.9 M $3.6 M TBD Value (Millions) $6.3 M TBD Negotiable Land Value $400,000 - -

This project concept combines temporary uses such as the >> Additional land costs include buyout/relocation of funeral outdoor soccer fields and potential use of vacant industrial home and demolition of building, as well as site and buildings for indoor children’s athletics or play space, with building modifications for funeral home site to accom- permanent development. Ownership options ranging from the modate new connector street between Milwaukee Avenue park district or a local nonprofit organization to an entrepre- and Park Avenue. neurial or franchise company complicate determining market >> Clustering would make the whole area more successful. readiness. For example, if the local youth soccer league Potential sports elements include baseball, wrestling, desperately needs new fields, parents would be inclined to dance, and gymnastics academies in now vacant space. donate time and money to this development, improving the Activities like jump zones are another possibility. market readiness. Other factors affecting the market readiness of this project include:

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 28 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Redevelopment Strategies | 4 OPPORTUNITY SITE Pleviak School Site | CONCEPT 1

If the school district decides to make the site available for reuse or redevelopment, this opportunity site has the capacity to revitalize the prime Milwaukee Avenue/Grand Avenue intersection with a mix of uses and improved circulation for cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists. In the concept that removes the school building and redevelops the site, retail buildings will occupy the corner of Milwaukee and Grand, with retail/residential mixed use along a newly extended Park Av- enue. Also, a retail building with potential for a drive thru facility will be provided on the triangular site north of Villa Avenue.

C NORTH RETAIL DEVELOPMENTT 14,700 sq ft retail buildingbuilding w/ 56 parking spaces, potential for LAKE AVE Multi-use trail network for drive thru facility, and right-in/ bicyclists and pedestrians right-out entry point at north end along Milwaukee Ave RETAIL DEVELOPMENTT A Retail developmentt pprovidedrovi C in multiple buildings w/ 162 parking spaces and Grand Ave entry point aligned with Park Ave to the south VILLA AVE CORNER PLAZA D Corner at Milwaukee/Grandwauke

MILWAUKEE AVE intersection provides space for a pedestrian-friendly plaza and bike trailhead

[ALLEY] RETAIL B CENTER

MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT B 19,200 sq ft of ground A CITGO floor retail w/ 38,400 sq ft of flex space above for office or live/work spaces; D residential parking in rear and retail parking shared GRAND AVE with retail development to the east LAKE VILLA MEDICAL BUILDING

PARK AVE WALGREENS

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 29 4 | Redevelopment Strategies OPPORTUNITY SITE Pleviak School Site | CONCEPT 1

SITE DATA

Site Area 5.6 acres # of Parcels 12 parcels Existing Zoning CB and R2 Proposed Zoning CB Existing Use(s) School; open space Proposed Use(s) Retail uses at the Milwaukee/Grand corner; retail/residential mixed use west of Park Avenue; retail w/ potential drive thru facility north of Villa Avenue

DEVELOPMENT CHARACTERISTICS

Building # A B C Building Type RetailRetail MixedMixed Use RRetailetail Floors 1 floor 2 floors 1 floor Space/Unit Count 14,000 sq ft 19,200 sq ft (retail) 14,700 sq ft 38,400 sq ft (live/work space) Parking 162 spaces Shared w/ Building A 56 spaces Use(s) Retail Retail businesses at ground Retail businesses floor w/ second floor occupied business in multiple by flex live/work spaces or loft w/ potential buildings residential drive thru

PROJECT FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS

>> Proposed extension of Park Avenue north from Corner Milwaukee Mixed Grand Avenue to Villa Avenue Component Retail Retail Use >> Villa Avenue to be reopened to improve site access Sq Ft or Units 14,000 14,700 57,600 and circulation Cost (Millions) $2.6 M $3.3 M $11.9 M >> Villa Avenue to have full access onto Milwaukee Avenue (no signalization) Value (Millions) $2.9 M $3.0 M $12.0 M >> Park Avenue to have full access onto Grand Avenue Land Value $300,000 -$300,000 $100,000 (no signalization) >> Potential to improve pedestrian safety at the Grand In markets where there is undeveloped land available, redevelop- Avenue/Park Avenue intersection w/ curb bump- ment faces a cost disadvantage because it requires demolition outs, marked crosswalks, continuous sidewalks, and often new roads and infrastructure before the land is ready enhanced signage, and detector lights for development. Although the net land value at $100,000 of this >> Continuous sidewalks and driveway consolidation total redevelopment falls far short of the amount needed to cover should be provided along Villa Avenue and Central demolition costs and compensate the school district for land at an Avenue alternate site, a TIF district on this site could generate as much as $4 million under optimal circumstances.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 30 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Redevelopment Strategies | 4 OPPORTUNITY SITE Pleviak School Site | CONCEPT 2

If the school district decides to make the site available for reuse or redevelopment, this opportunity site has the capacity to revitalize the prime Milwaukee Avenue/Grand Avenue intersection with a mix of uses and improved circulation for cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists. In the concept that retains the school building, the building would be retroﬁtted with ofﬁce spaces. Also, a retail building with potential for a drive thru facility will be provided on the triangular site north of Villa Avenue.

B NORTH RETAIL DEVELOPMENTT 14,700 sq ft retail buildingbuilding w/ 56 parking spaces, potential for LAKE AVE Multi-use trail network for drive thru facility, and right-in/ bicyclists and pedestrians right-out entry point at north end along Milwaukee Ave OFFICES IN CONVERTED SCHOOL BUILDING A B Ofﬁce suites retroﬁttedtted iinn the existing school building w/ most of existing parking stay- ing intact and addition of green VILLA AVE space around the building CORNER PLAZA C Corner at Milwaukee/Grandwauke MILWAUKEE AVE intersection provides space for a pedestrian-friendly plaza and bike trailhead

[ALLEY] RETAIL CENTER

A CITGO

GRAND AVE

LAKE VILLA MEDICAL BUILDING

PARK AVE WALGREENS

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 31 4 | Redevelopment Strategies OPPORTUNITY SITE Pleviak School Site | CONCEPT 2

SITE DATA

Site Area 5.6 acres # of Parcels 12 parcels Existing Zoning CB and R2 Proposed Zoning CB Existing Use(s) School; open space Proposed Use(s) Ofﬁces in retroﬁtted school building; retail w/ potential drive thru facility north of Villa Avenue

DEVELOPMENT CHARACTERISTICS

Building # A B Building Type Office RetailRetail Floors 1 floor 1 floor Space/Unit Count Variable 14,700 sq ft

Parking 162 spaces 56 spaces Use(s) Ofﬁce spaces Retail retroﬁtted business into retained w/ potential school build- drive thru ing

PROJECT FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS

>> Proposed extension of Park Avenue north from Milwaukee Ofﬁces Retroﬁtted Grand Avenue to Villa Avenue Component Retail in School Building >> Villa Avenue to be reopened to improve site access Sq Ft or Units 14,700 Project feasibility would and circulation Cost (Millions) $3.3 M be determined as part >> Villa Avenue to have full access onto Milwaukee of a separate analysis Avenue (no signalization) Value (Millions) $3.0 M >> Park Avenue to have full access onto Grand Avenue Land Value -$300,000 (no signalization) >> Potential to improve pedestrian safety at the Grand In markets where there is undeveloped land available, redevelop- Avenue/Park Avenue intersection w/ curb bump- ment faces a cost disadvantage because it requires demolition outs, marked crosswalks, continuous sidewalks, and often new roads and infrastructure before the land is ready enhanced signage, and detector lights for development. Although the net land value at $100,000 of this >> Continuous sidewalks and driveway consolidation total redevelopment falls far short of the amount needed to cover should be provided along Villa Avenue and Central demolition costs and compensate the school district for land at an Avenue alternate site, a TIF district on this site could generate as much as $4 million under optimal circumstances.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 32 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Cedar LakeRoadtoallowvehicularandpedestrianaccess. The Villagemaydesireanewroadbetweenthemunicipalfacilityand intersection, withpotentialconnectivitytonearbyrecreationalfacilities. and clubhouseisalsoprovidedattheCedarLakeRoad/GrandAvenue the site,withsmaller8,000sqftlotsatnorthernend.Arestaurant family residentiallotsat14,000sqftarelocatedthesouthernendof network, openspaceprovisionsarecentraltothissite.Largersingle Forest Preservetothewest,CedarLakenorth,andtrail lower densityresidentialdevelopment.WithproximitytoGrantWoods Situated westofthedowntowncore,thisopportunitysiteissuitablefor Cedar LakeRoadSite OPPORTUNITY SITE CEDAR

GRANT WOODS FOREST PRESERVE LAKE CEDAR LAKE RD C A B GRAND AVE CHICAGO KICKERS SOCCER CLUB pedestrians for bicyclistsand Multi-use trailnetwork MUNICIPAL FACILITY OAK LN

OAK KNOLL DR NORTH Lake VillaDowntown TODPlan cent recreationalfacilities parking spaces,relatingtoadja- Restaurant orclubhousew/110 CEDAR LAKERD&GRANDAVE SOUTHEAST CORNER Grant WoodsForestPreserve to regionaltrails,particularlyin trail networkthatcanconnect open space,thesiteprovidesa With almost20%coverageby TRAIL NETWORK boundaries ofthesite line theeasternandsouthern Stormwater detentionfacilities STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ft averagelotwidth on average14,000sqftlotsw/80 66 singlefamilyresidentialunits SOUTHERN RESIDENTIALAREA ft averagelotwidth on average8,000sqftlotsw/50 49 singlefamilyresidentialunits NORTHERN RESIDENTIALAREA Village of LakeVilla,Illinois Redevelopment Strategies OF A A a a w l l / A B units units C 110 33 | 4 4 | Redevelopment Strategies OPPORTUNITY SITE Cedar Lake Road Site

SITE DATA

Site Area 63.4 acres # of Parcels 4 parcels Existing Zoning CR and LI Proposed Zoning SR4 Existing Use(s) Open space Proposed Use(s) Single family residential on two different lot types (8,000 sq ft and 14,000 sq ft); restaurant or clubhouse at the corner of Grand Avenue and Cedar Lake Road; extensive open space and trail network

DEVELOPMENT CHARACTERISTICS TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS

Building # A B C >> Multi-use path traverses through entire site, pro- Building Type ResidentialResid ResidentialResid RetailRetail viding critical connections to the core downtown area, Grant Woods Forest Preserve, and Palombi Floors 2 floors 2 floors 1 floor Middle School Space/Unit Count 49 units 66 units 15,000 sq ft >> Clubhouse at Grand Avenue entrance to serve as Parking Garage per unit Garage per unit 110 spaces destination trailhead for bicyclists w/ retail and Use(s) Single family Single family Restaurant or restaurant residential on residential on clubhouse relating >> 10% reduction applied to traffic estimates due to 8,000 sq ft lots 14,000 sq ft lots to adjacent recre- bike/ped access ational facilities >> Existing road network has capacity to carry additional traffic generated by new development >> Potential for signalization and channelization at the Grand Avenue/Cedar Lake Road intersection >> New signalization would also provide protected PROJECT FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists LAND AREA DISTRIBUTION Restaurant/ Single Family Component Clubhouse Residential Developed Land 49.9% 31.6 acres Sq Ft or Units 15,000 115 Open Space 18.4% 11.7 acres Cost (Millions) $4.2 M $48 M Stormwater Mgmt 20.1% 12.7 acres Value (Millions) $3.1 M $30 M Road Right-of-Way 11.6% 7.4 acres Land Value (Millions) $1.1 M -$18 M

