Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Table of Contents Chapter 6 – Strengthen the Central Acknowledgements Business District This plan is presented with appreciation to Chapter 1 – Introduction - Downtown Vision everyone who participated in the planning - Purpose of the Plan - Circulation process. This plan was made possible with the - A Vision for Downtown Woodstock - Public Transportation participation and insights of citizens, property - Boundaries of the Study Area - Parking owners, and various groups, City Commissions - Review of Public Engagement - Streets and Streetscape and organizations, including: - Geographic & Market Context - Sub-Area Recommendations - Business Owners Meeting - Downtown Zoning - City Council Chapter 7– Implementation - Coffee with the Chief Chapter 2 – Previous Planning Efforts - Character Goals - Economic Development Commission - Heart Goals Chapter 3 – Preserve Character - Environmental Commission - Diversity Goals - Historic Preservation - Friends of the Library Board - Strength Goals - Catalysts for Development - Friends of the Opera House
- Examples of Success - Hispanic Connections
- Local Historic Properties - Library Board of Trustees
- Preservation Sites - Manufacturer’s Forum - Not-for-Profit Leadership Summit Chapter 4 – The Civic Heart - Old Courthouse & Sheriff’s House Advisory - Events and Visitors Commission - Conditions and Considerations for Public - On The Table – McHenry County Facilities and Open Spaces Community Foundation - Potential New Public Spaces - Parks & Recreation Commission - Plan Commission Chapter 5 – Residential Diversity - Rural Woodstock Public Library - Introduction to Residential Goals - Restauranteur Meeting - Opportunity Sites - Senior Coffee at the Café - Transportation Commission - WHS INCubator.EDU Class - Women’s Professional Networking
Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Chapter 1 – Introduction to the Development Plan
Purpose of the Plan other existing plans, such as the Comprehensive Woodstock, and especially Downtown Woodstock, Plan, Transportation Plan, Environmental Plan, and is a place that did not happen by accident. The Park Plan. As such, it reinforces and extends the Woodstock Square and its surrounding blocks were policies of these plans. Future development and laid out deliberately in the 1840s as the central improvements, especially in the public realm, must focus of a new County seat of government, with be consistent with both the Comprehensive Plan arterial roads reaching out to the rest of the and the Downtown Woodstock Development County in each direction. Today, those same Plan. This plan has been also developed in avenues bring Woodstock fans in from all corners accordance with the goals of Woodstock 2020, an of the county and beyond; not for the functions of aspirational document outlining Woodstock’s County Government, but for the pleasure of vision for its future. partaking in what Orson Welles once referred to as The Downtown Woodstock Sub-Area Plan (1996) “the grand capital of mid-Victorianism in the provided strong and insightful direction for just Midwest.” over 20 years. The City Council and Plan Commission have followed the plan carefully and many of the goals outlined in that plan have been accomplished. The previous plan gave us projects like the Stage Left Café expansion of the Opera House, the expansion of the downtown movie theatre, new parking areas, Downtown wayfinding signage, landscaping improvements, and design guidelines for historic preservation.
Downtown Woodstock truly stands among America’s central business districts as a wonderfully distinctive place. Building upon the
legacy of past planning efforts, and with particular The Downtown Development Plan is a guide for the emphasis on aligning the community’s vision, the future development of Downtown Woodstock. The Downtown Woodstock Development Plan plan encompasses four planning districts; each has formulates a place-based strategy for enhancing unique characteristics that separate one from the character, heart, diversity and strength of another. The plan is adopted as a supplement to Downtown Woodstock.
1 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
A Vision for Downtown Woodstock 2. Heart – Woodstock was designed to function firms are largely people operations. Their as the civic heart of McHenry County, and the intellectual property comes not in the form of A decade ago, the City Council adopted this vision Downtown Square continues to be the heart patents and processes, but in the expertise of for Woodstock: “By the year 2020… visitors and and soul of the community. As a vibrant the people working for them. Downtown is an investors will see Woodstock as a premier gathering place for government and asset that helps companies recruit these destination, the overall economy will be sound and community functions, artistic expression, and a employees, and provides a high-status, central vital, and our downtown Square will be known as a multitude of special events, this plan intends place for them to meet with clients, and offers national treasure that continues to offer magical to accent the ability of this civic space to bring an energizing environment. Increasing density experiences.” our community together. is a measure of success for any downtown. In support of that vision, we offer this
Development Plan for Downtown Woodstock, 3. Diversity – The Downtown attracts More residents. More businesses. More visitors. Illinois. The plan will guide the direction of change individuals in all stages of life to interact More activity. However, density brings with it and growth of Downtown Woodstock over the next here. This diversity must extend to the challenges all their own, many of which can stymie 10-15 years. The central tenets of this plan are: housing options available in the immediate development if not addressed. In large measure, downtown area. The numbers of persons public investment in downtown infrastructure and 1. Character – The defining aspect of the residing in the downtown will have a positive place-making is an indirect investment in the Woodstock Square and its surrounding blocks effect on the quality of the retail, service and companies that reside there. Upgrades to is the well-preserved historic character of the public transportation offerings. Especially Downtown’s transportation, housing, entertain- buildings, the park, and the pedestrian poignant as a goal would be the ability to live ment, cultural and commercial assets benefit each interactions that this layout enables. The and work downtown. By living downtown, company located downtown, enhancing their guiding principle in the execution of this plan these workers reduce pressure on regional ability to thrive in a competitive business must be the preservation of this infrastructure and also contribute to the environment. Our collective willingness to invest character. Even though new development is density needed to support downtown retail, both public and private dollars in Downtown recommended, this must be balanced with the dining and entertainment. projects directly affects local employers, both preservation of architecturally and historically Downtown and not, providing them with a quality 4. Strength – In addition to being a regional significant sites. platform from which to recruit employees, serve destination for events, visitors and shoppers, customers, entertain clients and have some fun “For those of us who remember the carefree Downtown Woodstock has always been the along the way. time it recreated, Main Street will bring back historical central business district for the happy memories. For younger visitors, it is an community. Although this position has “The Woodstock Square is an asset that is rare adventure in turning back the calendar to the declined over recent decades, focused efforts and valuable—a genuine, historic version of a days of their grandfather’s youth.” should be made toward strengthening retail environment that developers in other - Walt Disney, describing Main Street USA Downtown’s position as the center of business municipalities nationwide are trying to
in Woodstock. It is helpful to remember that recreate.” - Urban Land Institute financial, business and professional services
2 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Boundaries of Study Area The Downtown Woodstock Development Plan focuses on the area shown (at right). This boundary roughly coincides with the boundaries of the current downtown commercial and multi- family zoning districts and reflects the current and planned extent of downtown commercial development within Downtown Woodstock.
This area is the commercial, civic, and cultural center of Woodstock and McHenry County. Within its boundaries are classic historic buildings, cultural institutions, shopping and dining destinations, office buildings, parks, and a variety of residential properties.
Sub-Areas of Focus The Development Plan is further divided into sub- areas to assess their unique character, function, and recommended land uses. Four areas have been identified, as follows:
- The Woodstock Square, including the area immediately adjacent to the Park in the Square, as well as Main and Benton Streets. - The West Side Transition Area – Throop and the corridors of Washington (IL 120), W. Jackson, South, and Dean Streets. - North of the Tracks Transition Area – The Woodstock Station and the corridors of McHenry (IL 120) and E. Judd Streets. - Southeast Gateway Transition Area – Including the corridors of Lake and E. Calhoun Streets.
3 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Review of Public Engagement The following lists some of the strengths and - Uniform building setbacks on the square, and During the summer of 2017, over two dozen public challenges as described during the input process: full street wall present a pleasing pedestrian meetings were held to engage hundreds of citizens walking atmosphere. Strengths and businesses in the process of defining their - Institutional uses, such as the library, City Hall, - Downtown Woodstock’s walkability, historic vision for the development of Downtown and Aurora University benefit from the character and mix of businesses and Woodstock. Most of these meetings were topical downtown central location. restaurants make it a desirable destination for meetings, held in conjunction with one of the City’s - A strong entrepreneurial and small business residents and visitors. various Boards and Commissions, such as the Plan culture thrives in Woodstock. Especially for - The Park in the Square is a premier public Commission, Transportation Commission, Parks retail and restaurant uses, it is a place where gathering place. and Recreation Commission, and so forth. the market is not already so saturated with - Various City Commissions have already chains, that an independent store has a chance Public Engagement also included dozens of prepared excellent community plans with clear to be successful. interviews conducted with key stakeholders to goals that are carefully followed, such as the - Available land within the planning area offers a identify recommendations for key development Transportation Plan, the Park Plan, the unique opportunity to create additional sites as well as recommendations for public Environmental Plan, and the Bicycle Master development on the vacant 10+ acre facilities and open spaces. Plan. Woodstock Station parcels. - A strong Historic Preservation Commission has - Due to the TIF, environmental remediation on preserved the integrity of the core downtown the Woodstock Station site has already taken district. place, and utilities have already been installed - The community has established the pattern on the Woodstock Station site. and expectation of adaptive reuse of historic - Almost all of the upper-story spaces within the buildings. buildings on the Square are occupied, many - The Woodstock Farmers’ Market has with residential uses. developed into one of the best Farmers’ - Access to Chicago and the rest of McHenry Markets in the country, with a focus on County through efficient public transportation, growers, and twice-a-week frequency. for the whole community, is focused on the - The configuration of the trees in the Park in Downtown. The Mayor and City Council hosted a walking input the Square means that the Downtown - Public art projects like the new pedway mural session and tour of the Downtown. This gave businesses enjoy ample landscaping, but are sources of character and pride for the citizens and business owners a chance to give without the tree canopy directly blocking community. feedback from a pedestrian perspective. Dozens of signage and wayfinding on the front facades of - Many of the downtown restaurants are either participants walked together, in small groups, for the buildings. currently offering outdoor dining or are almost two hours, to discuss the opportunities and - Free public parking is offered in municipally- looking at opportunities to do so. challenges that are faced in Downtown Woodstock. owned off-street lots.