This analysis, based on the current residential market, sug- The commercial development along Grand Avenue identified gests the market is not ready for a residential project at this as a restaurant or clubhouse could become feasible with a time. The changes that could make this project more market detailed concept that adds revenue from clubhouse program- ready are: ming, including as rental fees and outside memberships. If a destination restaurant such as Coopers Hawk Winery finds >> Market support for higher prices, with the northern single the setting appropriate to its concept, it would build and own family residential sites set at $340,000 per home and the a facility supported by higher than typical operating profits, southern sites at $465,000 per home which translates into rents higher than those typically found in >> Public land purchase for trails and wetlands the general market.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 34 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Redevelopment Strategies | 4 REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY SITES Implementation Tasks # Task Phasing Partners Resources

Downtown Lakefront Opportunity Site (RL) RL1 Ensure the relevant zoning revisionsa are completed to Near Term Village; property owners Staff time support the development intent of the site as a dense, mixed use area connected to the core downtown RL2 Utilize the marketing materialsb to promote the site to Ongoing Village; potential developers, Staff time; potential developers, investors, and businesses/tenants investors, businesses/tenants marketing materials RL3 Work with the Lake County Stormwater Management Intermediate Village; Lake Co Stormwater Commission to deﬁne stormwater regulations for the site Term Mgmt Commission Staff time RL4 Work with the Parks Division of the Lake Villa Depart- Intermediate Lake Villa Parks Division (Pub- Staff time; ment of Public Works to plan for the expansion of Term lic Works) funds for park Lehmann Park to provide open space along the north- expansion east section of the Downtown Lakefront Opportunity Site, creating spaces for recreational and civic uses RL5 Work with parks, forest preserve, and transportation Intermedi- Lake Villa Parks Division; Lake Staff time; agencies to advance an interconnected pedestrian and ate/Long Co Forest Preserve District; funds for trail bicycle trails network that serves the sitec Term IDOT; selected developer(s) improvements RL6 Work with selected developer(s) to prepare Phase I Intermedi- Village; selected developer(s) Staff time; (Preliminary Design), Phase II (Final Design), and Phase ate/Long funds for any III (Construction) engineering and site design plans for Term consulting the site, as the redevelopment projects progresses from services reﬁning the concept to breaking ground

Industrial Park Opportunity Site (RI) RI1 Ensure the relevant zoning revisionsa are completed to Near Term Village; property owners Staff time support the development intent of the site as a flexible space for industrial and recreational facilities RI2 Utilize the marketing materialsb to promote the site to Ongoing Village; potential developers, Staff time; potential developers, investors, businesses/tenants, and investors, businesses/ten- marketing sports/recreation facility operators ants, sports/recreation facility materials operators RI3 Work with the Lake County Stormwater Management Intermediate Village; Lake Co Stormwater Staff time Commission to define stormwater regulations for the site Term Mgmt Commission RI4 Work with parks, forest preserve, and transportation Intermedi- Lake Villa Parks Division; Lake Staff time; agencies to advance an interconnected pedestrian and ate/Long Co Forest Preserve District; funds for trail bicycle trails network that serves the sitec Term IDOT; selected developer(s) improvements RI5 Work with selected developer(s) to prepare Phase I Intermedi- Village; selected developer(s) Staff time; (Preliminary Design), Phase II (Final Design), and Phase ate/Long funds for any III (Construction) engineering and site design plans for Term consulting the site, as the redevelopment projects progresses from services refining the concept to breaking ground NOTES a As recommended in Tasks Z1 to Z9 (pages 37-38). b As recommended in Task M2 (page 12). c As recommended in Section 5.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 35 4 | Redevelopment Strategies REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY SITES Implementation Tasks # Task Phasing Partners Resources

Pleviak School Opportunity Site (RS) RS1 Work with Lake Villa School District 41 to determine the Near Term Village; Lake Villa School Staff time short term and long term plans for Pleviak School site District 41 RS2 Ensure the relevant zoning revisionsa are completed Near Term Village; Lake Villa School Staff time to support the development intent of the site as a: (a) District 41 school site; (b) retail area with limited residential units above ground floor near; or (c) office/retail area RS3 Utilize the marketing materialsb to promote the site to Ongoing Village; potential developers, Staff time; potential developers, investors, and businesses/tenants investors, businesses/tenants marketing materials RS4 Work with the Lake County Stormwater Management Intermediate Village; Lake Co Stormwater Commission to define stormwater regulations for the site Term Mgmt Commission Staff time RS5 Work with parks, forest preserve, and transportation Intermedi- Lake Villa Parks Division; Lake Staff time; agencies to advance an interconnected pedestrian and ate/Long Co Forest Preserve District; funds for trail bicycle trails network that serves the sitec Term IDOT; selected developer(s) improvements RS6 Work with selected developer(s) to prepare Phase I Intermedi- Village; selected developer(s) Staff time; (Preliminary Design), Phase II (Final Design), and Phase ate/Long funds for any III (Construction) engineering and site design plans for Term consulting the site, as the redevelopment projects progresses from services refining the concept to breaking ground

Cedar Lake Road Opportunity Site (RC) RC1 Ensure the relevant zoning revisionsa are completed Near Term Village; property owners Staff time to support the development intent of the site as a low density residential neighborhood RC2 Utilize the marketing materialsb to promote the site to Ongoing Village; potential developers, Staff time; potential developers, investors, and tenants investors, tenants marketing materials RC3 Work with the Lake County Stormwater Management Intermediate Village; Lake Co Stormwater Commission to deﬁne stormwater regulations for the site Term Mgmt Commission Staff time RC4 Work with parks, forest preserve, and transportation Intermedi- Lake Villa Parks Division; Lake Staff time; agencies to advance an interconnected pedestrian and ate/Long Co Forest Preserve District; funds for trail bicycle trails network that serves the sitec Term IDOT; selected developer(s) improvements RC5 Work with selected developer(s) to prepare Phase I Intermedi- Village; selected developer(s) Staff time; (Preliminary Design), Phase II (Final Design), and Phase ate/Long funds for any III (Construction) engineering and site design plans for Term consulting the site, as the redevelopment projects progresses from services reﬁning the concept to breaking ground

NOTES a As recommended in Tasks Z1 to Z9 (pages 37-38). b As recommended in Task M2 (page 12). c As recommended in Section 5.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 36 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Redevelopment Strategies | 4 ZONING & VILLAGE CENTER OVERLAY DISTRICT The downtown goals specify that the Lake Villa Triangle will attract a mix of land The Village Center of Lake Villa uses, including development of vacant parcels with new uses and the reuse or “ [will reﬂect] an integrated, pe- redevelopment of underutilized properties. In addition, the goals encourage an destrian-oriented, mixed-use improved streetscape environment that provides signage for navigation, is friendly character... [and will] preserve to pedestrians and bicyclists, and enhances the downtown experience for resi- and enhance the appearance dents and visitors to the Lake Villa Triangle. of the Village’s gateway road

corridors that provide primary It is important that the Village’s Zoning Ordinance is capable of supporting the vehicle access into“ the Village goals and strategies established in this plan. Otherwise, redevelopment and im- Center area. provement efforts may run into technical obstacles that hinder approval processes or even prevent certain ideas from coming to fruition. For the most part, the - Village of Lake Villa Zoning Ordinance purpose, objectives, standards, and guidelines of the Village Center Overlay (VC-O) Article Three, Section IV District and the underlying zoning districts are generally supportive of the down- Village Center Overlay (VC-O) District town goals.

The implementation tasks summarized in the matrix on the next page are intended to streamline the applicability of Village zoning to create a development climate that efﬁciently fosters the revitalization of the downtown. One of the implementation tasks is expanding the VC-O District to include the Downtown Lakefront and Industrial Park opportunity sites (Sites 1 and 2 in Figure 4.3 below). The Pleviak School opportunity site already lies within the present VC-O District. The Cedar FIGURE 4.3 Lake Road opportunity site was excluded from the district boundary expansion, as Village Center Overlay the location and topography of this site lend itself to a planned development. (VC-O) District Map

NORTH CEDAR MILWAUKEE AVE DEEP LAKE LAKE

1 Metra * 3 CEDAR AVE GRAND AVE

CN RAILROAD

2 OAK KNOLL DR KINLEY AVE C CEDAR LAKE RD

4 M

MILWAUKEE AVE VC-O DISTRICT OPPORTUNITY SITES CURRENT BOUNDARY 1 DOWNTOWND LAKEFRONT SITE PARK AVE PROPOSED BOUNDARY EXPANSION 2 INIINDUSTRIAL PARK SITE 3 PPLEVIAK SCHOOL SITE 4 CCEDAR LAKE ROAD SITE

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 37 4 | Redevelopment Strategies ZONING & VILLAGE CENTER OVERLAY DISTRICT Implementation Tasks # Task Phasing Partners Resources

Z1 Expand the VC-O District boundaries to include the Near Term Village; property Staff time NOTES Downtown Lakefronta and Industrial Parkb oppor- owners a Include in the tunity sites and extend the Grand Avenue gateway Downtown Core corridor west to Cedar Lake Road [See Figure 4.3] subarea. b Include in the Z2 Reassign the three parcels near the northwest Near Term Village; property Staff time Gateway Corridors corner of Villa Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue -- owners subarea. presently marked within the Residential Periphery c Existing signs should subarea -- to the Gateway Corridors subarea to be grandfathered in reﬂect the redevelopment concept for the Pleviak as non-conforming until they are modi- School opportunity site ﬁed or replaced.