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- The Downtown district generates jurisdiction of both Metra and Union Pacific, Survey approximately 24% of the overall city adding similar complexities to working within A survey hosted on the City’s website and social restaurant sales, and 55% of the independent this right-of-way. media platforms had some revealing conclusions: restaurant sales. - Rear entrances to downtown businesses are - Over eighty percent (80%) of respondents visit not consistently available for use as public Downtown Woodstock at least weekly (75% Challenges entrances, and have not received the same lived inside the City limits, and 7% lived - Downtown character and pedestrian traffic investment in beautification, lighting, facade outside McHenry County). extend little beyond the blocks outside the improvement, landscaping, and seating areas, - The most common scenario for the 25% living Square and Main Street. as have the primary entrances. outside Woodstock city limits was to live - Downtown housing falls primarily into two - No unified business-driven Downtown inside the county, but outside the D200 categories, single family homes in the blocks leadership group exists to guide revitalization School district, and visit the Square either surrounding the Square, or apartment rentals - and business retention efforts. weekly or monthly. either in upper stories or nearby apartment - Many developers do not consider the - More than half of respondents would strongly buildings. Privately owned multi-family Downtown Woodstock market a strong recommend visiting Downtown Woodstock to townhomes or condos are present, but not investment opportunity in comparison with a friend. Fewer respondents would prevalent. other Chicagoland urban centers, due to recommend dining and shopping options in - With additional development comes a greater relative size, distance and housing density. Downtown. potential for traffic congestion. - Newly constructed retail space requires lease - When asked what changes could be made to - Metra service is present, but infrequent rates of $30 per square foot to justify improve the ratings, the most common word enough that many riders find it necessary to construction, which will deter independent used in the responses was “more,” followed travel to nearby communities to take retailer interest in any newly built space. by words like “restaurants,” “shops,” advantage of more frequent train stops. - The entire Downtown district (not just the “businesses,” and “parking.” - Although parking is plentiful compared to most Square) generates less than 8% of the overall - When asked what Downtown Woodstock downtowns, the perception still exists in the city retail sales. does really well, the most common responses community that not enough parking is - The current level of resident and employee included words like “Farmer’s Market,” available. population in the pedestrian and convenience “square,” “events,” “lighting,” and “concerts.” - Lack of designated bicycle paths and drive time markets inhibits interest by designated parking restricts the potential convenience retailers such as grocers. Opportunity Sites volume of non-motorized travel to the The final question on the survey was: Downtown. - “We have heard some feedback on how to “And sometimes even now, when I’m feeling - Illinois Route 120 is under the jurisdiction of redevelop some key opportunity sites. Which lonely and beat; I drift back in time and find my the Illinois Department of Transportation, of these potential uses do you think best fit feet down on Main Street.” adding a level of approval to actions within the these sites?” - Main Street, song by Bob Seger right-of-way. The Railroad is under the
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The responses available were a multiple choice list Looking at the chart, it is clear to see that Net Promoter Score of 11 potential uses determined earlier in the key Restaurants, and Brew Pub/Winery were the uses Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a management tool stakeholder interviews portion of the public that the community most desired. In fact, looking that can be used to gauge the loyalty of customer feedback. The results were enlightening, but did at the total number of votes cast for these uses, it relationships, and is used by over 2/3 of Fortune not contain many surprises. Many of the results exceeds the total number of responses, meaning 1000 companies. The basic standard question used were biased toward recent public proposals for that most of the respondents voted for these uses in calculating NPS is: uses on these same sites, such as a winery on the for more than one site. - “How likely is it that you would recommend old Lumber Yard site, and restaurant in the our company/product/service to a friend?” Other options that received few votes included a Sheriff’s House. Individual analyses of these sites, The survey asks for a response on a scale of 0-10, new train station and a new Rec Center. Both are and recommendations, which are informed by this with “0” being not likely to tell a friend, and “10” recommendations of this plan, but it should be survey, are given in subsequent chapters. For each being very likely to tell a friend. To calculate the noted that the public survey was not in strong site, the survey respondents were asked to give a NPS, responses are grouped into Promoters (scores st nd support of these investments. Residential 1 choice or best use, a 2 choice, and an “avoid of 10 or 9), Passives (scores of 8 or 7), and conversion of historic properties received this” negative response. In the following chart, the Detractors (scores of 6 to 0). The score is the consistently negative feedback. most common responses in the survey are percentage of Promoters minus the percentage of indicated with a 1, 2, or No, for these different The use of Children’s Museum was certainly a Detractors, ignoring the Passives. The number is types of responses. There was some disparity in popular use each time it was discussed. The use expressed as a whole number, rather than a the number of responses received for each was discussed by several feedback groups, and percentage. property, indicating that the preferred use of some each felt that the use was fun, but too dependent of these properties is a more strongly held opinion on foundational money, and should only be The Net Promoter Score determines a than for others. The sites are listed in descending attempted if a major endowment were set aside score in a range of -100 to +100. Any order of the most (227) to the fewest responses for the perpetual operation of what would be a low “positive” score above 0 is (144). revenue non-profit use. considered “good”, which simply means Survey Responses for Opportunity Sites in Woodstock that the majority of your customer base Event Apart- Gallery Co- New City New Brew Pub Restau Retail Kid's Music ments Museum Artist Working Rec Train is more loyal. The higher the score, the Answer Options or Winery rant(s) Space Museum Venue Condos Space Lofts Space Center Station Old Courthouse 2 No 1 more likely the customer is to become a Woodstock Station 1 No 2 Old Sheriff's House 2 1 No free advertiser, through word of mouth. American AdBAg No 1 2 Old Elks Lodge 1 2 No A NPS score above 50 is “excellent,” and BMO Bank Building 2 1 No Building Supply Site 1 2 No above 70 is considered “world class.” 200 Block N Benton 2 1 No
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This tells us that Woodstock has a strong those outside the county is -16. Both of these are How likely is it that you destination brand. Survey respondents feel a still negative meaning that, when talking about would recommend strong connection to the location. It also tells us Downtown Woodstock among friends, more that locals have a strong impression of the visiting people are likely to be critical of the selection, visiting Downtown Downtown, but those tourism visitors coming from rather than praise it. This represents a great Woodstock, to a friend? outside the County have an even stronger opportunity for improvement. connection. The sample size was 302 total Dining in Downtown Woodstock 120 respondents, 69 from outside Woodstock, and 19 100 from outside the County. How likely is it that you 80 Shopping in Downtown Woodstock 60 would recommend 40 How likely is it that you dining in Downtown 20 0 would recommend Woodstock, to a friend? 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 shopping in Downtown 60 Woodstock, to a friend? In this Downtown survey, the question was asked 40 in three forms: 50 20 - “How likely is it that you would recommend 40 visiting Downtown Woodstock, to a friend?” 30 0 - “How likely is it that you would recommend 20 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 shopping in Downtown Woodstock, to a friend?” 10 The net promoter score for dining in Downtown - “How likely is it that you would recommend 0 Woodstock was -14. The score for respondents dining in Downtown Woodstock, to a friend?” 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 outside of Woodstock was 0 (36% were Promoters, Visit Downtown Woodstock The net promoter score for shopping in Downtown and another 36% were Detractors). Remarkably, The net promoter score for visiting Downtown Woodstock was -32. This shows a fairly strong those outside McHenry County gave dining an Woodstock was +25, which is considered to be very dissatisfaction with the available shopping, and excellent score of +53. This may indicate that local good. Isolating the respondents who did not live in stands in contrast to the previous positive number. residents are ‘hungry’ for new choices and Woodstock, the score went even higher, to +45, This suggests that shopping is not the primary experiences, but for those who are visiting, the which is excellent. Isolating those who did not live reason that people enjoy visiting Woodstock. The new experience of dining in Woodstock is in McHenry County, the score goes up to a number gets better when the score is refined to remarkable enough to tell their friends about. phenomenal +79. non-Woodstock residents, at -14. The score for
7 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Geographic and Market Context The City of Woodstock is an independent county seat community located adjacent to the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and 60 minutes northwest of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. It is roughly 14 square miles in size, surrounded by open space and agricultural land, and immediately contiguous to only one other community, the Village of Bull Valley. The City’s population is 25,538 according to a late 2016 special census. The Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency projects that the City’s population will grow to 35,692 by 2040. The estimated median household income is $55,951 (2016) and the median home value is $165,400 (2016).
Population Projections from CMAP "On to 2040" Percentage City of Residence 2010 2040 Growth Housing Units 9,441 13,373 42% Population 25,028 35,692 43% Employment 11,751 17,596 50% Community Assets include Centegra Hospital Woodstock, McHenry County College, Aurora University Woodstock Center, the Woodstock Opera House, the Woodstock Farmers’ Market, and great local schools and over 1,000 acres of parks, including two McHenry County Conservation District conservation areas. It has ready access to U.S. Highway 14, Illinois Route 47 and Illinois Route 120, as well as the I-90 tollway. Nine U.S. Interstates are within 50 miles of Woodstock, which also contains stops along both Metra Union Pacific Northwest line (UP-NW) and PACE Suburban Bus lines.
8 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Downtown Woodstock Study Area The Downtown Woodstock Study Area sits in the geographic center of the City. The two central nodes are the 2-acre Park in the Square, and the Train Depot at the intersection of Church Street and the Metra Union Pacific Northwest rail line. The core of this study area spans roughly from First Street in the north, to South Street in the south, and Tryon Street in the west to Seminary Street in the east. The plan also ponders the impact on primarily residential areas outside these blocks. The study area contains a mixture of land uses, including retail, entertainment, and office, civic, educational, residential and mixed use.
Over 1,500 employees work within two minutes of Downtown Woodstock, more than 435,000 people live within a 32-minute drive of Downtown Woodstock, and this population has a median income of $87,000. Viewing Downtown’s market potential through the lens of drive-time, as opposed to a municipal boundary, better emulates consumer behavior and best captures Downtown Woodstock’s true market position in the region. The market for retail, dining and entertainment in the region is competitive, especially among the six larger communities in McHenry County; Woodstock, along with Crystal Lake, McHenry, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills and Huntley. Each of these communities has their own well-developed commercial areas, and several have excellent downtowns as well. Despite these strong county- wide markets, within a 16-minute drive-time of Downtown Woodstock, the retail and restaurant
9 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength market is under-supplied (with businesses earning less than consumers spend) by roughly $337 million (2017).
Retail Demand According to CoStar, the retail vacancy rate in Woodstock is 8.7%. Downtown Woodstock is slightly better at 8.5%. Demand for ground floor retail space in Downtown Woodstock has been This space is reserved fairly strong with virtually no ground floor vacancy. for a review of the primary market findings from the Houseal Lavigne Market Study. Retail rental rates for available retail space in Downtown Woodstock range from $7.50 to $16.18 psf. Average rental rate is $10.14. Rents achievable in the Courthouse amount to $6.50 to $8.00.
Retail and Restaurant Trade Demand (distances from the Woodstock Square) Drive Radius 1 minute 4 minutes 8 minutes 16 minutes 32 minutes Retail Trade Demand $ 4,267,542 $ 110,580,980 $ 310,566,573 $ 908,416,007 $ 6,468,324,281 Retail Trade Supply $ 19,215,779 $ 81,389,344 $ 257,118,301 $ 571,044,787 $ 5,557,085,007 Retail Leak/Surp Factor -63.7 15.2 9.4 22.8 7.6 Food & Drink Demand $ 489,415 $ 12,386,708 $ 34,806,518 $ 101,741,372 $ 725,893,392 Food & Drink Supply $ 5,244,209 $ 14,727,438 $ 26,146,812 $ 49,403,452 $ 551,938,146 Food Leak/Surp Factor -83 -9 14 35 14 Population 297 9,019 25,667 65,835 435,438 Households 164 3,516 9,418 23,532 156,750 Median Disposable Income 37,914 45,232 48,077 54,380 79,949 Per Capita Income $ 25,890 $ 28,999 $ 30,065 $ 33,834 $ 35,734
Total Population 297 9,019 25,667 65,830 435,438 Daytime Population 861 9,334 23,925 58,198 372,821 Workers 756 5,258 11,918 26,747 166,994 Residents 105 4,076 12,007 31,451 205,827 Owner-Occupied Housing 24% 52% 59% 71% 74% Renter-Occupied Housing 65% 38% 33% 22% 17%
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Downtown Zoning sizes, and to provide low to moderate density Neighborhood Business District The boundaries of the zoning districts established residential development served by municipal Business establishments in the B1 zoning district by Ordinance are shown on the “Official Zoning services and amenities. Residential dwellings and are intended to serve the immediate needs of the Map of the City of Woodstock, Illinois.” The full home occupations are permitted on tracts that surrounding neighborhood and to accommodate text describing the preferred land use of each zone meet the standards of this zoning district. neighborhood-oriented, low-intensity retail sales can be found in Chapter 7A of the Woodstock and service uses. The B1 zoning designation is Single Family Attached Residential Unified Development Ordinance. The Zoning appropriate in existing residential neighborhoods District Districts included in this Downtown Study Area are and for new residential developments that include The R3 zoning district is also intended to briefly described here. a mixed-use component. accommodate portions of the City’s residential development. This district provides opportunities General Business District and Central for higher-density attached dwellings, such as Business District duplexes, townhomes or row houses. Attached The B2 zoning district is intended to provide the residential dwellings and home occupations are widest variety of goods, services, and mercantile permitted on tracts that meet the standards of this functions within the City. The B2C zoning district is zoning district. also intended to provide this same variety in the area typically identified as Woodstock’s downtown, Multiple-Family Residential District while providing this variety in such a way that land The R4 zoning district allows the highest residential uses are easily accessible by walking and density in the City and provides opportunities for compatible with both public and private parking apartment dwellings and multi-family residences. facilities. The B2C district seeks to protect, Multiple-family structures are permitted to have up preserve, and enhance historic and architectural to 24 apartment dwelling units and shall comply character, conserve the value of buildings, and with architectural, aesthetic, and landscape encourage appropriate use of land in the guidelines adopted by the City. This district should downtown. be located so that it will not interfere with or damage environmentally-sensitive lands and to This district acknowledges that Woodstock’s Single-Family Detached Residential ensure that adequate open space and recreational downtown contributes significantly to the City’s facilities are located nearby or within the zoning overall image; that the economic vitality of the Districts district itself to serve the needs of the persons who downtown is important to the overall welfare of The R, R1B, R1C, and R1D single family detached are or will be living in the district. A special use the City; that the proper use of property in the residential zoning districts contain a significant permit is required in order to build a structure with downtown will offer social and cultural benefits to portion of the City’s single-family residential more than 24 apartment dwelling units. the citizens of Woodstock; that a diversity of development. These districts are intended to business, office, institutional, park and residential accommodate a wide range of housing types and
11 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength uses is desirable and appropriate in the core area the station and downtown businesses is a wise use of the City; that standards and criteria which of land. encourage new buildings, retain the values of surrounding land parcels, and protect the City’s Service & Retail District traditional character will promote good urban The B3 zoning district allows for the establishment design; and that the encouragement of of a variety of retail and service uses which are development within walking distance of the train convenient to motorists and accessible to major depot and at sufficient densities that will support streets and transportation routes. The B3 district is compatible with the B2, B4, B5 and M1 zoning districts and the uses allowed within them.
Light Manufacturing District The M1 zoning district is intended for a mix of light manufacturing, office, warehousing, or research and development uses, as well as limited service uses. Such uses are intended to be in an attractive business setting with proper screening, landscaping, or buffering, and compatible with adjoining non-industrial land uses. Uses in the M1 zoning district do not typically exhibit offensive characteristics and are associated with small start- up or incubator businesses.
Maximum Building Height Allowable by District No. of Building Lot Floor Area Use District Stories Height Coverage Ratio B2C 5 60 75% 2.5 B3 4 48 50% 1.0 B4 4 48 50% 1.0 M1 4 48 50% 1.0 R3 3 35 30% 0.5 R4 3 35 30% 0.6
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Chapter 2 – Previous Planning Efforts
The Woodstock Square in particular has been the - Preliminary Adaptive Reuse Analysis, Former Comprehensive Plan focus of a great number of plans and studies over McHenry County Courthouse Plan Commission (2008) the years. The area was not always as vibrant as it Melaniphy & Assoc., Inc. (2015) - City of Woodstock Transportation Plan is today, and has benefited greatly from the - Downtown Market Assessment Transportation Commission (2008) focused efforts of many generations of supporters. Business Districts Inc. (2014) - City of Woodstock Historic Downtown Square - Historic Resources Survey of Woodstock Parking Study What follows is a summary of some of the School of Art Institute of Chicago (2012) Rich & Associates (2008) conclusions and recommendations of these - Design Review Guidelines for Properties in - Woodstock Square Streetscape Guidelines planning efforts. Also included are some recent the Downtown Business Historic Preservation Hitchcock Design Group (2007) recommendations from the County for the region District - City of Woodstock Park Master Plan as a whole, which include recommendations that Historic Preservation Commission (2011) Parks & Recreation Commission (2005) are relevant to this Downtown Woodstock - Woodstock Environmental Plan - Downtown Woodstock Redevelopment Development Plan. Environmental Commission (2010) Project Report - Homes for a Changing Region Teska Associates (1997) - McHenry County 2030 and Beyond Chicago Metropolis 2020 & Metropolitan - Downtown Woodstock Sub-Area Plan Comprehensive Plan (2016) Mayor’s Caucus (2009) Teska Associates (1996) - Creative Spaces Consulting Report - City of Woodstock Master Bicycle Plan - Inventory Nomination Form ArtSpace (2016) Transportation Commission (2009) National Register of Historic Places (1984) - Technical Assistance Panel Report - Woodstock Vision 2020 - Economic Factors and Preliminary Report Urban Land institute (2015) Published in the Comprehensive Plan Evert Kincaid & Associates (1958) Update (2008)
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McHenry - preserving our cultural and agricultural Over the next 20 years, McHenry County County 2030 heritage while fostering new opportunities for will… the appreciation of arts, culture, and history. - continue to recognize the unique community and Beyond character of McHenry County’s 30 #3 Let’s grow smarter municipalities and unincorporated areas and Comprehensive We can make it happen by… appreciate the varied housing choices offered
Plan (2016) - supporting business development and throughout the County. (Community Character commercial uses to reduce the property tax and Housing)
burden on residential homeowners. - continue to recognize the important role
- promoting commuter rail expansion, complete farming and other agricultural enterprises play streets policies, trails, walkable neighbor- in the County’s economy and the benefits they hoods, and improved transit and mobility #1 Let’s make our communities healthy, bring to the area. (Agricultural Resources) services. active, and green - continue to recognize the importance of - recognizing and planning for our changing We can make it happen by… natural resources and provide beautiful and demographics and generational preferences - promoting recreational opportunities. clean natural areas throughout McHenry for housing choices, including mixed-use, - promoting communities and developments County for residents and visitors to enjoy. walkable neighborhoods. that incorporate conservation design, green (Greenways, Open Space & Natural Resources) - continue to recognize that a well-balanced and infrastructure, trails, and other amenities. #4 Let’s expand our economy diversified economy must accompany We can make it happen by… #2 Let’s build on our strengths residential growth. (Economic Development) - facilitating new business and the expansion of We can make it happen by… - continue to improve infrastructure and existing businesses. - preserving our open space and agricultural provide ample and reliable services to - retaining and growing a skilled workforce landscapes, which provide recreational residents, businesses, and industries. through vocational and educational programs. opportunities, including ecotourism, and (Infrastructure) - retaining and attracting young professionals sustain our rural lifestyle and agricultural - continue to develop balanced communities through the development of dynamic, industry. that provide desirable places to live and work, walkable, mixed-use centers with smaller lots - preserving our wide array of housing choices while making efficient use of the County’s and access to transit. and lot sizes—from rural to urban. limited land resources and infrastructure and - improving infrastructure, including freight and - promoting traditional farming as well as preserving the County’s natural, water, and commuter rail, access to major regional and farmstands, farmers markets, agritourism, agricultural resources. (Land Use) interstate roadways, and access to high-speed community-supported agriculture, farm-to- internet service. table, and a local food distribution hub and food cooperative.
14 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Creative well-preserved as Woodstock’s. The we think this very attractive facility is Spaces Woodstock Square Historic District, a 14-acre capable of earning considerably more tract consisting of the common itself as well as revenue than it does now. Consulting the surrounding buildings, has been on the - The Old Courthouse, Sheriff’s House, and Report National Register of Historic Places since 1982 Opera House represent an opportunity for (the Courthouse and the Sheriff’s House were synergy. ArtSpace (2016) both listed individually in 1974). The Square - Make broad community and County buy-in a has always been a focal point of civic life: the very high priority. site of City Band concerts (132 years and - The City should retain ownership of the Old counting), farmers markets, and a variety of Courthouse and Sheriff’s House. other festivals and events, including the annual - The City should create a new nonprofit A second study, again funded by McHenry County late-November “Lighting of the Square.” In organization (or identify an existing one) to Community Foundation, was conducted in spring of short, the Square is a living museum of operate the Courthouse complex. 2016 in response to interest from Woodstock's arts immense symbolic, cultural, and economic - At some future time, the City may wish to community. The report by Artspace, nationally- value that will only increase over time if the consider having the same nonprofit operate renown developers of affordable space for artists, community nurtures and continues to reinvest the Opera House as well. made several recommendations, building upon the in it. A commitment by both the City’s - Retain the restaurant and arts center. TAP Report's findings. leadership and the community at large to - Add “micro” retail and working studios for - The Community’s preeminent civic asset is the restore and repurpose the Old Courthouse and artists. Woodstock Square, a two-acre public common Sheriff’s House complex is a fundamental - Add a co-working center on the second floor. surrounded by historic buildings, mostly dating component in the continued success and - Transform the Sheriff’s House into a history from the 19th and early 20th centuries. growth of the Woodstock Square. museum, preferably with a restaurant or - In Woodstock, we were asked to focus on two coffee shop. Key Takeaways and Recommendations: historic buildings, the Courthouse and the - Reuse options for the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House. It was clear from the start, Sheriff’s House are limited by the buildings’ however, that these important structures physical constraints. must be viewed in the context of the entire - The Old Courthouse, Sheriff’s House, and Woodstock Square Historic District – the Opera House can generate more revenue than Square itself and the surrounding buildings, they now do. especially the Opera House, the other large o Understanding that the mission of the City-owned building on the Square. [Opera House] is to provide - The Woodstock Square is a hugely important affordable cultural experiences while civic asset. Although many American towns supporting local community groups, grew up around central squares, few are as
15 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Technical and valuable—a genuine, historic version of a Preliminary Assistance retail environment that developers in other Adaptive Reuse municipalities nationwide are trying to Panel Report recreate. The success of the Courthouse and Analysis the success of Woodstock Square are tightly Former McHenry Urban Land linked—that fact should inform all decisions County institute Chicago about the property. Courthouse (2015) - Build the context and improve merchant coordination in the Square: As much as 85 Melaniphy & percent of the revenue on Woodstock Square Associates, Inc. comes from visitors to the town. (2015) In 2015, the McHenry County Community - After two days of meeting with local This analysis was Foundation funded a Technical Assistance Panel stakeholders, the Panel recommended a four- performed “to provide a preliminary evaluation of (TAP) analysis, conducted on-site in Woodstock by step process that included issuing a new RFP realistic and market-driven alternatives available to real estate development, finance, and architectural limited to stabilization proposals only, forming the City of Woodstock for an adaptive reuse of the design professionals. The Final TAP Report an advisory board to create a “common vision” former McHenry County Courthouse and Sheriff’s provides recommendations on how to proceed to for the buildings, establishing a nonprofit House on the Town Square in Downtown effect maximum restoration and reuse of the entity to own and operate them, and Woodstock.” The report notes that, “The buildings. Chief among the suggestions was the implementing the vision by means of prominent location on the City Square represents need to establish a strong working Advisory identifying suitable users. an opportunity for an adaptive reuse of the Commission, which was appointed by Mayor Sager - As for ultimate uses, the Panel stopped short property.” Recommendations include: in early 2016. of identifying suitable uses and users for the complex. It recommended “that the - Retail use on the upper floors of the - Woodstock Square, a ring of charming, 19th Courthouse’s stewards explore partnerships Courthouse is not recommended, unless it is century storefronts surrounding a central with institutions for higher learning as a part of a ground-floor retail operation. green space in the downtown, is the city’s potential anchor use” for the building. - The study recommends that the City sell the most visible asset. The geographic, commercial “Whatever the end-use might be,” the report facility to a developer to implement an and symbolic center of the city, the Square is concluded, “the panel feels strongly that by adaptive reuse of the facility. listed on the National Register of Historic working together and partnering with local - Restaurant, entertainment, and health & Places, and is a rare gem: A picturesque, and regional institutions, the City has the best fitness uses represent the most likely uses. significant attraction that supports retail, possible chance of re-inventing the Old Office and residential uses are less desirable dining and entertainment establishments. Courthouse as a community anchor for from a sales tax perspective, but should be - Recognize Value: In the opinion of the panel, another 150 years.” explored. the Woodstock Square is an asset that is rare
16 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Downtown Historic of percentage growth, as the population grew Market Resources from 1,683 to 4,331 (157%). - The significant number of Greek Revival Assessment - Survey of the structures (7%) corresponds to the earliest Interview City of currently-extant development in Woodstock, Summary Woodstock beginning in the 1840s and 1850s. - 24% of the structures exhibited a high level of architectural significance, with another 26% Business Districts The School of the having a medium level of significance. This is Inc. (2014) Art Institute of judged based on the presence of original The assessment identified actions to improve the Chicago (2012) historic elements such as windows, porch, business environment for the Historic Square. This project fulfilled the final requirements towards siding, and architectural details. - Businesses often need to counter the local the author’s Master of Science degree from the Art resident’s perception that there’s nothing Institute of Chicago School of Historic Preservation. Recommendations available or few stores actually on the Square. Shipton surveyed 1,335 structures, and - Thorough archival research is recommended - Key to Square’s success will be the addition of documented 575 structures that were constructed and should take precedence over the results of new businesses experienced in selling through prior to the end of World War II. The survey was this survey, which serves primarily as a record multiple channels, including online. roughly bounded by Blakely and Pleasant Streets of extant historic resources in 2012-2013. - Downtown Woodstock needs a champion - on the west, Dane and Washington on the north, - It is recommended that the northern portion either an independent organization or a Lake Ave. on the east, and Kimball and Forest of the city is documented as part of or as an dedicated City staff person to manage the Avenues on the south. extension of this survey. A number of historic Square as a defined district. resources exist north of the rail line, which Survey Findings - Businesses located on and near the Square bisects the original survey boundary, - Of the structures surveyed, 502 were must focus on the shared future. Independent necessitating further survey work. residential, 60 Commercial, and 13 businesses owners must collaborate. Business Institutional operations need to be focused on attraction, - Almost half of the structures documented sales growth, and profitability to succeed. were of the Queen Anne style, which the - Any municipality’s established role in author attributes to corresponding housing downtown revitalization is as a partner to shortages near the turn of the 20th century. private sector interests; they should do what - The approximate construction dates also cities do best - provide public services. In a correspond to this period of growth. The 20 downtown environment, appropriate years between 1890 and 1910 was the fastest municipal functions include economic period of growth in the City’s history, in terms development or supporting business expansion and recruitment.
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Design Review Certificate of Appropriateness The single story lower zone at street level Guidelines for A project may not commence without a Certificate indicates public spaces such as retail stores, of Appropriateness. banks, etc. The upper zone suggests more Properties in - A Category 1 Minor Project Certificate of private space such as offices or residential. the Downtown Appropriateness is generally described as - Historic residential styles in Woodstock Business those projects that do not require a building include–but are not limited to–Greek Revival, Historic permit and can be approved by the Building Italianate, Second Empire, Folk Victorian, and Zoning Department. Queen Anne, Prairie, Craftsman and American Preservation - A Category 2 Major Project Certificate of Foursquare. District Appropriateness is generally described as those projects that require a building permit Historic Preservation Commission (2011) and must be approved by the Woodstock The following criteria will be considered by the Historic Preservation Commission. Building and Zoning Department and the Historic Preservation Commission when reviewing project Building Design – General significance and impact on the surrounding - Anyone contemplating work on the exterior of environment. a historic landmark or any property in the - The Woodstock Historic Preservation Downtown Business Historic Preservation Ordinance including the U.S. Secretary of the District should contact the Building and Zoning Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Department as early in the planning process as - Whether the building is a designated possible. landmark? - Buildings should have massing and form - Whether the building is in the National similar to other buildings in the Historic Register District? District. Façades should utilize traditional - Whether it is a contributing or non- features such as bay windows, recesses, inset contributing building in the historic district? wood panels, porches, frieze and corner boards, awnings, etc. to minimize scale. - Whether it is 50 years old or older? - Whether the work is visible from the public - Commercial architectural styles should be right of way? compatible with historic styles found in - Whether this is a primary facade? Woodstock. Most commonly found in the Downtown Business Historic Preservation - Whether the work to be done is at the street District is the two-part commercial block. They level, upper story, side or rear of the building? are generally two-to-four stories characterized by a horizontal division into two distinct zones.
18 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Woodstock - A6.1 Require sidewalks and pedestrian trails in - D6.2 Reduce existing airborne pollutants. Plant Environmental proximity to transit stations to provide trees and protect / increase green space to connectivity between transit stations and improve air quality. Plan other land uses. - A6.2 Encourage mixed use areas including Transportation Environmental residential, commercial, retail land uses, as - E1.1 Create more opportunities for safe and Commission well as amenities near and in proximity to inviting bicycle and pedestrian transit. Increase (2010) transit stations. the availability of bike racks and “rest area” type amenities around the city. Water Quality and Conservation
- C2.1 Limit surface water runoff and reduce Sustainable Economic and Public Policy
water runoff pollution. Install/identify - F3.1 Increase, encourage and support the Goal: The City of Woodstock will protect and demonstration sites on public or private number of green businesses in Woodstock. enhance the health of our community and the property within the city (raingardens, rain Provide training on green business quality of our environment, will support a stable, barrels, etc.). development to key City staff responsible for diverse and equitable economy, and will minimize - C4. Promote water conservation. Develop and economic and community development. human impacts on local and worldwide ecosystems provide necessary resources to aid incentivize Strengthen our city’s economic development to promote a sustainable future. individual and collective water conservation tools to include the green “industries of the future”. Develop and implement a leadership- Land Use efforts in residential, commercial and driven marketing plan to promote Woodstock - A1.3 Continue and enhance support of the industrial buildings. as a “green city” and attract green industries. agricultural events and venues such as - C5.3 Increase the number of rain gardens. - F3.2 Advocate the development of a Farmer’s Market and Harvest Fest. Establish recommended performance competitive “green” workforce. - A1.5 Support additional venues for the standards for rain gardens. - Create construction codes based on those production, marketing and sale of local foods. Green Building evaluations which encourage the creation of Include local food production in the economic - H1.1 Take a leadership role in promoting green rain gardens in new construction. development plan. Explore establishing an building practices, including LEED. indoor year-round Farmer’s Market. Resource Conservation - H4.1 Provide healthy, energy-efficient, - A2.1 Enable conservation design by right in - D1.1 Identify the Ecological Footprint for the pedestrian -friendly affordable housing in the zoning districts to eliminate time delay, special City of Woodstock and the per capita City of Woodstock. Explore options for approval or variances that discourage Ecological Footprint. Conduct, with incentives to promote the use of green conservation design development. appropriate partners, a study of the City’s building products and materials in existing - A3.1 Identify, protect and enhance Ecological Footprint. affordable housing. Require green housing environmental features within Woodstock’s - D4.2 Increase recycling and reuse of goods, practices for new affordable housing. green infrastructure. construction materials, and yard waste.