c d Pole-mounted Z3 Encourage monument signs and prohibit pole- Near Term Village Staff time signs are presently mounted signsc,d in the entire VC-O District prohibited in the gateway corridors Z4 Revise the following building height guideline in Near Term Village Staff time only. Section IV-7A2 (revision in bold italics): “Taller e See the map of buildings may be appropriate at major intersec- the VC-O District in Figure 4.3 for a key tions and for developments that provide ameni- of zoning designa- ties such as open space, if they are consistent tions. with the architectural character of the area.” f The proposed clubhouse or banquet Z5 Rezone the parcels that encompass the Down- Near Term Village; property Staff time facility at the south- e e east corner of Grand town Lakefront opportunity site from CR to CBD owners Avenue and Cedar to support the development intent of the site as Lake Road should a dense, mixed use area connected to the core maintain its current downtown area CR zoning. g Rezoning will depend on the Z6 Rezone the parcels that encompass the residential Near Term Village; property Staff time status of the school, portionsf of the Cedar Lake Road opportunity site owners whether it will re- from CRe and LIe to SR4e to support the develop- main as a school or become available for ment intent of the site as a low density residential redevelopment. neighborhood h Some parcels are already zoned CB, Z7 Rezone the parcels that encompass the Pleviak Near Term Village; property Staff time so no rezone would Elementary School opportunity siteg from R2e,h to owners be necessary. e CB to support the development intent of the site i This would be a as a retail area with limited residential units above new use that should ground ﬂoor near the key intersection of Grand be added to Table 1: Principal Uses Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue Permitted in Zones in Article Three, Sec- Z8 Allow the following uses as permitted uses, as of Near Term Village Staff time tion II of the Zoning right, in the zoning district indicated in brackets: Ordinance. - Ampitheater [CBD] j May also consider allowing as a condi- - Contractor’s model home [CBD] tional use. - Dwelling, apartments above ground ﬂoor [CB, CBD] i - Recreational uses, outdoor [LI] j Z9 Identify existing vacant lots or buildings with Near Term Village; property Staff time vacant units within the CBD zoning district that owners could allow special use permits to temporary retail uses, such as a coffee cart at the Metra station, beach concessions, a farmer’s market, rental watercraft and bicycles, and fundraising art/craft fairs

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 38 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 5 : Transportation Strategies

For a downtown area to attract a broad range of visitors and provide a pleasant experience that encourages return visits, people must have safe access and efﬁcient circulation to navigate downtown, regardless of whether they arrive by car, train, bike, or on foot. Enhancing the downtown experience for pedestrians and bicyclists is especially critical, particularly as redevelopment generates more opportunities for residents to live in or close to downtown. Such is the case for Lake Villa, as the downtown core is presently surrounded by neighborhoods, with the opportunity sites creating more rooftops to enjoy the beneﬁts and amenities of a revitalized Lake Villa Triangle.

From an improved roadway network and reconﬁgured parking system to enhanced access to the Metra station and a more interconnected pathway system for pedestrians and bicyclists, the transportation strategies in this section explore ways to safely and efﬁciently get people to the Lake Villa Triangle to shop, dine, work, play, explore, board the Metra, or settle in back at home.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 39 5 | Transportation Strategies APPROACH Woods Forest Preserve to the south- with the various bicycle groups -- rec- west, and Chain O’Lake Bike Path to the reational bikers, commuters, students, The bicycle and pedestrian strategies west. Thus, the Village is truly a central and casual riders -- kept in mind. were developed with input from the connecting point between these bicycle Lake Villa community, the results of resources. This location provides an The proposed bikeway improvements the Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) for opportunity to connect the Lake Villa include off-street shared use paths, on-street facilities, and field review. Triangle and Metra service with the on-street facilities, signed bike routes, Improvements that are along roadways nearby networks of parks, forest pre- and shared lanes. Intersection im- under the jurisdiction of IDOT or Lake serves, recreational facilities, and other provements are also proposed for safer County will require coordination with destinations, such as schools, libraries, crossings. these agencies. While some of these and museums. proposals go beyond the boundaries of PEDESTRIAN STRATEGIES this plan’s study area, it is important While Lake Villa does not currently have to understand the overall context of any existing marked or dedicated bike The pedestrian network in the study the area that connects to the Lake Villa routes, the development of a bicycle area is generally limited to sidewalks Triangle. network has been identified as a along both sides of Cedar Avenue and priority by the Village and its residents. along the south side of Grand Avenue. BICYCLE STRATEGIES The Village has indicated an interest in A striped crosswalk is located on Grand pursuing a bike connection between Avenue at McKinley Avenue. The major- Lake Villa has a unique location with the Sun Lake Forest Preserve bike trails, ity of downtown Lake Villa either has respect to bicycle access, including Sun through the downtown area and con- discontinuous sidewalks or completely Lake Forest Preserve to the northeast, necting to the Grant Woods trails. This lacks sidewalks. There are stretches Millennium Trail to the east, Grant bicycle network should be designed of areas along both Grand Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue that have been worn down by pedestrians, creating their own walking path. Both Grand Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue have a A PLACE FOR BICYCLISTS & PEDESTRIANS very unfriendly pedestrian atmosphere, due to a lack of separation from the TheTh ddevelopmentdll off a bicyclebibi l network has been identified as a prior- arterial roadways and relatively few, ity by the Village and its residents. This bicycle network should be if any, pedestrian amenities. Just as designed with the various bicycle groups -- recreational bikers, com- much as a bicycle network, the Lake muters, students, and casual riders -- kept in mind. And, just as Villa community desires a safe, inter- much as a bicycle network, the Lake Villa community desires a safe, connected path system for pedestrians interconnected path system for pedestrians in the downtown area. in the downtown area.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 40 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Transportation Strategies | 5 GENERAL TRANSPORTATION STRATEGIES

Each colored line segment on the map in Figure 5.1 below represents a corridor in and around the Lake Villa Triangle. Transportation improvement strategies -- mostly regarding pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, streetscape enhancements, and parking improvements -- are assigned to each corridor. Figures 5.2 through 5.7 each provide a detailed overview of the transportation improvement strategies for each of the six corridors. For points of reference, the map below also highlights the four opportunitiy sites, which were detailed in Section 4.

Background information relating to the transportation improvement strategies are also provided on the following pages.

FIGURE 5.1 Map Key for Speciﬁc Transportation Strategies Grand Avenue Corridor Park Avenue Corridor OPPORTUNITY SITES SEE FIGURE 5.2 SEE FIGURE 5.6 1 DOWNTOWND LAKEFRONT SITE Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Grant Woods Forest Preserve Connection 2 INDUSTRIALI PARK SITE SEE FIGURE 5.3 SEE FIGURE 5.7 3 PLEVIAKP SCHOOL SITE 4 Cedar Avenue Corridor Petite Lake Road, Fairﬁeld Road CEDARC LAKE ROAD SITE SEE FIGURE 5.4 & Cedar Lake Road Corridors Lehmann Trail SEE FIGURE 5.8 SEE FIGURE 5.5 Intersection Improvements

NORTH PETITE LAKE RD SUN LAKE

DEEP LAKE CEDAR MILWAUKEE AVE

FAIRFIELD RD LAKE 1 Metra DEEP LAKE RD CEDAR AVE GRAND AVE ** 3 CN RAILROAD 2

4 OAK KNOLL DR CEDAR LAKE RD KINLEY AVE C M

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 41 5 | Transportation Strategies

FIGURE 5.2 Transportation Strategies along the Grand Avenue Corridor

Bicycle Strategies Intersection Strategies The map below illustrates the proposed bicycle strategies for Improved intersections, both signalized and unsignalized, speciﬁc segments of Grand Avenue. along Grand Avenue are proposed at Milwaukee Avenue, Cedar Avenue, and Park Avenue (see Figure 5.11 for details). The Pedestrian Strategies Milwaukee Avenue intersection provides the only signalization A continuous sidewalk is proposed along the south side of in the downtown. The Park Avenue intersection is a key cross- Grand Avenue, with the north side providing a shared use path ing location, as it is part of the proposed redevelopment at the for pedestrians to access, from Deep Lake Road to Milwaukee Pleviak School opportunity site and connects the downtown to Avenue. Roadway shoulders would be used from Milwaukee the neighborhood south of Grand Avenue. Signalized intersec- to Oak Knoll Road, along with sidewalks on both sides of Grand tions are proposed along Grand Avenue at Cedar Lake Road Avenue. The sidewalk on the south side of Grand Avenue and Oak Knoll Drive, which is the proposed access point into would transfer to a shared use path from Oak Noll Drive west the Downtown Lakefront opportunity site. Signalization would to Cedar Lake Road. These strategies are presented below. require IDOT coordination to conduct the trafﬁc signal war- Streetscape Strategies rant and design studies. As an IDOT standard practice, these Streetscape elements, such as the signage illustrated in Section intersections would include pedestrian countdown signals and 6, are proposed along Grand Avenue to create a safe and at- high visibilty crosswalks. tractive environment for bicyclists and pedestrians, along with a sense of arrival to the downtown core.

OAK KNOLL DR TO CEDAR LAKE RD YELLOW SEGMENT EAST OF MILWAUKEE AVE TO DEEP LAKE RD BLUE SEGMENT Oak Knoll Drive is the proposed access point to the Downtown This segment starts at the Lake Villa District Library. The Lakefront opportunity site, which is proposed to be signalized Lindenhurst bike plans calls for a shared use path on the north at Grand Avenue. At this point, the south side of Grand Avenue side of Grand Avenue, crossing Grand at Deep Lake Road to appears to have sufﬁcient right-of-way to accommodate a shared access the Library. The proposed improvement for this seg- use path. Protected crossing locations would be at the proposed ment is to continue along the north side of Grand Avenue to signalization of the Grand Avenue/Oak Knoll Drive intersection, as Milwaukee Avenue as a 10-foot shared use path. The north well as the proposed signalization of the Grand Avenue/Cedar Lake side is preferred to the south side due to fewer driveways near Road intersection. Milwaukee Avenue.

CEDAR MILWAUKEE AVE DEEP LAKE LAKE 1 Metra * 3 * DEEP LAKE RD CEDAR AVE GRANDANAND AVEAVA CN RAILROAD

4 2 KINLEY AVE C M OAK KNOLL DR NORTH CEDAR LAKE RD

WEST OF MILWAUKEE AVE TO OAK KNOLL DR PINK SEGMENT At Milwaukee Avenue, the bike facility would transition to a shared roadway facility along both the north and south sides of Grand Avenue. While it appears that there may be enough right-of-way along the south side of Grand Avenue to continue the shared use path, there are numerous driveways that could generate bicycle-vehicular conﬂicts. As previously mentioned, the AASHTO Guide notes that when two-way shared use paths are located immediately adjacent to a roadway, some operational problems can occur as motorists entering or crossing the roadway may not notice path users coming from the direction opposite of vehicular trafﬁc, or at driveways where motor vehicles may be stopped and block the path. As an alternative to the shared use path, the use of the roadway shoulders is proposed for this segment. The width and condition of the shoulders vary, especially near the Canadian National (CN) railroad crossing. The width of the travel lanes, currently at 12 feet, may need to be reduced to 11 feet to accommodate a 6 foot paved shoulder to stay within the current roadway width. IDOT coordination will be required on this proposal.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 42 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Transportation Strategies | 5