19 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Homes for a City of Recommendations Changing Woodstock - Review subdivision plats and street improvement plans for potential and required Region Master Bicycle accommodations for bicyclists. Plan - Propose a phased approach to bicycle network Chicago construction and include alternatives for Transportation funding in the City’s 5-year Capital Metropolis 2020 Improvement Program. & Metropolitan Commission - Record and analyze bicycle traffic counts, as Mayor’s Caucus (2009) well as accidents involving bicyclists (2009) - Keep abreast of State, County, and - Plan for a diverse mix of upper income This plan presents recommendations which will Conservation District plans for bike routes and, enhance and encourage utilization of bicycles for as much as possible, create links to them from ownership housing. To meet their needs, commuting and other utilitarian trips within the City pathways smaller yet amenity-rich single family homes, City of Woodstock and immediate adjacent lands. - Clustered development patterns tend to townhomes and condos will be needed. While the focus of the plan is not on recreational promote shorter trip lengths that more readily - Include senior housing, condominium activities, recreational bicyclists will also benefit. In enable walking and bicycling. Mixed land uses development and mixed-use housing in becoming bicycle friendly, a community typically allow for the creation of shorter trip lengths to greater downtown development plans. addresses five specific elements which contribute access needed goods and services. to a safe and healthy bicycling environment. - Zoning requirements should be reviewed to Locating senior housing and mid-to-upscale Commonly referred to as the five “E’s”. ensure that they are bicycle and pedestrian condominium development within walking - Engineering: the actual bicycling facilities; friendly. For example, a requirement for distance of retail establishments and the e.g., what is on the ground and has been built bicycle parking (in addition to off-street motor Metra station can positively increase density to promote cycling in the community. vehicle parking) may be added by ordinance. and expand local business. - Education: teaching cyclists of all ages how to - Example sources of Bicycle Network Funding - Consider modifying previously approved ride safely in any area from multi-use paths to can include; developer dedications of bicycling planned unit developments and, if necessary, congested city streets as well as teaching facilities as a condition for enabling the project motorists how to share the road safely with to proceed; and donations from the public and existing annexation agreements, so that their cyclists. corporate sectors. housing mix more closely fits the current - Encouragement: how well the community - Bikeway treatments can include shared housing market. promotes and encourages bicycling. roadway pavement markings or “sharrows,” - Create an employer-assisted housing (EAH) - Enforcement: strategies to deter unsafe combined bike/parking areas, paved program which would incentivize workers to behaviors of drivers and bicyclists, and to shoulders, wide curb lanes, sidewalks. These live and work in Woodstock. encourage all road users to obey traffic laws should be considered as well as more costly - City Planners should review projected planned and share the road safely. alternatives such as dedicated bike lanes, and - Evaluation and Planning: how the community shared use bike paths for pedestrians and unit developments to make sure that their evaluates current bicycling programs and plans cyclists. proposed housing mixes fit today’s economic for the future. realities
20 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Woodstock City of Chapter 5 – Community Character Vision 2020 Woodstock - Strengthen and improve the integrity and vitality of the Woodstock Square/Downtown Comprehensive area to meet the community’s cultural, social Published in the Plan (2008) and economic needs. Comprehensive - Protect and maintain local historic and Plan Update Plan Commission architectural resources that contribute to the character of Woodstock. (2008) (2008) - Preserve and maintain the character of existing residential areas especially those having historic or architectural significance. The Vision 2020 Statement serves as an overall - Ensure that new development which may declaration of what the City should become in the The Woodstock Comprehensive Plan 2008 provides increase the tax base and provide increased next decade. a statement of the community’s priorities and tax revenue, also enhances core community character values rather than detract from By the year 2020, the City of Woodstock will be guide for both public and private decision makers them. recognized as a hallmark community with historic regarding the community’s future. The - Promote only retail and restaurant activities charm and the magic of Disney. Its residents and Comprehensive Plan attempts to (1) recognize on the first floors of Woodstock Square leaders will continue with a clear vision for the existing problems, conditions, and resources which establishments, with non-retail uses, e.g. future in which the educational system will be a affect the community; (2) guide the growth and offices and residential, located on upper levels. model for all others in the State of Illinois, all development of Woodstock in a responsible and - Encourage the maintenance, rehabilitation, and appropriate adaptive re-use of older and corridors into the City will be accessible and creative way consistent with the type of historic structures in the community. attractive, the entire community will be community we desire; and (3) establish a long- environmentally sensitive, visitors and investors range program which provides for consistent Chapter 6 – Housing will see Woodstock as a premier destination, the decisions even as decision-making bodies change. - Encourage residential development patterns overall economy will be sound and vital, and our that embrace such features as compact downtown Square will be known as a national Chapter 3 – Natural Resources development, traditional neighborhood treasure that continues to offer magical - Promote land use patterns which reduce design, or conservation development design to experiences. automobile dependency and provide multi- promote attractive, usable open space and transportation options including bicycle efficient circulation and public services. - Woodstock is a place to call home. routes, carpooling, and enhanced public transit - Support multi-family development in close - Woodstock is a place with lifelong learning to improve air quality. proximity or with easy access to community second to none. - Work with the McHenry County Conservation resources, such as the Library, schools, - Woodstock is a connected green community. District, neighboring municipalities, other shopping areas, and parks. - Woodstock is a culturally-enriched environ- appropriate agencies and private property - Encourage residential development that is ment. owners to develop connection with their centered on a community resource, such as a greenways and open space areas. school, park, open space area, or other - Woodstock is a premier destination. neighborhood point of identification.
21 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
surrounding neighborhoods and public Chapter 7 – Parks transportation. - Protect existing park sites from the - Work with the RTA and METRA to find a encroachment of conflicting land uses. suitable location for a commuter train - Place city parks in prominent, visible locations parking/storage site in exchange for an throughout the City and provide a park within expanded train schedule. a reasonable walking distance of every - Develop and implement wayfinding strategies resident in Woodstock. for the cultural, historical, recreational, - Develop a system of bicycle and pedestrian commercial and industrial attractions in the trains which link park and recreation sites with City to promote the attractions and to identify each other, residential neighborhoods, other access for visitors and customers. community facilities and resources such as - Promote and encourage community and libraries, schools, downtown Woodstock, and cultural events which draw visitors from across regional trail networks. the region. - Provide parks sites for both active and passive - Include the economic and adaptive re-use of recreation pursuits. historic structures in the community as an - Develop a system of boulevards and parkways integral component of the City’s overall connecting City parks to one another, economic development strategy. wherever possible, and to open landscapes and natural resource corridors. Chapter 10 – Circulation - Provide adequate off-street parking for Chapter 8 – Public Infrastructure residents, workers and visitors. - Require best management practices in the - Encourage on-street parking where safe and design of storm water management strategies appropriate in order to calm traffic, reduce and storage facilities which include the use of roadway noise, and provide a more hospitable overland flow, open swales, and similar environment for pedestrians. techniques that blend into the natural features - Facilitate the placement of housing, of a site. commercial services, and transportation - Consider the establishment of impervious infrastructure so as to minimize short distance ground cover limits based on zoning category, automobile trips. lot size, land use, and existing natural features. - Improve the thoroughfare environment with the use of visually appealing traffic signs and Chapter 9 – Economic Resources signals, building signs, street trees, street - Include mixed-use commercial development in lights, and other street furniture throughout Woodstock neighborhoods. the City. - Enhance the historic Downtown business area - Add parking in attractive parking structures to reduce the amount of land surface devoted to and maintain the Woodstock Square as a point of identification for the entire community and parking. Comprehensive Plan - Land Use Map as a commercial business center accessible to
22 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
- Amend off-street parking requirements to connections between buildings and street City of encourage shared parking arrangements sidewalks. between land uses on the same parcel or Woodstock adjoining parcels. Transportation - Make use of the wide array of traffic and Plan parking management tools to reduce peak hour congestion, improve traffic movement, improve parking usage and availability, and to Transportation increase pedestrian and bicyclist safety. Commission (2008) - Work with RTA and METRA to find a suitable location for commuter train parking/storage yard in exchange for an expanded train The Woodstock Transportation Plan amplifies the schedule. transportation-related goals and objectives - Involve PACE and METRA in land use decisions contained within the Comprehensive Plan; to develop opportunities for public providing the framework and establishes goals for transportation features in new development. the City to continue to provide an efficient Work with sponsoring organizations to transportation system for all residents and to establish tourist bus routes, bus parking areas, support the community. and remote visitor parking and bus shuttle These principles and assumptions guided the system. process of identifying recommendations for the - Require amenities for bicyclists, e.g. storage community’s needs: lockers, parking racks, and dedicated parking - A primary goal is to reduce congestion on areas, at park, civic, commercial and industrial Route 47. uses, commuter train station, and transit stops - Woodstock’s needs are to be viewed in the throughout the City. - Support development of regional bike paths context of County, regional, state, and federal and trails in the Woodstock planning area, networks. including, a trail parallel to the Union Pacific - Transportation systems need to be user railroad. friendly and stress ‘ease of use’ to be efficient - Develop a wayfinding program for off-street and successful. bike trails in the City to enhance their use and - Transportation systems must provide capacity make the trail system user-friendly. at the same pace as economic development. - Provide a continuous network of wheelchair accessible sidewalks throughout the City. - The plan needs to consider varied modes and - Require development to provide pedestrian methods while balancing the economics of amenities, e.g. benches, street furniture, implementation, quality of life, ease of use, landscaping, etc. to improve the circulation and preservation of the ‘small town feel’ that environment and to provide pedestrian helps identify Woodstock as a unique community.
23 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Priority Recommendations (relating to the City of Recommendations Downtown Woodstock study area) Woodstock - Re-allocate parking to direct employees to - The City, Community Unit School District 200, peripheral lots, leaving more on-street and and private schools should work jointly to Historic close-in off-street spaces for customer use. - Implement consistent parking enforcement in identify priority locations for school pedestrian Downtown and surrounding the Square to insure that the routes. Square short-term parking spaces are available to - Metra train service is a vital transportation Parking Study downtown visitors / customers option for the community, and the City should - Target parking enforcement continue to support efforts by Metra to - Allow commercial vehicles to simply double Rich & Associates relocate expanded train facilities to the park for short periods so long as they don’t (2008) westerly edge of Woodstock, which would interfere with traffic - Add commercial vehicle loading zones on each then result in an improved schedule at the Conclusions perimeter block face of the Square. Add short- Woodstock station. - Although the study has identified pockets of term loading zone spaces (15 minutes or less) - The City should continue to plan and locate existing and projected parking deficits and on Square open to any commercial or private convenient public parking near public documented a high level of abuse of the two- vehicle. transportation hubs and connection points to hour on-street parking in and around the - Modify ordinance to restrict on-street parking provide adequate parking for motorists who Square, Rich is of the opinion that to two-hours per day in and around Square so that vehicles are not merely “shuffling” from want to link to public transportation. As use of development of additional parking is not required at this time. one space to another on same or adjacent the commuter rail system and fixed route bus - Increased use of peripheral lot spaces by block faces. service increases, the demand for parking will employees coupled with targeted enforcement - Place additional directional signs around also increase. of areas suffering on-street parking abuse downtown directing where public lots are - The City should identify, prepare, and should permit the existing parking system to located. (Again, although not in place at the implement educational and promotional function adequately to meet the forecast time of the field data collection, this is already programs to encourage commuters to ride- parking needs of the Square. However, this in process by the City.) - Expand number of pedestrian way-finding share to public parking for commuter travel will require cooperation by downtown business owners and managers as well as their signs, and enlarge way-finding signs at lot and public transportation. The goal is to staff to accept longer walking distances and - Work with downtown destinations reduce the number of motorists who arrive park in peripheral lots rather than the close (restaurants, attractions, Movie Theater, etc.) and park at public transportation links as a on-street parking near their place of to link to “Parking” from their websites single passenger. employment as many are apparently using as - Consider bullet points under parking link listing - The City’s support and funding of the local evidenced by the violation rate. two-hour parking locations and long-term lots Pace Dial-a-Ride service should be continued - If businesses do not want to encourage their - Consider adding parking requirements for new and /or expanding businesses on the Square for the benefit of the residents who have employees to use the peripheral lots, then they should be willing to assist in paying for whereby the business must either provide for limited transportation options. the additional parking improvements. their parking or pay a fee-in-lieu of for any spaces they are short of the requirement
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Woodstock - Crosswalks in scored concrete to contrast with City of asphalt street. Square Woodstock Streetscape Park Master Guidelines Plan
Hitchcock Design Parks & Group (2007) Recreation Commission
(2005) Initial review of the site indicated that an important underlying issue is that the Square area The City of Woodstock has consistently planned for is easy to miss. From a non-local perspective, park and open space from the very inception of our elements to draw people into the Square are community with a two acre Park-in-the Square that lacking and conditions along the perimeter streets marks the heart of the city. are less than desirable. Visitors to the area first see The plan sets forth the policy for park land several under-utilized buildings, overhead utilities, dedication and development, ideal land, access to service areas and non-pedestrian friendly streets. the public, and standards for the development of Without prior experience, visitors do not realize various parks facilities, as well as paths and trails. that there is a unique and exciting place right around the corner. In order to address these OBJECTIVES: issues, the following goals and objectives were - Protect existing park sites from the developed: encroachment of conflicting land uses. 1. Enhance major access points to help guide - Maintain a park system that complements the users into the Square and establish character. shared facilities and programs of Woodstock 2. Establish streetscape guidelines to create a Community Unit School District 200 and other more consistent, aesthetic, and pedestrian similar resources. friendly environment. - Place city parks in prominent, visible locations 3. Identify implementation priorities to construct throughout the City and provide a park within the improvements systematically over time. a reasonable walking distance of every Recommendations resident in Woodstock.
- Improve pedestrian access and upgrade - Develop a system of bicycle and pedestrian streetscape character. trails which link park and recreation sites with
- Pave all major square access streets with brick each other, residential neighborhoods, other to match historic pavement or concrete pavers community facilities and resources such as to match Main Street pavers. libraries, schools, downtown Woodstock, and regional trail networks.
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- Provide city parks in a variety of sizes and - Determine community need and interest for Downtown include both formal and informal park sites. the construction of an indoor ice skating rink. - Provide park sites for both active and passive Woodstock recreation pursuits. Redevelopment - Develop a system of boulevards and parkways Project Report connecting City parks to one another, wherever possible, and to open landscapes and natural resource corridors. Teska Associates (1997) Park in the Square - All recommendations from 2005 plan have been completed This was the official project report and development plan attached to the creation of the Raintree Park Downtown Woodstock Tax Increment Finance - Construction of a paved path around the District in 1997. perimeter of the park - The City acquired the Die Cast [Woodstock - Grading to improve use of the park site in the Station] site in 1993 after the closure of the winter as a sledding hill business in 1990. The obsolete facility was plagued with environmental issues and had Ryders Woods little interest from the real estate community. - Emphasis on continued maintenance of trail - Likewise, the former U.S. Post Office was system in this park. vacated in 1991, and eventually obtained by - Evaluation of alternatives for improvement of the City in 1992. A private-sector owner- the pond facility in the park. developer was sought, but the building remained vacant through 1996. Sesquicentennial Park - A variety of other factors were documented - The addition of a decorative sign for the park, leading to the qualification of Woodstock's in a style compatible with the fountain and Downtown area for Tax increment streetscape features could be considered. Financing. These included a majority of the buildings being over 35-years old, structures New Park Development not meeting code standards, deteriorating - Begin planning to link city sites and paved structures, vacant buildings, functionally recreation paths obsolete buildings, deleterious land uses, - Evaluate options and alternatives for expanded obsolete platting, and lack of planning. and/or new Rec Center - The goals of this Redevelopment Project were - Construct an additional aquatic center and/or found to be in keeping with the goals of the water play park with the type and location yet Woodstock Comprehensive Plan (1994). to be determined.
26 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
- The Redevelopment Plan was also found to be Downtown Land Use in compliance with the Downtown Sub-Area Woodstock - The area bounded by Washington-Church, Plan, adopted in 1996. Throop, Calhoun, and Jefferson should remain Sub-Area Plan as the pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use business and cultural core of Downtown. Teska Associates - Ground floor space should be occupied by (1996) retail shops of modest size - the more the better. Offices, other than those serving walk- in customers, residences, and bed and breakfast inn accommodations should be encouraged on upper floors looking over street level activity. Downtown is and must remain the premier mixed- - No single use is more critical to the Square use business and civic center in the city and its than the Opera House. The City should market area. However, the mixture of the 21st support efforts to expand supporting activities century will be different than that of the mid-20th and facilities. century and that of the 19th century. - A visitor center should be located on or adjacent to the Square. Transportation - Buildings around the Square should be - Intersection improvements are recommended adapted to provide retail uses and facades for the intersections of McHenry Avenue, facing Washington-Church, Throop, Calhoun, Madison Street, and Newell Street, and for the Benton, and Jefferson Streets. intersection of Washington Street and Throop - The outer ring of blocks south of the tracks Street. should continue to accommodate civic uses, - The City should remain alert to every such as the City Hall and several churches, opportunity to enhance commuter rail service financial institutions, and office uses. and bus service in the Downtown. - A planned mixture of business, residential and - Public off-street parking facilities in the public uses is recommended for the triangle downtown should be expanded. Several new formed by the railroad, First Street and Clay lots should be constructed; a two or three Street. level parking structure should be constructed - The commuter station must remain at its at the site of the existing lot located between present location to preserve the historic Throop Street and Main Street; and future relationship with the Square and to form a parking structures should also be considered focal point between the Square and new on city lots adjacent to the City Hall and at development north of the tracks. Calhoun and Jackson Streets. - Downtown land uses and development should - A limited number of bicycle stalls should be respect the integrity of adjacent residential provided with the Woodstock Square area or neighborhoods. in nearby parking stalls.
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Pedestrian Activities Inventory Observations - Mid-block pedestrian ways should be Nomination The nomination form makes several important upgraded and installed where appropriate to observations about the historic context of the connect blocks. Form Woodstock Square as well as the form and function - Several new public open spaces should be of several notable buildings: constructed, including small gateway parks at National Register - The public buildings, including the old the intersections of McHenry and Madison, courthouse and jail, the post office and the old Church and Jefferson, Calhoun and Jefferson of Historic Places high school (now city hall), are set back from and South and Lake. (1984) the street and separated from neighboring - A public open space should be constructed structures, while the commercial buildings between the commuter rail station and Statement of Significance extend to the edges of their lot lines.
Washington Street to enhance visibility of the The Woodstock Square Historic District preserves - The courthouse cupola and the opera house station and to welcome rail visitors to the town square, impressive public buildings, and tower dominate the square and, indeed, are Downtown. surrounding commercial development of a medium- visible from many parts of the town.
- Building Design and Facade Design Guidelines sized Midwestern county seat. Here may be found - The boundary of the Woodstock Square should be developed and implemented. a continuous record of this northern Illinois farm Historic District was determined by discovering
- Much of the charm of Downtown Woodstock center; from its pre-Civil War courthouse and early the maximum commercial development, as is in its extraordinary legacy of historic building commercial buildings, it’s 1873 hotel and business shown in a series of five Sanborn insurance design. To the extent possible, this legacy blocks, through the opulent era of its 1889 Opera maps made between 1885 and 1912, and should be preserved and enhanced by House and Queen Anne commercial block, to its comparing this with what exists today.
compatible new construction. restrained maturity after World War I and final - Within the boundaries thus determined there
- On-street and off-street parking to support the additions in the late 1920’s – its large department are no vacant lots, and of the 73 buildings in commuter station and new development store and federal post office. the district no complete structures are should be distributed and designed in a It is evident that this central commercial area considered intrusive. manner that will minimize its visual impact stands essentially as complete today as it did in - Taken as a group, the non-commercial
- Building architecture should reflect a 1912; that while the district is bounded to the east, buildings include three structures already on traditional, but varied style compatible with north and west by newer buildings and vacant land, the National Register (the Opera House, the Historic Preservation Commission this modern development replaces residential or Old Courthouse, and the Jail), one structure guidelines. Buildings should face toward manufacturing structures – and, thus, the considered eligible for inclusion in the register streets and should be generously landscaped. remaining commercial area is not a remnant of a for its architecture (St. John’s Lutheran larger development, but actually the maximum Church), and three buildings making a major Implementation commercial growth that ever existed around contribution to a historic district (the post - A business retention program should be Woodstock’s town square. office [Home State Bank], the old high school undertaken, including training seminars, It is as a complete group that these 73 buildings [City Hall], and the old BMO Harris Bank).
operating assistance, and affinity groups. should be preserved; for it is a living example of the - All of the others are considered contributory - Business and investor recruitment is a nineteenth century town square as it developed and present a fine background for the prerequisite to facilitate development of the through a hundred years’ time – that the significant sites listed. Their importance, of Die Cast and other properties, and to upgrade Woodstock Square Historic District is significant. course, lies in the strong effect they make as a occupancy throughout the Downtown. unified, cohesive group.
28 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Economic Factors and Preliminary Report
Kincaid & Associates (1958)
The report provides interesting, and in hindsight – amusing, observations: - In 1954 Woodstock’s retail receipts amounted to 21.7% of the County total, compared with 19.1% for Crystal Lake and 10.5% for Harvard. - In view of the ready access to the Downtown Area from most sections of the city, there should be no immediate future need for outlying shopping centers, except possibly a neighborhood cluster of a few convenience goods stores and service establishments to serve the new growth area north of Greenwood Ave, and possibly a few individual stores in expanding residential sections. - A parking study showed that, in terms of actual space available, present accommodations are quite adequate not only for normal, non-peak business periods but also, if properly used, for most periods of peak demand. - Approximately 84% of actual parkers indicated that their shopping or business time was not curtailed by parking difficulties. - In order to provide a portion of needed rental quarters, it is recommended that some of the large structurally-sound houses be converted into apartment units.
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Chapter 3 – Preserve Historic Character
Goals “Is Woodstock’s sense of place in jeopardy? should utilize traditional features such as bay 1. Use historic properties as development Absolutely. For generations Woodstock citizens windows, recesses, inset wood panels, catalysts and as unique focal points for the have nurtured a community that gives meaning porches, frieze and corner boards, awnings, revitalization of Downtown. to the term civic-mindedness. The attraction of etc. to break up or minimize scale. the community (its character, atmosphere, - Building height minimums should be 2. Review the Downtown Woodstock Historic general appearance, quality of life) will established in different areas of Downtown, Preservation District. contribute to the desire by people to locate in with the goal of increasing overall density of 3. Increase the prominence of historic properties Woodstock.” uses, and eventually eliminating one-story through coordination with private - Woodstock Comprehensive Plan uses. development, enhanced public way design and - Develop recommendations and form wayfinding, and integration into marketing partnerships to consolidate trash containers, Historic Preservation materials. and install decorative gates to conceal these The Historic feel of the Woodstock Square is the service areas. 4. Employ a consistent set of urban design differentiator that the rest of the appeal of - Large new structures should be designed to guidelines to enhance the visual cohesion of Downtown Woodstock is built upon. It is critical to reduce their perceived height and bulk by the district. keep this history and sense-of-place at the dividing the building mass into smaller-scale forefront when pondering any change in the Possible Benchmarks and components. development pattern downtown. - Buildings should face toward streets and Indicators Recognizing this importance, it will be essential to should be generously landscaped. - Number of Landmarks apply the existing design guidelines for the - The cupola of the Courthouse and the tower of - Number of Contributing Structures integration of historic properties into new the Opera House should be established as the - Building Permits development projects throughout the Downtown. maximum allowable building height (elevation) - Other Permits (Renovation, Demolition) City staff should review the design guidelines in Downtown. - Variances pertaining to new construction in the historic - On-street and off-street parking to support the - Certificates of Occupancy district to assess their compatibility with the goals, train depot and new development should be - Tree Survey and recommendations of this plan. distributed and designed in a manner that will - Code Violations minimize its visual impact. - Downtown land use and development should respect the integrity of adjacent residential neighborhoods. - Building architecture should reflect traditional, but varied styles, compatible with Historic Preservation Commission guidelines. Façades
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Marketing the Historic Asset The historic feel of the community is an important part of the tourism marketing, the residential appeal and the commercial value proposition for being located in Woodstock. Some additional recommendations can accent this visibility are:
- Develop a series of downtown street banners that feature key historic buildings and homes. - Review the existing Historic Walking Tour materials and make available both in print and digitally. - Develop a consistent system of physical identification for historic properties within the Downtown Historic District and throughout the Downtown. - Create visual identity for the rear facades of the buildings on the Square through consistent use of colored banners, awnings and architectural elements. - Capitalize on the recommended revisions to the wayfinding program to reinforce the Downtown Historic District as a unique area and destination.
Many homes in this area have been marked with historic plaques noting the original owners. This was a program of the Historic Preservation Commission, though no new nominations have been taken in years. The Commission should review and promote procedure for designating property as a local historic landmark. They can clearly outline the benefits to property owners for participation, including tax benefits that offer a multi-year tax assessment freeze for investments.