FIGURE 5.3 Transportation Strategies along the Milwaukee Avenue Corridor

Bicycle Strategies NORTH OF GRAND AVE TO PETITE LAKE RD YELLOW SEGMENT The map below illustrates the pro- Milwaukee Avenue north of Grand Avenue has two travel lanes per direction, narrow- posed bicycle strategies for speciﬁc ing to one lane per direction. Signalized intersections are located at Grand Avenue and segments of Milwaukee Avenue. Petite Lake Road. The roadway travels over the CN railroad. This segment does not have paved shoulders or sidewalks. With two travel lanes in each direction, there is Pedestrian Strategies limited existing roadway space to accommodate bicycles. Further, the BLOS indicates A continuous sidewalk is proposed that an on-road facility would not be appropriate. An off-road shared use path along along both sides of Milwaukee the east side of Milwaukee Avenue is proposed. There are few driveways located on Avenue. the east side as compared to the west side. The shared use path would travel back onto the roadway bridge to travel over the CN railroad. Bike riders would use the Streetscape Strategies existing sidewalk although a barrier should be added. A long-term solution would be Streetscape elements, such as the a multi-use bridge over the CN railroad. Additionally, the intersection of Milwaukee signage illustrated in Section 6, are Avenue and Cedar Avenue should be considered for signalization. This is a key entry proposed along Milwaukee Avenue location for downtown Lake Villa and would provide a protected crossing location. IDOT to create a safe and attractive envi- coordination will be required on this proposal. This path would connect to Frank Lof- ronment for bicyclists and pedestri- fredo Park and the Sun Lake Forest Preserve trails located west of Milwaukee Avenue as ans, along with a sense of arrival to well as the Petite Lake Road bike path. From these connections, a connection would be the downtown core. possible to Lakes Community High School. Intersection Strategies SOUTH OF GRAND AVE TO PARK AVE PINK SEGMENT An improved intersection at Mil- South of Grand Avenue, Milwaukee Avenue carries a higher volume of trafﬁc and also waukee Avenue and Grand Avenue narrows to one lane per direction. Travel lanes are 12 feet with an 8 foot shoulder. is proposed (see Figure 5.11 for de- Similar to the downtown segment of Grand Avenue, a shared roadway alternative is tails), as this is presently the only proposed along Milwaukee Avenue from Grand Avenue to Park Avenue. The width signalized intersection in the down- and condition of the shoulders vary, and will need to be paved. The intersection of town area. Signalized intersections Milwaukee Avenue and Park Avenue should be considered for future signalization to are proposed along Milwaukee address access to the Lake Villa Industrial Park opportunity site on the west side, as Avenue at Cedar Avenue and Park well as provide a safe pedestrian and bicycle crossing. Site distance and travel speeds may be a safety issue for this intersection. This segment would provide connections to Avenue. Adding signalization at the the Lake Villa Industrial Park opportunity site and Prince of Peach Church/School on the Cedar Avenue intersection would opposite side of Milwaukee Avenue. Further analysis beyond the scope of this study improve access for motorists, would be needed to determine bikeway access south of Park Avenue. Additionally, the pedestrians, and biycylists into the IDOT Milwaukee Avenue study will address bicycle and pedestrian needs. downtown core. The Park Avenue intersection is a key crossing loca- PETITE LAKE RD SUN tion, as it is part of the proposed LAKE redevelopment at the Industrial NORTH Park opportunity site. Site distance and travel speeds may be a safety issue at this intersection. In addition to the proposed Industrial Park opportunity site, this signalized intersection would provide improved CEDAR DEEP access to the Prince of Peace LAKE MILWAUKEE AVE LAKE Church and School on the opposite side of Milwaukee Avenue. Further 1 Metra analysis beyond the scope of this 3 study would be needed to deter- CEDAR AVE* GRAND AVE mine bikeway access south of Park CN RAILROAD Avenue. Additionally, the IDOT Mil- 2 waukee Avenue study will address 4 bicycle and pedestrian needs. OAK KNOLL DR KINLEY AVE C M CEDAR LAKE RD PARK AVE

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 43 5 | Transportation Strategies

FIGURE 5.4 Transportation Strategies along the Cedar Avenue Corridor

Bicycle Strategies The map below illustrates the proposed bicycle strategies for specific segments of Cedar Avenue. SOUTH OF RAILROAD TO GRAND AVE PINK SEGMENT Pedestrian Strategies There is currently not enough existing roadway to accommo- Cedar Avenue is presently served by con- date a designated bicycle facility along Cedar Avenue between tinuous sidewalks, with a few small gaps, Grand Avenue and the railroad. However, sidewalks presently along both sides of the street from Grand exist along this segment of Cedar Avenue. New bike paths are Avenue to Milwaukee Avenue. Breaks in proposed at the Lehmann Park and lakefront areas, as part of the sidewalk network should be filled in the proposed redevelopment for the Downtown Lakefront op- as resources become available. Any new portunity site, which will provide connections to Grand Avenue. streetscape improvements or site redevelopments will need to maintain sidewalks to ensure no breaks in the network. In SOUTH OF MILWAUKEE AVE TO RAILROAD YELLOW SEGMENT addition, the pedestrian connection from With proposed bicycle facilities along Grand Avenue and Cedar Avenue to the Metra station will Milwaukee Avenue, Cedar Avenue will have bicyclists traveling need to be improved with the installa- along the road. A shared vehicular/bicycle lane is proposed tion of a new pedestrian walkway, which along Cedar Avenue from Milwaukee Avenue to the railroad. would be part of the redesign of the parking area at the rear of the buildings on the ALONG RAILROAD BLUE SEGMENT east side of Cedar Avenue, as illustrated in Figure 5.14 (see label A). Potential Lehmann Trail (see Figure 5.5). Streetscape Strategies Streetscape elements, such as the signage illustrated in Section 6, are proposed along Cedar Avenue to create a safe and NORTH CN RAILROAD attractive environment for bicyclists and pedestrians, along with a sense of arrival CEDAR to the downtown core. Other streetscape LAKE improvements for Cedar Avenue are illustrated in Figures 5.12 through 5.14, includ- MILWAUKEE AVE ing elements like a mid-block pedestrian crossing, redesigned on-street parking, and a new access point into the proposed redevelopment on the Downtown Lake- front opportunity site to the west. 1 LAKE AVE Intersection Strategies Metra Improved intersections along Cedar Av- * enue are proposed at Grand Avenue and CENTRAL AVE Milwaukee Avenue (see Figure 5.11 for VILLA AVE details). The Grand Avenue intersection would include modified right-of-way di- CEDAR AVE mensions and a left turn lane onto Cedar Avenue. The Milwaukee Avenue intersec- GRAND AVE tion would include new signalization to improve access for motorists, pedestrians,

and bicyclists onto Cedar Avenue. KINLEY AVE C M

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 44 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Transportation Strategies | 5

FIGURE 5.5 Transportation Strategies along the Potential Lehmann Trail

Bicycle Strategies A new bike trail system is proposed to connect the trails in Sun Lake Forest Preserve and around Lehmann Mansion to Cedar Avenue, Lehmann Park, the Cedar Lake waterfront, and future redevelopment of the Downtown Lakefront opportunity site. Pedestrian Strategies Sidewalk connections should be made where new bike trails are not planned to provide a safe, continuous path system for pedestrians, particularly along near major roads and the railroad. Streetscape Strategies Streetscape elements, such as the signage illustrated in Section 6, are proposed along Cedar Avenue to create a safe and attractive environment for bicyclists and pedestrians, along with a sense of arrival to the downtown core. Intersection Strategies A potential underpass beneath Milwaukee Avenue would allow passage of bicyclists and pedestrians traversing from the east side of the road to the west. Though not an at-grade intersection, the CN Railroad crosses below Milwaukee Avenue.

Sun Lake Forest Preserve PETITE LAKE RD SUN CN RAILROAD * LAKE NORTH

* Lehmann Mansion Potential Bike Underpass Beneath Milwaukee Ave

MILWAUKEE AVE

CEDAR LAKE

Lehmann Park & Beach DEEP * LAKE LAKE AVE 1 Metra * VILLA AVE 3 CEDAR AVE

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 45 5 | Transportation Strategies

FIGURE 5.6 Transportation Strategies along the Park Avenue Corridor

Bicycle Strategies Intersection Strategies The map below illustrates the proposed bicycle strategies Improved intersections along Park Avenue are proposed for specific segments of Park Avenue. at Grand Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue (see Figure 5.11 for details). The Park Avenue intersection at Grand Pedestrian Strategies Avenue is a key crossing location, as it is part of the The sidewalk network along Park Avenue is sporadic, with proposed redevelopment at the Pleviak School opportu- sidewalks provided near the Grand Avenue intersection, nity site and connects the downtown to the neighborhood then a large gap before sidewalks appear again along south of Grand Avenue. Adding signalization at this inter- the industrial park towards Milwaukee Avenue. Breaks section would improve access for motorists, pedestrians, in the sidewalk network should be filled in as resources and biycylists into the downtown core. The Park Avenue become available. Any new streetscape improvements intersection at Milwaukee Avenue is another key cross- or site redevelopments will need to maintain sidewalks ing location, as it is part of the proposed redevelopment to ensure no breaks in the network. Since part of Park at the Industrial Park opportunity site. Site distance and Avenue traverses by the industrial park, sidewalks should travel speeds may be a safety issue at this intersection. be designed with enhanced safety in mind due to truck In addition to the proposed Industrial Park opportunity traffic generated by the industrial uses. site, this signalized intersection would provide improved Streetscape Strategies access to the Prince of Peace Church and School on the Streetscape elements, such as the signage illustrated in opposite side of Milwaukee Avenue. Further analysis Section 6, are proposed at the points where Park Avenue beyond the scope of this study would be needed to deter- intersects with Grand Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue to mine bikeway access south of Park Avenue. Additionally, create a safe and attractive environment for bicyclists and the IDOT Milwaukee Avenue study will address bicycle pedestrians, along with a sense of arrival to downtown. and pedestrian needs.

RAILROAD CROSSING BLUE GRAND AVE TO MILWAUKEE AVE PINK MILWAUKEE AVE TO DEEP LAKE RD YELLOW Park Avenue is separated from Palombi Mid- This segment would connect the proposed Park Avenue intersects Milwaukee Avenue dle School, residential areas, and the Grant redevelopment on the Industrial Park op- and continues east to Forest Preserve Woods Forest Preserve by the CN Railroad. portunity site to Lake Villa’s core downtown property. A few small street “stubs” provide With a couple of undeveloped parcels east of area. A signed bike route is proposed for Park opportunities to connect bikeways to the Lake the railroad and school district land west of Avenue along this segment. Villa District Library. Connections could also the railroad, a long term opportunity would be made to Deep Lake Road where bicyclists be a grade separated pedestrian/bicycle cross- could continue north to other destinations, ing over the railroad. like Deep Lake, Crooked Lake, and Lakes Com- munity High School.

CEDAR LAKE DEEP CROOKED LAKE MILWAUKEE AVE LAKE

UK 1 Metra EEE * 3 DEEP LAKE RD CEDAR AVE * GRAND AVE

2 CN RAILROAD OAK KNOLL DR KINLEY AVE C M PARK AVE NORTH

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 46 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Transportation Strategies | 5

FIGURE 5.7 Transportation Strategies for a Potential Grant Woods Forest Preserve Connection

Bicycle Strategies The map below illustrates the proposed bicycle strategies PARK AVE TO CEDAR LAKE RD YELLOW SEGMENT for a potential Grant Woods Forest Preserve connection With potential to connect to the proposed bicycle route from McKinley Avenue west to Cedar Lake Road. extension from Park Avenue (see Figure 5.5), a bikeway Pedestrian Strategies connection is proposed to extend westward to Grant Woods Forest Preserve, which starts on the west side on Cedar Lake This proposed connection is generally intended to provide Road. In general, the proposed bikeway connection would improved connectivity for regional bike trails that are start from Park Avenue, traverse west around the Palombi presently disconnected from each other. However, these Middle School campus, meander through the neighborhood bicycle strategies may also beneﬁt pedestrians. west of McKinley Avenue, travel around the southern boundary of the proposed redevelopment for the Cedar Lake Road opportunity sitem and then connect to the existing trails in Grant Woods Forest Preserve.

MILWAUKEE AVE CEDAR LAKE 1 * Metra CEDAR AVE 3 GRAND AVE PARK AVE 2 KINLEY AVE C M OAK KNOLL DR CN RAILROAD GRANT WOODS CEDAR LAKE RD FOREST PRESERVE 4

NORTH

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 47 5 | Transportation Strategies

FIGURE 5.8 Transportation Strategies along the Petite Lake Road, Fairﬁeld Road & Cedar Lake Road Corridors

Bicycle Strategies The map below illustrates the proposed bicycle strategies for specific segments of Petite Lake Road and Fairfield Road. Pedestrian Strategies Although Petite Lake Road and Fairfield Road are both beyond the scope of this plan, they have connectivity to other roads -- namely Milwaukee Avenue and Grand CEDAR LAKE RD BLUE SEGMENT Avenue -- that significantly impact the downtown area. Cedar Lake Road is under the jurisdiction of Lake County. As a result, sidewalk connectivity should be provided as With 8 ft shoulders, Cedar Lake Road could be a shared necessary to ensure continuous pedestrian access. roadway with bicycles, connecting residential areas to the south to the downtown area.

FAIRFIELD RD YELLOW SEGMENT PETITE LAKE RD PINK SEGMENT Under the jurisdiction of Lake County, planned improvements to Fairfield Like Fairfield Road, Petite Lake Road is under the jurisdiction Road will enhance connectivity to the Lake Villa Triangle via Grand Avenue. In of Lake County. Petite Lake Road was recently realigned at particular, the Village of Lake Villa received a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grant the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue. The vacated segment to improve the Grand Avenue crossing at Fairfield Road to connect Caboose Park now includes a new bike path which provides an attractive with Martin Elementary School. This project was just recently funded. Also, the bicycle route at a major intersection with potential con- intersection of Grand Avenue and Fairfield Road is a programmed improvement nectivity to Sun Lake Forest Preserve to the east and other project as part of IDOT’s capital improvement plan (2014-2018). potential bicycle facilities along Milwaukee Avenue.

SUN LAKE NORTH FOREST PRESERVE PETITE LAKE RD MILWAUKEE AVE FAIRFIELD RD

CEDAR LAKE

1 Metra CEDAR AVE * GRAND AVE

CN RAILROAD GRANT WOODS FOREST PRESERVE 4 KINLEY AVE C M CEDAR LAKE RD OAK KNOLL DR

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 48 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Transportation Strategies | 5 EXISTING & PROPOSED Lake Beach/Lake Villa/Antioch area, with IDOT plan. Construction is expected to REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY connections to existing forest preserve begin in 2014. trails, including Petite Lake Road/Fair- There are a number of county and ﬁeld Road and Grass Lake Road. The Village has been moving forward regional bike facilities near Lake Villa, with an off-road multi-use path along including trails in the Sun Lake Forest Additionally, there has also been discus- the north side of Grand Avenue from Preserve, Grant Woods Forest Preserve, sion of the future of Petite Lake Road, Munn Road to Deep Lake Road. This and Duck Farms Forest Preserve, as which was recently closed with a new project is being funded by a $250,000 shown in the Lake County Bike Map in bypass constructed. Petite Lake Road state grant. The Village has also applied Figure 5.9. intersects with Milwaukee Avenue (IL for an Illinois Transportation Enhance- 83), which might provide an opportunity ment Program (ITEP) grant to cover the Northwest Municipal for connecting regional bike facilities. Village’s share of the engineering design Conference Bicycle Plan and construction. The Northwest Municipal Conference IDOT Plans (NWMC) recently completed a Bicycle The Illinois Department of Transporta- Fox Lake Bikeways Plan Plan, which included goals to produce tion (IDOT) is planning to improve Grand The Village of Fox Lake is currently com- a more detailed corridor analysis and Avenue between Munn and Sand Lake pleting a Greenways and Bikeways Plan. formulate an implementation strategy Roads and is currently in the pre- Fox Lake, located west of Lake Villa, for regional bicycle facilities. Comple- liminary engineering phase. The IDOT is part of the Chain of Lakes area. An menting these larger goals are recom- improvement includes a sidewalk along existing trail extends from the southeast mendations for preparing local bike the south side of Grand Avenue and a end of Grant Woods, connecting near plans; creating bike safety, education, multi-use path located on the north side Monaville Road. With the Grant Woods and encouragement programs; install- which will connect to the Millennium trail system, connections can be made ing regional signage; and pursuing Trail system. The Village of Lindenhurst to the Fox Lake/Chain of Lakes area and grant opportunities. There are several has hired a consultant to prepared the Chain O’ Lakes Bike Path. facilities recommended for the Round streetscape plans to go along with the

FIGURE 5.9 Lake County NORTH Bike Map [Lake Villa Area]

The Lake Villa Triangle (indicated by the yellow star on the map) is located near multiple Lake County Forest Preserves, including Grant Woods to the west, Sun Lake to the Metra north, and Duck Farm and * Hastings Lake to the east. All four of these Forest Preserves provide internal trail networks. The bicycle and pedestrian strategies detailed in Figures 5.2 through 5.8 are intended to create linkages to these trail networks.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 49 5 | Transportation Strategies Lindenhurst Pedestrian & Bicycle Comprehensive Plan The Village of Lindenhurst, located immediately east of Lake Villa, completed a village-wide pedestrian and bicycle plan in 2008 to deﬁne a future pedestrian and bicycle connection network within the Village. Included in this plan are several segments proposed to be located along Grand Avenue (IL 132) and impact the Lake Villa Triangle, as illustrated on Figure 5.10.

FIGURE 5.10 Lindenhurst Bikeway Recommendations Impacting the Lake Villa Triangle

Priority # 1 Trail Segment connects the Engle Memorial Park/Community Center to the Lake Villa District Library. This proposed segment travels along the north side of Grand Avenue from Munn Road to the Lake Villa District Library. The proposed cross- section of this segment is an 8-foot multi-use path located on the south side of Grand Avenue, separated by a LAKE VILLA landscaped buffer. TRIANGLE [DOWNTOWN] Central Lindenhurst Segment starts at Grass Lake Road and Beck Road to Grand ** Avenue and Munn Road. This segment travels along Grand Avenue from Haw- thorne Drive to Munn Road. The proposed cross-section of this segment is a 4-foot roadway extension to create a pedestrian/bicycle lane. Grand Avenue Trail Segment generally runs along Sand Lake Road, starting near US Highway 45, but also NORTH includes a segment along Grand Avenue north and south of Sand Lake Road (trail cross-section A). The proposed cross-section of this segment is a 4-foot roadway extension to create a pedestrian/bicycle lane.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 50 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Transportation Strategies | 5 MAJOR DESTINATIONS ROADWAY SUITABILITY The output of the BLOS is a level of ser- FOR BICYCLES vice (LOS) rating that ranges from A to While the focus of this plan is the F, as indicated on the service and score downtown area, connections from the Determining the suitability of a roadway range in Figure 5.11. downtown to other major destinations as a bicycle facility and the “bicycle will result in a more successful network friendliness” of a roadway for the casual Roadways with a lower numerical score for bicycles and pedestrians. bike rider is an important decision-mak- result in a better LOS rating, as shown ing tool. One the most commonly used below. Roadways with a LOS A have a Major destinations in the Village of Lake tools to determine roadway suitability higher level of comfort and compatibility Villa and surrounding areas that are is the Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) for bicyclists while a roadway with a important to consider include: measure. Determining comfort us- LOS F would indicate that this roadway ing the BLOS is based on physical and is not suitable for an on-street bicycle >> Downtown Lake Villa operating variables of the roadway, facility. Typical industry standards are >> Lake Villa Metra station such as roadway width, traffic volume, that on-street bicycle facilities should be >> Lake Villa Village Hall travel speeds, truck traffic, pavement limited to roadways with LOS A, B, or C. >> Pleviak Elementary School condition, and on-street parking. The >> Palombi Middle School BLOS model was developed using the A BLOS evaluation was conducted for >> Martin Elementary School following variables: the two key roadways travelling through >> Lakes Community High School Lake Villa –Grand Avenue and Milwau- >> Prince of Peace Church/School >> Number of through lanes per direc- kee Avenue. Results are presented in >> Lake Villa District Library tion of travel Figure 5.11. >> Sun Lake Forest Preserve >> Width of outside travel lane >> Grant Woods Forest Preserve >> Width of additional spaces such as The above evaluation indicates that >> Frank Loffredo Park paved shoulder or bike lane Grand Avenue west of Cedar Avenue >> Lehmann Park >> Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volumes and Milwaukee Avenue south of Grand >> Sherwood Memorial Park >> Posted speed limit Avenue would be more comfortable to >> Glacier Park >> Percentage of trucks the average-skilled adult bicycle rider >> Kids Hope United >> FHWA’s pavement condition rating riding on an on-street bicycle facility. >> Parking conditions Grand Avenue east of Cedar Avenue

Metra

* CENTRAL AVE

CEDAR AVE FIGURE 5.11 GRAND AVE Bicycle Level of Service Level of Service BLOS Score

BURNETT AVE CN RAILROAD A Equal to or less than 1.5 B From 1.5 up to 2.5 C From 2.5 up to 3.5 D From 3.5 up to 4.5 E From 4.5 up to 5.5 WESLEY AVE PALOMBI MIDDLE SCHOOL F Greater than 5.5 KINLEY AVE C M Roadway Segment BLOS Scorea BLOS Compatibilty Level Grand Ave west of Cedar Ave 0.88 A Extremely High Palombi Middle School is located south of the Grand Ave east of Cedar Ave 2.11 to 2.57 B to C Very / Moderately High downtown core; however, safety is an issue at the at-grade railroad crossing at Grand Avenue. Milwaukee Ave north of Grand Ave 3.02 to 3.40 C Moderately High Milwaukee Ave south of Grand Ave 2.45 B Very High