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Catalysts for Development properties and assemblages of properties that Examples of Success Historic landmark properties can be a strong together contribute to the historic character of During the past 15 years, several key property catalyst for new development. Several examples of Downtown. It has been some time since the redevelopments have shown us the example of success are given here, as well as five future boundaries of this district were put in place. how to invest in the community, within the context opportunities for future development in the Through outreach to the community, the of the historic character of Woodstock. These context of a well-preserved historic landmark, Commission should ensure the boundaries of the properties, already local landmarks, are now rather than starting from the ground-up. Partners Historic District conform to the publicly and visually catalysts and focal points for the redevelopment of must be identified to revitalize these remaining key perceived boundaries of historic Downtown. the Downtown. historic properties; the Courthouse, Sheriff’s House, Certainly, they must apply design guidelines for the Elks Lodge and BMO Bank Building, as well at the integration of historic properties into new 200 Block of North Judd. development projects throughout the Downtown. For example, the new development on the They should also make recommendations for the Woodstock Station site should use the historic Train various incentives boundaries in the area, such as Depot as a focal point between the square and Downtown Woodstock TIF, and Enterprise Zone, to open space extending into new development north ensure appropriate overlap with the Historic of the tracks. When visitors walk along Main Street District. This will ensure that public incentives are in Woodstock, they see the Train Depot on the available as a tool to revitalize, restore and protect these Historic Landmarks. North, and the tower of the Opera House, on the Emerson Lofts far side of the Park, to the south. This symmetry should be continued to the north of the Depot into Built in 1910, the Emerson Typewriter Factory had the new development. Even if a new Metra Depot served the Woodstock community in a variety of is built on the north side of the tracks, it should functions for nearly 100 years. This exceptional remain near its present location, visible at the end industrial building was one of two typewriter of Main Street, to preserve the historic relationship factories in Woodstock, once the origin of half of with the square. the world’s typewriters. The factory site was Another landmark to consider is the spiral arch rail acquired by residential developers in 2004 and bridge on South Street. Plans should be prepared opened in 2008 with 52 stunning modern loft to accent the bridge and its history. spaces, including vintage brickwork, large paned windows and skylights, which originally flooded the Preservation Commission factory floor with light. The City of Woodstock Historic Preservation
Commission is active in reviewing proposals within the district. They ensure the ability of the Preservation District to protect significant
32 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
The Armory The Theatre The former Company G Illinois National Guard The Woodstock Theatre was built in 1927 as the
Armory, was designated a local landmark in 2002. Miller Theatre, on the former site of the 1911 An Illinois National Guard unit was founded in Princess Theatre, with 1,000 seats and a vaudeville The Post Office Woodstock in 1880, not long after the city was stage. Classic Cinemas purchased the theatre in The U.S. Post Office site in downtown Woodstock founded. Company G, although known by other 1998, and expanded to four screens in 2002 on a had served the community well since its names later, was mustered for the Spanish- neighboring site, which had been the 1912 Beverly construction in 1931. It was vacated in 1991 and American War in 1898. World War II and the Theatre. A significant expansion was undertaken in eventually sold to the City of Woodstock in Korean War. The new armory was constructed in 2012 and 2013, to expand the capacity to eight 1992. After marketing the building several times the early 1990s on the west side of Woodstock, screens with a vertical building design, a new over the next decade, the building was eventually leaving an unknown fate for this building. This local pedway to the rear parking area, and a spectacular bought by Home State Bank, and opened their landmark has now been adaptively reused as restoration of the ornate original dome from the Woodstock branch location in 1999. After residential condominiums. The developers were historic Miller Theatre in the largest auditorium. In extensive, historically-sensitive restorations, the able to make use of a State program that allows for 2015 the Woodstock Theatre installed a recognition bank now serves as a community gathering place an eight-year property tax freeze after investment plaque for being listed in the National Register of once again, as a supporter of events in the into the building, for residential properties that are Historic Places by the Department of Interior. Downtown. designated as local historic landmarks.
33 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Local Historic Properties - Swiss Maid Bakery, 122 N Benton St – (1901-1910) Italianate The 2012 Historic Resources Study by the School of - Woodstock City Hall (Woodstock High School) - D&A Salon Apothecary, Murphy Block Studios, the Art Institute of Chicago found the following – Greek Revival 100-108 N Benton St (Murphy Block) – commercial and institutional buildings to be either - St. Mary’s Catholic Church – Spanish Revival Italianate a high level or medium level of architectural - Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple (First - Re/Max Plaza, Burseth Farms, (Commercial significance. The architectural style of each is Congregational Church) – Queen Anne Building) 110-112 N Benton St – Italianate noted here. Buildings bold print are also listed as - Interiors Anew & Bike Haven, 132-134 Cass St - Uptown Salon, 116-118 N Benton St (ML Joslyn significant structures on the 1982 nomination for – Queen Anne Building) – Italianate recognition by the National Register of Historic - Former Woodstock Chamber (Zoia Block), 136 Places. Buildings noted with *YEAR were (1881-1890) Cass St – Queen Anne individually listed on the National Register. - * County Sheriff’s House and Jail – Italianate - Benton Street Tap, 217 N Benton St – Queen Buildings are identified by the addres and the name *1974 Anne of the current ground-floor occupant. - Woodstock Opera House, 121 W Van Buren St - The Cabin, 223 N Benton St (TC Black Building) (Woodstock City Hall) – Romanesque *1974 – Queen Anne - Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate (Kendall - 118 N Jefferson St (Sherman Building) – Queen Block) – Colonial Revival Anne - Doreen Paluch Law Office (State Bank Building) (1911-1920) – Italianate - St Mary’s School – Classical Revival - The Backdrop, 106 Cass St – Queen Anne - Centegra Health (Memorial Hospital) - - 207 N Benton St (Woodstock Sentinel Craftsman Newspaper) – Queen Anne (1921-1930) (1891-1900) - Dean Street School – Gothic Revival - Dramatic Publishing (Grace Lutheran Church) – - Woodstock High School – Tudor Revival Gothic Revival - First Church of Christ Scientist – Classical - Cherry Tree Inn (Judge Barnes House) – Queen Revival Anne - First United Methodist Church – Gothic Revival - Main St. PourHouse, 214 Main St (Waverly - Oakland Mausoleum – Modern House) – Georgian - Woodstock Theatre (Miller Theatre) – Spanish - Lady Moxie’s, 216 Main St – Queen Anne Revival *2015 - John Sullivan State Farm, 218 Main St – Tudor - Katherine’ s Vintage Market – Craftsman
Revival - Woodstock Square Mall, 110 S. Johnson (1850 – 1860) - D.C. Cobbs, 226 Main St (Oliver Amusement (Montgomery Ward) – Modern - The Public House (McHenry County Parlors) - Craftsman - Law Offices of Hamer, Schuh & Cuda – Spanish Courthouse) – Greek Revival *1974 - Forge Technologies, 230 Main St – Craftsman Revival - The Thoughtfulness Shop (Hoy Block) – Federal - Dr. Elli Emmons DDS, 232 Main St – Craftsman (1931- 1940) (1871-1880) - Ethereal Confections, 113 S Benton (Church - Home State Bank, 120 S Johnson (US Post Block) – Queen Anne - Former Lloyds Paint, 114 N Benton St – Queen Office) – Georgian Anne - Former Gas Station, 131 Washington St – - Soul Focus, 120 N Benton St – Italianate Colonial Revival
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Preservation Site #1 McHenry The ground floor is currently leased to the Public a ground-floor retail operation. Restaurant, County Courthouse House Restaurant, which has made significant entertainment or fitness uses represent likely uses. investments to improve the space. Most of the Office and residential uses are less desirable from a main floor is used for low-intensity art gallery sales tax perspective, but should be explored. space. The upper floor is not recommended for The 2016 Creative Spaces Consulting Report, by occupancy, due to a host of safety issues including ArtSpace, noted that reuse options for the Old accessibility, lack of restrooms, interior ceiling Courthouse and Sheriff’s House are limited by the stability, and the age of mechanical systems. buildings’ physical constraints. They recommended Access & Circulation – The Courthouse is retention of the restaurant and arts center, while located in one of the most walkable areas in the adding “micro” retail and working studios for community. Parking is ample, both in front of the artists. They also recommended adding a co- building, and within three separate city off-street working center on the second floor. Development Pattern – This building is one of lots located within 300 feet of the building. The After discussing potential uses with the community, the key landmarks on the Woodstock Square, along 2,000 square foot outdoor patio in front of the the recommendation from this Downtown Plan is with the Opera House. The Courthouse was built in building offers a unique dining experience and is that the restaurant use is retained on the lower 1857 and functioned for over a hundred years as separated from the sidewalk by a small wrought- floor, the main floor be dedicated to arts and arts- the center of County Government. Private iron fence that lines the front of the property. related retail (the number one response in the ownership followed for almost 40 years, during public survey), and that the upper floors be Desired Use – The eventual use of the building which time the building hosted a variety of uses, developed in to a co-working space. This co- has been a subject of much debate and including a Dick Tracy museum, retail shops, art working space could be co-located with the conversation. The 2015 Technical Assistance Panel galleries, restaurants and a radio station. The Chamber of Commerce and City Economic Report, from the Urban Land institute Chicago, building was listed on the National Register in 1974. Development office as an entrepreneurship center, pondered suitable uses and users for the complex. In 2011, the City acquired the building, along with supporting the growth of small businesses. It recommended “that the Courthouse’s stewards the adjacent Sheriff’s House, with the intention of explore partnerships with institutions for higher The non-profit Friends of the Old Courthouse and stabilizing them and returning them to use. learning as a potential anchor use” for the building. the City’s Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House The City has invested much into the restoration of “Whatever the end-use might be,” the report Advisory Commission have been established to help the building, including installation of a new roof, concluded, “the panel feels strongly that by guide the process of redevelopment. The priority new limestone steps, new windows and the working together and partnering with local and spaces for public access and enjoyment within this building are the main floor lobby and staircase, and beautiful restoration of the cupola dome. regional institutions, the City has the best possible the Courtroom on the upper floor. This courtroom Structurally, the building has always been in great chance of re-inventing the Old Courthouse as a space is well preserved, and could serve both as a shape, but much work is still needed to stabilize the community anchor for another 150 years.” The comfortable day room for a co-working community, building and prepare it for an eventual user. 2015 Preliminary Adaptive Reuse Analysis stated as well as a gathering place for educational and that retail use on the upper floors of the community events. Courthouse is not recommended, unless it is part of
35 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Preservation Site #2 “McHenry County Jail – SW corner Jackson and Preservation Site #3 – Elks Lodge Cass, erected 1887. Sheriff’s House Development Pattern – This fraternal building In 1894, Eugene V.Debs (1855-1926) was held Development Pattern – This building is on the Square, is mentioned in the National in this jail for refusing to comply with a court attached to the Old Courthouse, although it was Register of Historic Places nomination, but not as a injunction related to the Pullman strike (it was built 20 years later, in 1887. The structure was strongly contributing structure. The building was felt he would not be safe in the Cook County both the home of the County Sheriff and his family, constructed in 1923. as well as an expansion of the limited jail cells that jail). He came out of the jail a confirmed were located in the Courthouse itself. The upper socialist. The present steel jail cases were Access & Circulation – The location on Throop story has a direct hallway link to the Courtroom, added in 1913. Placed on the NRHP in 1974.” Street makes this building very prominent to the allowing easy passage for the accused. The most - National Register of Historic Places traffic driving through downtown. For many years, notable of these was labor leader Eugene Debs, it has presented a poor impression, with a blank Access & Circulation – Former restaurant whose tenure here is recognized by a plaque on the wall painted white, and the windows blocked in. tenants in the Sheriff’s house enjoyed the shared northeast corner of the building. These have recently been restored. use of the 2,000 square foot outdoor patio dining After use by the County, this building was operated space in front of both buildings. As noted in the Desired Use - The survey results for this building privately, along with the Courthouse, and spent description of the Courthouse above, this site show a similar preference for restaurant and retail much of the past 50 years in operation as a enjoys excellent access to streets, pedestrians, uses, but with a much stronger preference for sequence of restaurants, including a pizza parking and visibility. restaurant (25%). The number two answer was restaurant that offered dining in the cells, and a ‘Event or Live Music Venue” (16%). The building Desired Use – The most overwhelming single very popular French restaurant that closed in 2015, owner recently announced plans for a new tenant response in all of the public survey was in support partially due to the conditions in the building. to open a restaurant here, with an events of restaurant use in the Sheriff’s House. The component. The City should facilitate the success mechanical systems in the building are outdated, of this use. and will require significant investment before the building will be ready to resume this use.
The significant internal feature of this building that should be accessible to the public is the jail cells. The ArtSpace study recommended a restaurant or coffee shop with a theme of a local history museum. The Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House Advisory Commission has recommended that City staff move forward with identifying an investor/occupant of this building ahead of the full renovation of the Courthouse.
36 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Preservation Site #3 by the National Register of Historic Places. More Desired Use – The downtown plan survey recently, this building was the Woodstock Location indicated that the public has a strong preference OddFellows Lodge (BMO Harris) for BMO Harris Bank. The building still hosts an for additional retail or restaurant space in this Development Pattern – This building is one of ATM from BMO Harris Bank and law offices – which location. Each of these answers received the largest private buildings on the Square, with certainly represent a prevalent historic land use in preference by 20% of the respondents, from among just over 30,000 square feet. The exterior cladding the Downtown. the eleven potential answers. Winery/Brew Pub is now a consistent red brick, but historically, this was third with 15%. Residential use was not Access & Circulation – Of the four entrances to was two buildings, a bank in front and the preferred as the strongest negative response. A the Woodstock Square that line up with the Oddfellows Lodge on the corner of Jefferson and downtown boutique hotel or co-working space cardinal directions, this east entrance is by far the Jackson. The rear building was modified in the were other popular ideas. least used. This is due to a decision years ago to 1990’s to match the façade of the front, and the close the railroad crossing at E. Jackson Street, In late 2017, the building was purchased by an top story of the building was removed. Before effectively dead-ending this road into the tracks, investor who has announced plans to convert the these buildings were built, this corner was the site just a block off of the Square. One advantage of building into restaurant and brew pub use, along of the original county government building, prior to this position is that Jefferson Street hosts two large with the preservation of the office uses on the the construction of the Courthouse in 1857. The surface parking lots just behind this building, in upper floor and the Jefferson Street entrance. building is a contributing structure to the addition to the on-street parking in front. Outdoor dining should be facilitated to maximize Woodstock Square Historic District, as designated the revenue potential for this exciting project.