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 51 5 | Transportation Strategies and Milwaukee Avenue north of Grand can Association of State Highway and or shared use paths away from motor Avenue would be more uncomfortable Transportation Officials (AASHTO), 1999, vehicle traffic. This could also include to the average-skilled adult rider. These is the predominant reference guide for children who are still developing their segments should consider the use of the design of bicycle and pedestrian fa- bike handling skills. off-road facilities rather than on-street cilities. According to the AASHTO guide, facilities. the design of new facilities should be Bicycle facilities can include any type of consistent with the community’s overall road, marked routes, shared lanes, or Additionally, it is important to consider goals for bicycle travel and should off-road paths. There are different clas- future conditions. As presented in consider the type of riders, physical sifications of facilities, including: the Existing Condition Report, IDOT is characteristics of the roadway, and the currently conducting a study along Mil- volume and speed of traffic. On-Street Bicycle Facilities waukee Avenue to develop alternatives >> Shared roadways (wide curb lane, to accommodate future growth. No The design of bicycle facilities must paved shoulders) roadway improvements are planned or take into consideration the physical >> Signed shared roadways programmed for Grand Avenue between space available and the type of bicycle >> Bike lanes Milwaukee Avenue and Fairfield Road. rider. Typically, bicycle facilities are designed for a basic bicycle user, who Off-Street Bicycle Facilities DESIGN OF BICYCLE FACILITIES is less confident riding anywhere and >> Shared use paths prefers to use roadways with a more >> Bike trails The Guide for the Development of comfortable amount of operating space, >> Other designations Bicycle Facilities, prepared by the Ameri- perhaps space designated for bicycles

SHARED ROADWAYS Roadway width is the most critical variable affecting the ability of a roadway to accommodate bicycles. Improvements such as paved shoulders (on more rural roadways) or wide curb lanes can be used to accommodate bicycles. Paved shoulders are recommended to be 5 feet., but at a minimum should be at least 4ft wide (excluding gutter pan or any area with rumble strips). Any shoulder less than 4 feet is better than none at all, but should not be signed or marked as a bicycle facility. Wide curb lanes can be used where shoulders are not provided. An outside, or curb, lane is recommended to be 14 to 15 feet between the lane stripe to the gutter pan.

BIKE LANES Bike lanes are a portion of the roadway that is dedicated for the preferential use of bicycles, separated by striping, pavement mark- ings, or signing. On-street bike lanes are typically provided in the direction of travel. The preferred width of a bike lane is 5 feet, although 4 feet can be used along roadways with no curb or gutter. A greater width is preferred when there are higher truck volumes or travel speeds exceed 50 miles per hour.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 52 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Transportation Strategies | 5

SHARED USE PATHS Shared use paths are facilities physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier, either within a highway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way. These paths are commonly designed for two-way travel by pedestrians, bicycles, skaters, and runners. The typical recommended width of a shared use path is 10-feet, although can range from 8 to 12 feet. A one-direction path should be 6-feet wide. The AASHTO Guide notes that when two-way shared use paths are located immediately adjacent to a roadway, some operational problems are likely to occur. This can occur at intersection locations where motorists entering or crossing the roadway may not notice path users coming from the direction opposite of vehicular traffic, or at driveways where motor vehicles may be stopped and block the path. Great care has to be taken in managing the operation of trail/roadway intersections to ensure safety, convenience and comfort are bal- anced. Trail users don’t want to have to stop every few hundred yards at every driveway and intersection, especially where crossing traffic volumes are very small. Nor do designers want to set up dangerous conflicts between auto traffic and trail users by providing inadequate information and traffic control at intersections.

Appropriate signage in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Trafﬁc Control Devices (MUTCD) should be placed at these locations. A separation between the path and the roadway of at least 5-feet is recommended. In the case that this width is not available, then a physical barrier should be used. A 2-foot clearance along both sides of the path should be maintained.

CROSS SECTION OF A TWO-WAY SHARED USE PATH ON SEPARATED RIGHT-OF-WAY

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 53 5 | Transportation Strategies INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS

The transportation strategies noted in Figures 5.2 through 5.8 include intersection improvements that will create safer pedestrian and bicycle crossings and provide improved auto trafﬁc circulation at key intersections in the Lake Villa Triangle. Notably, intersection improvements, both signalized and unsignalized, are most needed along the Grand Avenue corridor, which carries trafﬁc from neighboring Lindenhurst and Fox Lake Hills into Lake Villa, as well as connects to other major arterial roads, like Milwaukee Avenue and Route 59 to the west. Grand Avenue also creates the southern boundary of Lake Villa’s downtown core and traverses past three of the four downtown redevelopment opportunity sites, which are detailed in Section 4. The graphics in Figure 5.12 provide details on the proposed improvements for the Grand Avenue intersections at Milwaukee Avenue, Cedar Avenue, and Park Avenue.

FIGURE 5.12 Intersection Improvements

Metra MILWAUKEE AVE CENTRAL AVE 1 * VILLA AVE 3 CEDAR AVE

GRAND AVE

CN RAILROAD

KINLEY AVE BURNETT AVE C

M NORTH PARK AVE SHERWOOD AVE

GRAND AVE & CEDAR AVE YELLOW CIRCLE GRAND AVE & MILWAUKEE AVE BLUE CIRCLE Improvements for the intersection at Grand Avenue and Cedar The intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Grand Avenue is the only Avenue include: (1) Adding a left turn lane from eastbound Grand signalized intersection in the downtown, and thus provides the only Avenue to northbound Cedar Avenue; and (2) Reducing the crossing protected crossing for pedestrians. It provides a direct connection of Cedar Avenue by extending the curb line on the north side and to the downtown triangle and the Metra station. However, this in- reducing the driveway width on the northwest corner. tersection is very wide with left turn, right turn, and through lanes, as well as Milwaukee Avenue traveling at an angle. Some alternatives that could improve the safety for pedestrians: GRAND AVE & PARK AVE PINK CIRCLE The intersection at Grand Avenue and Park Avenue should be >> Construct raised channelizing islands for the ‘pork chop” style improved by adding design elements such as curb extensions, right turn lanes improved signage, and warning lights, like in-roadway warning >> Add control to right turn lanes with signs such as yield to lights or high intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) that includes a pedestrians, stop, or no turn on red combination of a beacon ﬂasher and signage. These improvements >> Construct right turn lanes as close to 90 degrees as possible are activated generally by push button and provide a visual clue for >> Reduce turning radii motorists that a pedestrian is crossing. This is a key crossing loca- >> Stripe with high visibility crosswalks tion as part of the proposed redevelopment on the Pleviak School >> Set back stop bars to account for angled roadway and place opportunity site and connects the neighborhoods south of Grand crosswalk as close to natural walking path as possible to mini- Avenue to the downtown and Metra station. mize crossing distance

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 54 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Transportation Strategies | 5 PARKING STRATEGIES

Parking is typically a core element of a downtown area, providing opportunities for business owners, employees, shoppers, residents, and commuters, provided there is a transit facility, such as the Metra station in Lake Villa’s downtown. Parking characteristics in Downtown Lake Villa include:

>> Of the 237 total parking spaces, about 62% (146 spaces) are private, while the remaining 38% (91 spaces) are public. Public parking includes both off-street and on-street spaces. Private parking includes only off-street spaces. However, there is a signiﬁcant amount of private, unmarked spaces located behind buildings that are used for parking. If these spaces were marked for parking, then the percentage of off-street spaces would be much higher. >> Limited amount of public parking with present inventory consisting of about 58 on-street (Cedar Avenue) and 33 off-street spaces behind Village Hall and the Fire Station. >> No public parking is provided on the west side of Cedar Avenue; downtown employees and visitors traveling from the north must do a U-turn to access on-street spaces. >> Large inventory of private parking (behind/next to buildings) primarily dedicated to business owners and employees; while some spaces are marked, a large amount of these spaces are unmarked, generally with gravel or grassy surface. >> Metra parking is about 46% utilized, with 107 of the 234 total commuter parking spaces being used on an average weekday >> As redevelopment occurs within and adjacent to the downtown, additional parking resources may need to be considered.

STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE DOWNTOWN PARKING RESOURCES

Reconfigure Cedar Avenue to provide parking on both sides of the Angled parking is currently roadway (see Figures 5.13 and 5.14 for details). provided only on one side of Cedar Avenue. Historically, parking had been available Consolidate and reconfigure private parking spaces behind buildings on both sides. The parking reconfiguration concept in this (see Figure 5.15 for details). Additionally, connections between the plan reintroduce parking on parking areas would allow for consolidated access/egress and im- both sides of the street. proved internal traffic flow.

Provide improved pedestrian connections to link the Metra parking spaces to the downtown as well as to redevelopment projects (see the graphics on pages 24 and 25).

Consider additional parking resources as redevelopment occurs within and adjacent to the downtown. As presently proposed, all redevelopment concepts will generate sufﬁcient parking through a combination of on-street, surface, and structured below-grade parking.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 55 5 | Transportation Strategies

New Drive to Reorganized Shared Parking Lot

New Mid-Block Pedestrian Future Drive Crossing

InĮll Opportunity

Key Streetscape Feature Opportunity

8’ Parallel Parking Stall

VILLAGE HALL Curbed Landscaped Bump-out with Street Tree C E D A R A V E N U C E D A R

InĮll Opportunity

ExisƟng Trees

New Pedestrian Crossing

Triangle Gateway Opportunity

Parking Totals* G R A N D A V E N U E On-Street: ExisƟng +/- 57 spaces Proposed +/-77 spaces

NORTH *On-street parking from Central Ave to Grand Ave along Cedar Ave FIGURE 5.13 - PLAN VIEW Parking ReconﬁgurationStreetscape &Improvements Streetscape Improvements along Cedar Ave

Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 0’ 80’ 160’

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 56 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Transportation Strategies | 5

EXISTING STREETSCAPE ALONG CEDAR AVENUE

8’ Walk 12’Thru Lane 20’ Thru Lane 18’ Diagonal Parking 8’ Walk Varies 60 Degree Varies 50’ curb to curb 66’ R.O.W.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS ALONG CEDAR AVENUE

New LighƟng w/ Lake Villa Triangle IndenƟty Signage

Banner OpportuniƟes

DirecƟonal Signage to Parking

Curbed Landscaped Bump-out with Street Tree

8’ Walk 8’ Parallel Parking 11’ Thru Lane 11’ Thru Lane 20’ Diagonal Parking 8’ Walk Varies 60 Degree Varies 50’ curb to curb 66’ R.O.W. FIGURE 5.14 - SECTION VIEW Parking ReconﬁgurationStreetscape &Improvements Streetscape Improvements along Cedar Ave Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 0’ 10’ 20’

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 57 5 | Transportation Strategies

NORTH METRA

A B

Condsolidate Parking D VFW

C E

G F

VILLAGE A Improved pedestrian connecƟon between Metra HALL and Cedar Avenue B InĮll opportunity site C Mid-block pedestrian crossing D New organized shared parking lot with improved access and addiƟonal parking and landscape E ExisƟng garages to be removed

B V E N U C E D A R F New street access to future Sherwood-Johnston development site G Key streetscape feature opportunity H Reorganized parking along Cedar Avenue with new I Bike Trail parallel parking and addiƟonal landscape ConnecƟons (See secƟon and streetscape enlargement) I Triangle Gateway Opportunity J G R A N D A V E N U E J New walk, landscape, pedestrian crossing and consolidate curb-cuts

Parking Totals Oī-Street: ExisƟng +/- 140 spaces Proposed +/-200 spaces On-Street*: ExisƟng +/- 57 spaces Proposed +/-77 spaces *On-street parking from Central Ave to Grand FIGURE 5.15 Ave along Cedar Ave Parking ReconﬁgurationStreetscape &Improvements Streetscape Improvements - Downtown

Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 0’ 80’ 160’

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 58 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 6 : Urban Design Strategies

To better market the Lake Villa Triangle to investors, developers, businesses, visitors, and potential home buyers and renter, the Village is committed to creating an attractive, welcoming downtown environment. The urban design strategies build upon a new visual identity program and signage concepts that are speciﬁcally tailored to the Lake Villa Triangle. Streetscape enhancements are also provided to improve the vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle environment of the Lake Villa Triangle.

These urban design strategies are highly supportive of the design standards and guidelines that have already been established for the Village Center Overlay (VC-O) District, as part of Lake Villa’s Zoning Ordinance. The VC-O design standards and guidelines cover a variety of elements, from building placement, lighting, and signs to architectural style, roof- lines, and façade treatments.

ANATOMY OF A SYMBOL CONCEPT Green = Forest Preserves & Trail Connections Blue = Three Lakes Red = Community Heart Gold = Optimistic Prospects

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 59 6 | Urban Design Strategies LAKE VILLA TRIANGLE for telling the Lake Villa Triangle “story” “vertical” -- specified on the next page. NAME STANDARDS in a concise and compelling manner. Standard signatures are proprietary Adopting “Lake Villa Triangle” for The overall brightness of the colors designs that should never be modified formalized use is an important element reflects the targeted “active lifestyle” or altered. Doing so may inhibit the of the overall recommended branding brand positioning. The blue circles rep- Village’s ability to defend its ownership strategies because the name clearly resent Cedar Lake, Deep Lake, and Sun of the signature against others who differentiates Lake Villa’s central busi- Lake, while green represents nearby may try to infringe upon its use. ness district from those of other nearby parks, forest preserves, and trails. Red marketplace competitors. A simple rule represents Cedar Avenue, Lake Villa A clear space free of other graphic ele- guides the use of the name: Triangle’s historic “heart,” and the focus ments should be maintained around of short term redevelopment strategies standard signatures, as illustrated on On communications that may that will enhance the Lake Villa Triangle the examples on the next page. be seen external audiences, or “product” and image. Yellow repre- in verbal conversations with sents the community’s aspirations for It is preferred that the Lake Villa Triangle external audiences, always use and optimism about the future of Lake signature be reproduced in its five the full Lake Villa Triangle name. Villa Triangle. color version on white or light, neutral colored backgrounds. However, in The signature components may be used instances where this is not feasible, four Doing this will help to elevate aware- as separate elements, or they may color and one color alternatives have ness of Lake Villa Triangle in the broader appear together in one of the three been provided, including specifications marketplace and minimize confusion “standard signature” (or “lockup”) com- for reversing the signature out of dark with other entities that use the word binations -- “centered,” “horizontal,” or colored backgrounds. “triangle” in their names. Using a shortened version of the name such as “the Triangle” in informal conversations EVOLUTION OF A SYMBOL CONCEPT with internal audiences is acceptable, but during short term rollout of the new As the top graphic illustrates, the three orange circles symbolize the three area brand, it is important to use the full lakes, with the orange triangle indicat- formal name as often as possible with ing the core downtown area. The center all audiences. graphic adds the significance of the ∆ three streets that compose the down- LAKE VILLA TRIANGLE town triangle, including Cedar Avenue, SIGNATURE STANDARDS Milwaukee Avenue, and Grand Avenue. The bottom graphic blends the symbolic shapes together into a symbol concept The Lake Villa Triangle signature has that highlights the positive attributes of two components -- a “logotype” (a the downtown area and spawns an icon stylized version of the Lake Villa name) for the Lake Villa Triangle. and a symbol comprised of elements representing key features and amenities that define Lake Villa Triangle’s special Green = Forest Preserves & Trail Connections character.

These features and amenities are also key selling points that will help attract Red = Community Blue = Three the attention and interest of prospective Heart Lakes investors, and the symbol is intended to provide future marketers with a vehicle Gold = Optimistic Prospects

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Standard Signature Formats and Clear Space *07/$'-07#2'4*'4*2''34#/&3+)/#452'(02.#43 *'-1'/352'4*#43+)/#452'32'.#+/%-'#2-8 (02#,' +--# 2+#/)-'%-'#231#%'+/&+%#4'&+/2'& &+34+/)5+3*#$-'(20.04*'2)2#1*+%'-'.'/43 3*05-&$'.#+/4#+/'Í/&3+)/#452'340*'-1

Standard Signature (Centered) Standard Signature (Horizontal) Standard Signature (Vertical)

-'#231#%'! -'#231#%'! -'#231#%'!

! !

Standard Signature Color Reproduction 4+312'('22'&4*#44*'#,' +--# 2+#/)-'3+)/#452' *'3+)/#452'.#8#-30$'2'6'23'&0540(,30-+& $'2'120&5%'&+/96'%0-0230/7*+4'02-+)*4/'542#- %0-02'&$#%,)205/&3#/&2'120&5%'&+/96'02(052 %0-02'&$#%,)205/&3#33*07/+..'&+#4'-8$'-07-'(4 %0-023+/0/'%0-02 '&+5.-5'022'6'23'& 07'6'2+/+/34#/%'37*'2'96'%0-022'120&5%4+0/+3 '/4+2'-8407*+4' /04('#3+$-'4*'3+)/#452'.#8$'2'120&5%'&+/(052 %0-023020/'%0-02#3+--5342#4'&+..'&+#4'-8$'-07 #/&+..'&+#4'-8$'-072+)*4

Positive Reproduction (Preferred 5 Colors) Positive Reproduction (Alternative 4 Colors) Positive Reproduction (Alternative 1 Color)

2''/ '&+5.2''/3+.+-#2403+.+-#240 -5' '&+5.-5'3+.+-#240 '& '&+5.'&3+.+-#240 "'--07 '&+5."'--073+.+-#240 2#8 '&+5.2#83+.+-#240 -#%, -#%,3+.+-#240 -#%,

Reverse Reproduction (Preferred 5 Colors) Reverse Reproduction (Alternative 4 Colors) Reverse Reproduction (Alternative 1 Color)

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 61 6 | Urban Design Strategies

Lake Villa Triangle Color Standards A coordinated palette of 15 colors has been selected for use on Lake Villa Triangle communications and other key applications such as signage and banners. The palette is comprise of a "light" and "dark" versions of the "medium" colors specified for the five color version of the Lake Villa Triangle signature. The color variations were chosen based on their potential to mix and match in combinations that range from fun and playful to formal and dignified. It should be noted that Lake Villa Triangle (LTV) Medium Green and LTV Dark Green are colors similar to those use for existing municipal signage and water tower. There is no "official" Lake Villa Triangle color. However, LTV Medium Green and LTV Dark Green are the principle colors used for the recommended signage system standards described in this report, and it is recommended those colors be featured in other applications as often as possible.

The examples at right illustrate how the Lake Villa Triangle color palette may be used for applications such D as signage and banners.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 62 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Urban Design Strategies | 6

Lake Villa Triangle (LVT) Color Palette

&$%/"((+2 &$%/"! &$%/(0" &$%/-""* &$%/- 3 .&)&( -/+ .&)&( -/+ .&)&( -/+ .&)&( -/+ .&)&( -/+

%")"!&0) +(+-. -"/%". )" ./%+.".," &4"!#+-/%"41" +(+-1"-.&+*+#/%" '"&(( -& *$(".&$* /0-"

-'"((+2 "!&0)"! "!&0)(0" "!&0)-""* "!&0)- 3 .&)&( -/+ .&)&( -/+ .&)&( -/+ .&)&( -/+ .&)&( -/+

-'"((+2 -'"! -'(0" -'-""* -'- 3 .&)&( -/+ .&)&( -/+ .&)&( -/+ .&)&( -/+ .&)&( -/+

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 63 6 | Urban Design Strategies

Lake Villa Triangle Typographic Standards Two typefaces are recommended for use on Lake Villa Triangle communications. American Captain is recommended for use as a display typeface on applications such as advertisements, brochure covers, banners and other media where bold headlines help attract the attention of readers. The typeface may also be used for subheads within texts, or for special emphasis. Please note that a special, graphically modiﬁed version of American Captain has been used for the Lake Villa Triangle logotype in signatures. The logotype should never be modiﬁed, nor should a typeset version of the name be substituted for the logotype. The American Captain can be downloaded for free from a variety of online sources, including FontSpace: http://www.fontspace.com/category/captain%20america Trump Mediaeval has been recommended as a secondary typeface for applications such as brochures, signage and other uses that include large amounts of text. Trump Mediaeval is a contemporary interpretation of several classical typeface forms and proportions, and is noted for its distinctive character and legibility in text.

Trump Mediaeval is a typeface with distinctive character that is also highly legible, making it an appealing Lake Villa Days choice for use in both text and display applications such as posters. 2013 August 2– 5 Lehmann Park

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 64 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Urban Design Strategies | 6

Primary Typeface

American Captain !"#$

Secondary Typeface

Trump Mediaeval Roman ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890

Trump Mediaeval Italic ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890

Trump Mediaeval Bold ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890

Trump Mediaeval Bold Italc ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 65 6 | Urban Design Strategies

Gateway / Directional Signs At the point in the Lake Villa Triangle redevelopment process that Cedar Avenue achieves a critical mass of destinations and features, new gateway / directional signs should be placed at the Illinois Route 83 and Grand Avenues to replace existing signage. The prototype below illustrates how a sign on the south side of Cedar Avenue / Grand Avenue intersection might appear.

Village Hall Ÿ

Metra Station Ÿ

Post Office Ÿ

Lehmann Park Ÿ

Cedar Avenue Ÿ Shops

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 66 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Urban Design Strategies | 6

Primary Identiﬁcation Signs The are for municipal institutions located within the Lake Villa Triangle neighborhood. Other public institutions present additional opportunities to display the new Lake Villa Triangle visual identity in highly visible locations.