“Oddfellows Building – SW Corner of Jackson and Jefferson, erected 1907. IOOF Guardian Lodge #60 was established in Woodstock in 1849, though the group which erected this building was reorganized in 1872. This three-story brick building was built at a cost of $30,000.” - National Register of Historic Places
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Preservation Site #5 excellent access to the train depot and bus between May and October. stops. This access is advertised as a transportation 200 block of North Benton Street The recommendation of this plan is to continue to option when the establishments on this block host enhance the dining and entertainment uses in the Development Pattern - This is a triangular site special events, which occurs multiple times a year, corner of the Square. The Benton Street Boardwalk formed by the intersection of local roads and the drawing thousands of guests. The pedestrian outdoor dining should continue, and can be a Union Pacific railroad. Unlike similar triangles on crossing of the tracks at this location is better model for providing additional seating for the north side of the tracks, which have seen a marked than most. additional restaurants in the area. The building on number of uses over the past 150 years, Benton Desired Use - The existing use of entertainment the east has a large windowless area that many Street hosts a row of beautiful and well preserved and dining is also the historical use and the best noted would be ideal for a large painted mural. The buildings dating to the late nineteenth and early future use. The existing restaurants and the City building still has some vacancy on the ground 20th century. The entire block is located within the partnered in the summer of 2017 to add 160 seats floor. The survey indicated a strong response that National Register Historic District. The west side of of outdoor dining, on top of the angled parking area retail and restaurant uses were preferred, and that the street in particular is unique in the downtown, on the west side of the street. Branded as the Children’s Museum was the least preferred in that most of the buildings have a ‘front side’ on “Benton Street Boardwalk,” the new dining area option. It is recommended that a solution be Main Street, and a second entrance on the ‘back was well used and well received by the devised to establish one or more shared locations side’ on Benton Street. Because of this dual community. The seating was designed to be to house trash and recycling bins, with screening access/rear access situation, this location has removable, and is intended to be present on site that accents the historic character of the block. traditionally been an area of bars and restaurants. Archival photos show bars present on this same block well over 100 years ago. Unfortunately, the area has suffered from a poor reputation, again deriving from the collection of alcohol-serving businesses. Perhaps another contributor to the poor reputation is that because Benton Street is the rear access, businesses use this side to line up their trash and recycling bins for collection. The building on the east side of the street hosts some service uses on the ground floor. The upstairs units on both sides of the street are a mix of small offices and residential units.
Access & Circulation - The primary drive through this area is the northbound-only Benton Street, which mirrors the southbound-only Main Street. The area is very walkable and enjoys
38 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Chapter 4 – The Civic Heart
Goals First established as the 1. Encourage a downtown with public gathering County Seat of McHenry places, open spaces, parks, that strengthen a County in 1852, civic sense of place and reinforce the social fabric of functions have always the community. been a key part of the identity of the Woodstock 2. Provide a variety of parks and public spaces that community. Civic and accommodate a wide range of activities and public spaces demand a attract a diverse population. special consideration in 3. Cooperate with local stakeholders to promote this Development Plan, as place-making investment on private property. they are distinctive from 4. Implement a network of pedestrian corridors private property, and and connections to promote walkability and hold a special importance diverse pedestrian experiences. and meaning because of the broad sense of Possible Benchmarks and ownership felt by both Indicators residents and visitors. - Residential Population within Downtown This chapter provides an - Residential Building Permits overview of the overall role of government buildings the Library, the Police Station, Public Works, and - Number of Zoning Change Requests and public open spaces throughout the downtown. Fire Station; once resided in one building, the Opera - Home Sales and Rents These facilities and spaces contribute to the House. On the other hand, other public functions - Apartment Rental Prices psf functionality and overall image of Downtown, and that once resided in the downtown have outgrown - Owner Occupied vs. Rental many are also significant local landmarks, which these original facilities and are located in larger - Deteriorated & Dilapidated Units contribute to the historic character as well. These facilities closer to the highway networks. This buildings are also centers of employment and includes the Post Office, the County Courthouse, contribute to the downtown professional culture. and the original Memorial Hospital. If any of the additional public buildings were to vacate their One inherent difficulty of planning for public-use current downtown locations, the buildings should be facilities is the constant change that occurs in a considered for adaptive re-use, to continue growing community. For example, many of the functioning as employment centers and historic government functions currently housed in City Hall, landmarks for the downtown.
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Events and Visitors Tier 2 Organizations must compete for grant funding should be replicated throughout the downtown Downtown Woodstock is becoming an increasingly based on a once-a-year application process. This parks and public spaces. popular place for events drawing visitors from all includes Farmers’ Market, Mozart Festival, Jazz on “Downtown approach routes must be direct, around the region. From 2014 to 2017, registration the Square, Town Square Players, Fair Diddley, well-marked, uncongested, and attractive. data showed that 36% of visitors to the early Summer in the Park, Groundhog Days, and more. Well-designed signage should be installed December “Ladies Night Out” event had not Wayfinding Signage within the context of “city-wide gateways” attended before, and over 10% were coming from One of the many successful projects implemented along each major U.S. or Illinois highway; outside McHenry County. At the inaugural 2017 following the 1996 Downtown Plan was the more modest gateways may be considered Wizarding World of Woodstock, 34% of attendees installation of wayfinding signage leading visitors to along country roads. Signage should be surveyed came from outside McHenry County, and the Woodstock Square. The large monument located along each approach route to keep the 13% (over 300 families) indicated that they had signage intercepts visitors on Highway 47 and visitors on course.” never been to Woodstock before. Highway 14, and Highway 120, and continues to - Downtown Woodstock Sub Area Plan In light of this growing visibility, it is more important remind them of their destination during the several (1996) than ever to ensure that visitors can find the Square, blocks journey to the center of town. and find information once they arrive. A quality The existing wayfinding system is good, but it has Visitor’s Center should be maintained on or adjacent been in place for over 10 years. It is recommended to the Square. The current center is located within that the program be reviewed to ensure the Read Between the Lynes bookstore. effectiveness and proper maintenance. At least one Hotel-Motel Tax Grants of the parking lot signs is now blocked by a mature The City of Woodstock Hotel/Motel tax was tree, and other signs are showing signs of wear. The established in 1995 to enhance visitor appeal and system focuses on traffic from the south and east, encourage overnight stays at Woodstock-based and does not include any directional signage for lodging businesses. Woodstock generates a 5% tax travelers arriving from the west on Highway 14. The on overnight stays, which is invested back into the lot identification system should be reviewed and community through designated projects and events. reinforced in other literature, and small pedestrian– scale downtown maps, once present at all municipal Tier 1 Organizations have a proven record of lots, should be replaced. promoting tourism for many years and have been designated for annual funding. Tier 1 Organizations Three City of Woodstock pedestrian wayfinding include the Opera House, Woodstock Chamber of kiosks are present now, at the Train Depot, at Main Commerce, Visit McHenry County CVB, and the and Cass, and at Van Buren and Benton. This system Challenger Learning Center. should be reviewed and expanded, if appropriate. The same branded materials and signage used here
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Conditions and Considerations for Public Facilities and Open Spaces The following analysis highlights the likely options and preferred alternatives that should be considered over time regarding these important facilities. The City and its partnering public agencies should maintain an open communication about the future of their downtown facilities, including walkability to school properties.
Public Facilities - Woodstock City Hall - Woodstock Opera House - Public Works Offices & Water Treatment - Aurora University & Challenger Center - Woodstock Train Depot - Woodstock Public Library - Old Firehouse - Woodstock Police Department - Woodstock Recreation Center Parks and Open Spaces - Park in the Square - Sesquicentennial Park - Main Street Pedway - Dick Tracy Way Park - Ryders Woods - Raintree Park Potential New Open Spaces - Downtown Rail Corridor Walking/Biking Path - Woodstock Station Site - Private Alleys - Murals and Public Art - Larger Public Easements
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Woodstock City Hall Woodstock Opera House Public Works Offices Parcel Area – 1.16 acres. Parcel Area – 0.24 acres. Parcel Area – 4.31 acres, including the water Meets Current Needs – Yes. Meets Current Needs – Yes. treatment plant. Expansion Recommended – No. Expansion Recommended – No. Meets Current Needs – No. Relocation Recommended – No. Relocation Recommended – No. Expansion Recommended – Yes. Status – The location of City Hall adjacent to the Status – The original home of all of the City of Relocation Recommended – Yes. The current plan Square sets the example for existing and prospective Woodstock functions, which have moved out one by is to identify a new site, preferably to the west. businesses that the City itself sees Downtown as the one over the decades. The Opera House is a unique best location for business. The City administration municipal facility hosting numerous community has used the 1906 former Central School building activities and artistic presentations every week of since expanding out of the Opera House in the early the year. 1970s.
Status – The current central location is ideal for responding to a variety of street repair, snow plowing and water distribution calls, especially to the older infrastructure downtown. Despite the heavy traffic, the feedback from the community was that the neighbors are used to it. Recommendations – The First Street Water Plant is Recommendations – The City has recently invested Recommendations – The addition of the Stage Left located on the north side of the tracks, and is part of in some technology upgrades, which should Café was a brilliant way to modernize and expand this site. This plant is adjacent to vacant land in the continue. Larger restrooms would be appropriate the facility, and sets the stage for the success of the Woodstock Station site, and land should be donated both for the growing staff and the public. As a facility with modernized restrooms, ADA as part of that development to create an contributing structure to the Historic District, the improvements and a greatly expanded back appropriate buffer between development and this former schoolhouse identity should continue to be stage. Feedback from the community was divided plant. The current building is undersized compared accented within any future renovations. The current about whether the current volume of activities is to current staff of 46 in the Department. Current staff in the building is 22. As this number grows, on- already near capacity, or whether the schedule parking capacity of over 50 is good, but will also site parking will continue to be a stress on this site, could be expanded. The building currently operates need to grow as the staff grows. Future which has only 40 spaces including employee and at a loss, and expanding use may expand this consideration should be given to selling the valuable public parking. The 46 space parking lot adjacent to required subsidy. Attention should be paid to shows City Hall is used primarily for the Opera House and land as a development area, when market demand coming to regional venues of a similar size to Square retail traffic. is high enough to justify the expense of a move. piggyback on programming.
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Aurora University & Challenger Center Woodstock Train Depot Woodstock Public Library Parcel Area – 1.51 acres. Parcel Area – 7.2 acres (tracks and parking). Parcel Area – 3.06 acres. Meets Current Needs – Yes. Meets Current Needs – No. Meets Current Needs – Yes. Expansion Recommended – No. Expansion Recommended – No. Relocation Recommended – No. Relocation Recommended – Yes. Based on the Status – The Challenger Center merged several current configuration of the METRA trains, the years ago with Aurora University and now hosts commuters wait for the train on the other side of higher education classes at the Woodstock the tracks from the station. Center. This is an important civic use and draws a Status – The present building is a contributing fair amount of traffic to the downtown, and structure to the Historic District. The historic Depot enrollment is growing. is an important first impression of Woodstock for Expansion Recommended – No. The current design Recommendations – The size of the building and visitors arriving on the train. The availability of capacity is up to 50,000 residents. The building was available parking matches well with the current METRA service provides an opportunity for built to allow for vertical expansion on the current volume of students at Aurora. If student volume conveniently bringing out-of-town traffic to site, or the system could begin to establish satellite grows significantly the University may want to community facilities and events. locations within the School District. consider a larger site with better access for a Recommendations – The City recently placed Relocation Recommended – No. regional student body. The current building is not in another café tenant in the Train Station. Efforts Status – The current size fits well with the character excellent condition, and is also not a contributing should be made to keep a café tenant in the Depot of the neighborhood. One resident surveyed said structure to the Historic District. building to serve the commuters and the they were, ‘happy as could be” with the library. community. The building has a tendency to become Recommendations – Seek to improve visual and an attractive nuisance if left vacant. A permanent walkable connectivity to the Downtown Square station or warming center should be constructed on thorough signage and pavement markings. the north side of the tracks, as this is the loading Continue to expand programming and collections to area for morning commuters. engage the Hispanic community and other groups.
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Old Firehouse Woodstock Police Department Woodstock Rec Center Parcel Area – 0.41 acres. Parcel Area – 2.9 acres Parcel Area – 2.1 acres. Meets Current Needs – Yes. Meets Current Needs – Yes. Meets Current Needs – Yes. Expansion Recommended – No. Expansion Recommended – No. Expansion Recommended – Yes. Relocation Recommended – No. Relocation Recommended – No. Relocation Recommended – Yes. Status – The building is currently used both for Status – The building is located in a good central Status – The center is popular with the community, Public Works vehicle storage as well as the Old location with access to the downtown as well as the and the amenities are competitive with private gyms Firehouse Assistance Center (OFAC). This use has highway corridors. The theme of Dick Tracy Way in the area. The location near the center of town is been praised as “visible sign of the compassion of Park has been praised adjacent to the Police Station. important, as trips longer than three miles tend to the community.” Recommendations – No recommendations for the discourage use. Current membership is building. The yard to the south has begun to host approximately 1,200, of which approximately 800 memorials, as a public space alternative to placing are considered active users. more memorials on the Woodstock Square; this use should continue.