Secondary Identiﬁcation Signs These are for locations where smaller identiﬁcation signs are more appropriate.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 67 6 | Urban Design Strategies

Parking Directional Signs Signs that provide clear directions to parking facilities enhance visitor hospitality. Ÿ

Informational Kiosk Adding kiosks at locations with signiﬁcant foot trafﬁc such as the train station will help to strengthen awareness of key Lake Villa Triangle festivals, events and key destinations.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 68 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Urban Design Strategies | 6

Street Signs Street signs that include the new signature will help deﬁne Lake Villa Triangle neighborhood boundaries Cedar Ave and enhance overall awareness of the Lake Villa Triangle brand.

Grand Ave

S Milwaukee Ave

Central Ave

Banners T R H Banners that conform to Lake Villa Triangle O L I D A visual identity standards (signature, colors and D E L I G H T N typography) provide excellent opportunities to enhance awareness of the Lake Villa Triangle brand throughout the year. Y P A R D E G &

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois 69 6 | Urban Design Strategies

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan 70 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois A : Appendix

APPENDIX A: FUNDING & SUPPORT RESOURCES

Multiple funding opportunities are available to support implementation of the redevelopment and improvement opportunities outlined in this plan. This appendix is intended to provide a summary of funding and support resources. Any resource listed is subject to change.

Local Municipal Funding Sources Municipal funding mechanisms can supplement Lake Villa’s ability to use local revenues for potential redevelopment, TOD, and transportation improvement opportunities. These funding mechanisms can supplement the Village’s general revenues, capital improvement plans, and other revenue sources, such as Motor Fuel Taxes, that can be partially allocated to TOD implementation over the long term.

>> A Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District is a special area designated by the Village to make public improvements within the district that will help generate private-sector development. Taxes derived from in- creases in assessed property values (i.e. the tax increment) resulting from new development would either go into a special fund created to retire bonds issued to originate the development or leverage future growth in the TIF district.

>> A Special Service Area (SSA) can be used for infrastructure, maintenance, or area management purposes in a geography defined by Lake Villa. Such revenues can support bonding or generate a revenue stream for specific projects for the defined geography.

>> A Business District (BD) can generate additional sales tax revenue for certain purposes, similar to the eligible uses for TIF. This approach may be appropriate for commercial and mixed use areas that redevelop for retail uses.

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois A1 A | Appendix

>> Public/private partnerships with through the Chicago Metropolitan Area. These districts can be used a private developer can help to Agency for Planning (CMAP). to make the area more walking-ori- facilitate proposed development ented and connected to the larger or extension of municipal utilities. >> The Regional Transportation Author- neighborhood, improve transit con- Partnerships could be established ity (RTA) administers the Job Access nections, invite more bicycling, and through legal negotiations and Reverse Commuter (JARC) program, revitalize the streetscape to reflect performance standards. a federally funded program that the character of the neighborhood provides operating and capital or district. >> Other tools, such as tax abatements funding for transportation services that support capital projects or planned, designed and carried out >> The Active Transportation Alliance sales tax rebates could be appli- to meet the transportation needs of provides support services for local cable. eligible low-income individuals and governments on bicycle and pedes- of reverse commuters regardless of trian programs and issues. Transportation Funding Sources income. The RTA also administers Funding for transportation related the New Freedom program, which >> Surface Transportation Program implementation work is available from provides operating and capital (STP) provides flexible funding that federal, state, and regional sources. funding for new public transporta- is used by states and localities on tion services and public transpor- any Federal-aid highway, bridge >> The Illinois Transportation Enhance- tation alternatives beyond those projects on any public road, transit ment Program (ITEP), adminis- required by the Americans with capital projects, and bus terminals tered by the Illinois Department Disabilities Act (ADA). and facilities. The federal share of Transportation’s (IDOT), is a for the program generally is 80%. reimbursement program for local >> Through the Innovation, Coordi- Each of the region’s 11 Councils of governments applying for fed- nation and Enhancement (ICE) Mayors are allocated STP funding eral transportation funding. ITEP program, the RTA provides operat- on the basis of population. Each provides assistance to support local ing and capital funding for projects Council oversees the planning and communities achieve their trans- that enhance the coordination and programming of these STP funds portation initiatives and expand integration of public transportation within their own region, and has travel choices. The program also and develop and implement inno- developed their own set of project supports broader aesthetic, cul- vations to improve the quality and selection guidelines. The Lake tural, and environmental aspects of delivery of public transportation. County Municipal League is the transportation infrastructure. ITEP lead agency for programming STP is comprised of 12 categories of eli- >> Local municipalities could work funds in the region serving Lake gible funding, including mitigation cooperatively with the RTA, Metra, Villa. All selected projects must for roadway run-off and pedestrian Pace, IDOT, Lake County, and the be submitted to CMAP for inclu- and bicycle facilities. Lake County Municipal League sion in the region’s Transportation to create a TED. A TED is a local Improvement Program (TIP). >> Congestion, Mitigation and Air Qual- development tool that helps com- ity (CMAQ) Improvement funding is munities manage parking resources >> The Illinois Pedestrian and Bicycle available via the Federal Highway while supporting both economic Safety (PBS) Program Grant is Administration (FHA) and IDOT. This development and mobility. TEDs designed to aid public agencies in program is intended to reduce traf- charge market rates for parking funding cost effective projects that fic congestion, improve air quality, on the street or off-street public will improve pedestrian and bicycle improve intersections, and increase spaces and use part of the in- safety through education and and enhance multiple travel op- creased revenue to make the area enforcement. Applicants for this tions, such as biking and walking. more accessible. TEDs are man- grant can apply for one or more of These funds are available locally aged similar to a Special Service 3 grant categories: (1) enforcement

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan A2 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois Appendix | A

efforts; (2) educational efforts, a grant to local governments to cants, working with local govern- which can include pedestrian and improve infrastructure related to ment, to attract and host events bicycle master plans, distribution of projects that directly create jobs. in Illinois that provide direct and education materials, walk and bike indirect economic impact. promotional programs, and distri- >> Other DCEO/IEDA programs provide bution of protective equipment; affordable, low interest financing >> The U.S. Environmental Protection and (3) research and training. for public infrastructure improve- Agency (USEPA) provides technical ments for economic development and financial assistance for brown- >> TIGER grants invest in road, rail, purposes. fields activities, supporting revital- transit, and port projects to ization efforts through environmen- preserve and create jobs, promote >> DCEO/IEDA assistance in the form tal assessments, cleanup, and job economic recovery, invest in trans- of participation loans is available to training. Several grant types are portation infrastructure to provide community and economic develop- available, including area-wide plan- long-term economic benefits, and ment corporations to serve small ning programs, assessment grants, assist those areas most affected by businesses within their defined and cleanup grants. the economic downturn. Projects areas. can include highway or bridge - Area-wide Planning Pilot rehabilitation, interchange recon- >> The Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) is Program provides a flexible struction, road realignments, public a self-financed, state authority with grant that can include financial transportation projects (including multiple programs for local govern- and/or staff assistance for projects in the New Starts or Small ments (among other entities). IFA developing area-wide brown- Starts programs), passenger rail can assist with bond issuance, fields plans, identifying next projects, and freight rail projects. provide low cost loans, facilitate steps, and resources needed Projects must be between $10 tax credits, and supply investment for implementation. Awards million and $200 million. No more capital to encourage economic are limited to $175,000. than 25% of total funds ($131 mil- growth statewide. lion) may be awarded to projects in - Assessment grants provide a single state. Grants are available >> The Illinois Housing Development funding for brownfields inven- for 80% of project cost but higher Authority (IHDA) offers certain simi- tories, planning, environmental priority given to those projects with larly structured programs for multi- assessments, cleanup plan- higher local commitment. family housing development. With ning, and community outreach. different multi-family residential Grants limited to $200,000 per Community & Economic options outlined in the redevelop- assessment or total grant fund- Development Support ment concepts for Lake Villa, IHDA ing $400,000. Taking the place of the soon-to-be programs could be partnered with abolished Department of Commerce private developers. - Cleanup grants provide direct and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the funding for cleanup activities Illinois Economic Development Author- >> As plan implementation proceeds, a specific brownfield sites. ity (IEDA) provides multiple grants and DCEO/IEDA, through the Illinois Grants are limited to $200,000 loans to local government for economic Bureau of Tourism, provides grants per site with 20% local match. and community development purposes. to municipal and county govern- Other state agencies and authorities ments and local non-profits to >> Under the Illinois Green Infra- have certain programs that could sup- market local attractions to increase structure Grant program, grants port implementation of Lake Villa’s plan. hotel/motel tax revenues. are available to implement green infrastructure for stormwater >> The Business Development Public >> DCEO/IEDA tourism grants are also management. There are three pro- Infrastructure Program provides available to private sector appli- gram categories: combined sewer

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Village of Lake Villa, Illinois A3 A | Appendix

overflow rehabilitation, stormwater systems, and sewers. Upgrades program is state financed and retention and infiltration, and green are eligible, too. grants of up to 50% may be infrastructure small projects. obtained. Acquisition grants >> Just like DCEO/IEDA, IEPA offers pro- are limited to $750,000 and >> Through its Local Technical Assis- grams to improve energy efficiency. park development grants are tance (LTA) Program, CMAP offers limited to $400,000. technical assistance to advance >> DNR has programs for bike and the implementation of the GO TO recreational path development or >> DNR has additional programs dedi- 2040 Plan. The program is primar- renovation. cated to open space preservation ily focused on assistance with a and land and water conservation. small amount of grant funding - The Illinois Bicycle Path Grant available. Typical projects include is a reimbursement program Private & Foundation Support local comprehensive plans, zoning for multiple bike path develop- Certain regional and community ordinance updates, subarea plans, ment activities, including land foundations, private sector entities, and and projects related to sustainabil- acquisition, path development individuals may provide grant funding ity and the natural environment. and renovation, and the devel- to support economic development, opment of support facilities for environmental, and land use activities Specific Purpose the path. or study. Two state departments, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) - The Recreational Trails program >> Potential grantors may be identi- and the Illinois Environmental Protec- funds land acquisition, trail fied through the Donors Forum of tion Agency (IEPA), provide multiple construction, and trail renova- Chicago. programs for specific purposes to local tion for recreational paths/trails governments. that can be used by multiple >> Local citizens or businesses may users. also provide a donation or series of >> IEPA provides technical assistance donations to fund a specific local and funding support, depending - Open Space Lands Acquisition public improvement project. These upon the issue. IEPA has programs and Development (OSLAD) projects can include funding for intended to protect watersheds assists local government subsequent studies, or physical and water quality near develop- agencies in the acquisition improvements and their mainte- ments and roadways utilizing and development of land for nance. These activities are usually federal Clean Water funds. Munici- public parks and open space. conducted under the auspices of pal governments can also apply This program has been used a local public charity and may be for revolving low interest loans for to fund bicycle/multi-use trail subject to written commitment. new wastewater facilities, collection development. The OSLAD

Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan A4 Village of Lake Villa, Illinois