Recommendations – The building is not a perfect fit for the functions that the OFAC intends to offer, and may ‘outgrow’ this space within the next few Recommendations – The building is not meeting the years. The truck bays are ideal for the large vehicle current needs of the operation, and many elements storage for Public Works. If City Hall were to ever are exceeding their planned life, the pool in expand, this would be the natural site, as it is particular. The site is not large enough for an adjacent to the building. This could be expansion, and adjacent land is not accomplished either by adaptive reuse of the plentiful. Construction of a new Rec Center with existing building or by replacement. multiple gyms and a larger pool should be proposed and presented to the public for referendum vote. A “Goal: Provide the appropriate infrastructure for the optimum level of public services for the health, downtown location should be preferred. In the safety, and welfare of all residents consistent with efficiency, resource conservation, and cost- short term, the 0.85 acre former gas station site to effectiveness.” the south of the Rec Center should be acquired by - Woodstock Comprehensive Plan the City and prepared to serve as additional parking.
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Park in the Square Parcel Area – 2.0 Amenities – The park has a raised gazebo with sound system, replica “Spring House” shelter, historic Civil War memorial, various smaller memorials, and ample perimeter parking. Meets Current Needs – Yes. Expansion Recommended – No. Status – “There are days in the summer when it’s just like heaven.” The park is as much a part of the identity of Woodstock as any other landmark or person. The space is large, and demonstrates a community focus on the arts, health and throughout the Park in the Square, with possible Sesquicentennial Park preservation. Band Concerts, festivals and events all extensions to the entire downtown district. Parcel Area – 0.29 acres. owe their success in part to this excellent public Multiple formal plans should be developed for the Amenities – The park includes a fountain, decorative space. The Woodstock Farmers’ Market is a strictly closure of various streets and spaces surrounding clock, and walking paths paved with memorial producer’s market that uses all four sides of the the Square at various levels of intensity based on bricks, honoring construction donors. Square, twice a week, May through October. the size of the event. Although temporary Meets Current Needs – Yes. Recommendations – Careful management should restrooms are often brought in for large events, the Expansion Recommended – No. continue, as has been the case with recent City should explore the provision of permanent Status – “A great place to read a book in the shade, improvements including the entry arches, the stone public restroom facilities at key locations, consistent and watch the trains go by.” The park is well work on the perimeter wall, and the repair of the with the quality of the Historic District, to better situated as a preserved green space as the soldier memorial. The events schedule would accommodate festivals and events. downtown expands outside the Woodstock Square. Recommendations – There is a small triangle of land (0.04 acres) on the south edge of the park that should be acquired and added to the park. More engagement could be designed into the park to activate the space. Potential ideas include a play fountain, an expansion site for the Farmers’ Market, or a small ice rink in the winter, or holiday lights in the trees. There are electrical control boxes buried under this park, so it should be noted that undergrounding of utilities on the adjacent Benton Street would disrupt this park. benefit from an improved, permanent sound system
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Main Street Pedway Dick Tracy Way Park Ryder’s Woods Parcel Area – 0.06 acres. Parcel Area – 1.80 acres. Parcel Area – 22.5 acres. Amenities – The space includes a 118 foot mural of Amenities – The park includes a Dick Tracy themed Amenities – 1 mile of unpaved trails, 12-car parking “Woodstock in Stage & Cinema”, groundhog statue, playground, Peace Park garden, Labyrinth, and the lot on the Kimball St. side. Orson Welles statue (coming in 2018), and ample Pollinator Garden (coming in 2018). Two paths lead Meets Current Needs – Yes. parking in the adjacent public lot. from this park into the adjacent Ryder’s Woods. Meets Current Needs – Yes. Meets Current Needs – Yes. Expansion Recommended – No. Expansion Recommended – No. Status – The Pedway has become a model for the beautification of passive public spaces. The community rallied behind the vision of a mural and statue garden in the lane connecting Main Street to the public parking on Throop Street. Recommendations – Other minor entrances to the Woodstock Square should benefit from a similar exercise of creating a vision and rallying public support behind the improvements. Expansion Recommended – No.
Status – “A great hidden gem.” The forest preserve is managed in concert with the Land Conservancy of Status – “A great example of responding to what the McHenry County and includes just over 1 mile of people want.” The park has been expanded many forested trails. times over the years to accommodate various Recommendations – The site includes a pond, but it special projects. The latest of these is a pollinator is not great for fishing yet. This could be dredged garden, designed to attract migratory butterflies, to and stocked to improve this amenity. It was also be installed in 2018. suggested that the forested trails would be a great Recommendations – The park should not grow location for a sculpture garden. A larger trailhead much larger than it is today, as this growth could adjacent to a small parking lot on the Dick Tracy limit the growth potential for the adjacent Police Way Park side is needed. Throughout the input Department. However, within its footprint, we process, many seemed to be unfamiliar with the should be willing to consider creative and park. Promotional maps should be created responsive ideas such as the recently installed promoting use for hiking and for cross-country Labyrinth and Pollinator Garden. A small parking lot skiing. would be appropriate.
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Raintree Park Potential New Public Spaces Rail Corridor Walking/Biking Path Parcel Area – 8.0 acres. Although Downtown Woodstock is blessed with Parcel Area – 3.7 acres. Amenities – The park has a small playground on the many excellent public spaces, additional Amenities – A multi-block walking and biking path east side and a small parking lot on the west. A few opportunities exist to enhance the public way. that connects several of the park facilities in disc golf cages are also present and wide open green Opportunities should be sought to enhance the Downtown Woodstock, and Route 47. Length would space. sense of place in the Downtown on private property be approximately 1.9 miles. Meets Current Needs – Yes. as well as public. At every opportunity for a Recommendations – The path should be built in Expansion Recommended – No. redevelopment of a downtown site, new place- three phases. The first is a 3/4-mile loop path within Status – “A great park for what it is; a functional making elements should be included in the plans. Raintree Park. Next, a linear path will be developed detention basin.” The open space is used by a For example, new residential development should following the east side of the Railroad tracks to the variety of hobbyists including flying drones, RC include socially engaging elements such as front north and west, all the way to Wicker Street. This airplanes, and model rockets as well as playing porches, open spaces and walking paths. On the will connect current amenities such as Raintree Frisbee or soccer. All of this activity is dependent on other hand, commercial development should Park, Aurora University and Sesquicentennial Park. the weather as the area fills with water for several include space for additional outdoor dining Right-of-way should be preserved within future days after most rain events. opportunities. Current downtown zones should be development sites on the Richards Building Supply amended to provide opportunities for food carts, site and the Woodstock Station site. Finally, when trucks, street musicians, and sidewalk vendors in Route 47 construction is funded, the path will strategic areas. connect across the highway to the County Fairgrounds, and link to the new 10-ft wide bike With all these plans, care should be taken to identify path proposed on the east side of Route 47. Right- ways to not only meet, but exceed the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. of-way should be preserved as development occurs on the former Dominick’s site.
Recommendations – Develop a walking path through the park, to connect Route 47 to the Downtown. This would be easiest on the north side where the ground is higher, but could also be pondered as a loop path at a notable distance (1/2 mile or 3/4 mile). The Disc Golf course should be improved and promoted, especially if a walking path provides better access to the holes. The northwest corner of this park could include some interpretive signage noting the significance of the historic rail bridge across the street.
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Murals and Public Art Private Alleys Larger Public Easements Recommendations – Within the appropriate context Recommendations – The City should work with the The intersection of Throop and Washington Streets of the Woodstock Square Historic District, the city owners of private alleys to create safe and inviting is much wider than is needed for the current lanes. should define guidelines to facilitate the creation of pedestrian gateways into and near the Square. The minimum required width for both lanes for a public art on private property, such as murals and Improvements to minor entrances to the Woodstock business street is 37 feet. At this intersection, the sculpture. The Main Street Pedway Mural project Square could include: marked pedestrian crossing is a full 120 feet long. A was well received in 2017. Other mural sites should - The private alley from Main St. to Benton St. landscaping island in the center of this intersection be considered, and funded through collaboration - The parking lot entrance between Home State will improve the attractiveness, walkability and with private fundraising, as was the Pedway Mural. Bank and the Woodstock Square Mall. safety for pedestrians. Because of the gentle slope - The private alley and stairs from Jefferson St. to and curve of the street, snow plowing should be Woodstock Station Site the southeast corner of the Square considered in the design of this improvement. - The rear alley behind W. Cass St. Another area that has been recommended for - The internal corridor in the Galleria, connecting improvement is the center of the proposed Cass St. to the rear parking area. roundabout at Lake and Madison and South Streets. - The stairs between 136 and 142 Washington St. This area is one of the higher traffic entrances into Below, the Woodstock Square Streetscape the Downtown area, and is visible from the train. Guidelines portray a scenario for the beautification The circle should be landscaped, and should include of the alley between Main Street and Benton Street. a piece of public art, such as a statue. Public and This design included not just a beautified passage private beautification efforts should be focused on through the space, but also an outdoor dining areas and buildings visible from the railroad, as an opportunity for the adjacent restaurant space. important first impression of the District. Below, the Woodstock Square Streetscape Guidelines, portray a future roundabout at South, Lake and Madison Streets, and its potential landscaping. Parcel Area - undetermined Amenities – A small public performance or activity space. Recommendations – As the 10+ acre Die Cast site is developed, space should be included for an open Many of these alleys are the corridor between the lawn that can serve as a public recreation space for outer parking and the Square, and set the tone for small groups (i.e. Frisbee or Yoga). This may also the experience, and maybe even create a first include a small performance stage, which relies on impression of Woodstock. The Main Street Pedway this green space as seating. should be used as a successful example of this treatment for other spaces.
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Chapter 5 – Residential Diversity
Goals Intro to Residential that the housing mix more closely fits the current 1. Focus redevelopment efforts on the goal of “Vision 2020” calls for balanced lifecycle housing, a housing and commercial market. creating new residential units in close proximity solid mix of owner-occupied and rental housing at a The Woodstock Station site has been considered to the train depot and the Woodstock Square. variety of price points, and development which is several times for development in the past, and each environmentally sustainable. The Comprehensive 2. Encourage reinvestment in existing housing time the development has failed to deliver on the Plan calls for the city to “encourage the availability units around the downtown. vision. The difficult reality is that in today’s housing of a diverse housing stock that is safe, market, the cost to build new upscale downtown 3. Provide mixed-use and neighborhood environmentally sound, and economically and residential units is still higher than what the local commercial uses to support downtown living. socially open with a variety of housing styles and Woodstock market will pay. If the goal is to build a 4. Coordinate the surrounding future types.” high-quality product that will contribute to the neighborhood plans to be complementary to A diverse range of new multi-family and mixed-use beauty and economy of the Downtown, than public the Downtown future land use map. housing can be carefully added near Woodstock. It and private financing must be assembled to achieve should follow a central tenet of Vision 2020 and be these goals. Among the sources should be tax Possible Benchmarks and sustainable in terms of design. Locating mid-to- increment financing, with a focus on the key Indicators upscale condominium development and senior redevelopment sites outlined in this plan. It was tax - Residential Population within Downtown housing within walking distance of retail increment financing that allowed for the site - Residential Building Permits establishments and the Metra station can positively cleanup and construction of the current row of - Number of Zoning Change Requests increase density and expand local business. homes on the Woodstock Station site. - Home Sales and Rents The recession forced developers across the region In addition to this site, the City should identify other - Apartment Rental Prices psf to rethink their offerings. While there will still be a sites in the Downtown where residential units can - Owner Occupied vs. Rental demand for large-lot single family homes, many be created to fit a variety of ages and lifestyles - Deteriorated & Dilapidated Units future households are likely to be older and smaller including families, young professionals, and active than they are today. To meet their needs, smaller seniors. North of the tracks, the several blocks from yet amenity-rich single family homes, townhomes the Woodstock Station site to the former lumber “Woodstock’s historic downtown is a key and condominiums will be needed. This new reality yard, to the former warehouses along Judd Street, community asset, one that can be enhanced by may not look like the type of housing approved should be redeveloped. Recommended use should carefully increased housing density.” before the recession. The City should work with make a compatible transition between the Historic - Homes for a Changing Region developers to modify the previously approved business core and the residential neighborhoods to Woodstock Station planned unit development so the east.
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The Building and Zoning Department is responsible for initial review of land use proposals in the City. The Department should develop a standard operating procedure to review new land use proposals within the Downtown are in compliance with the goals of this plan. The Comprehensive Plan should be updated to reflect the future land use goals. The Plan Commission should determine if zoning is inconsistent with the future land use goals of this plan.
The City should explore potential incentive to encourage investment in existing historic housing. The new housing and the old can work in concert to support the community atmosphere desired. Here it should be remembered that residential diversity is the goal, and it is not necessary to create housing units of a similar style, quality, size and price point that exists today. The downtown zones will prescribe a basic mass, density and scale, but in general, complementary diversity will add to the character of the neighborhoods.
The City should engage existing neighborhoods around the Downtown in a planning process to identify recommendations to enhance walkability and identity. Family amenities such as fitness, child care, etc. should be walkable and convenient. Commercial uses should be scattered among residential, to shorten the distance to goods and services such as groceries, and residential home goods. Where possible, community gardens should be permitted and encouraged in multi-family properties, both as a sustainability element, and a Current Downtown Residential Density – 2010 Census place-making and community-building feature.
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Diversity (see chart below). Woodstock, however, showed a This text describes not only a financially and This chapter is built around the key word of diverse composition ranging from rural to urban linguistically diverse population, but also a young Diversity. While the primary focus is on the periphery. The fact that no single category includes and urban population. creation of a wide range of housing choices, this more than a third of the population shows that When debating public policy, this diversity makes it may be the best place to highlight some of the Woodstock has a range of neighborhood difficult to identify a single consensus factors that make Woodstock a diverse interactions that one resident surveyed described answer. However, the community is much better community. us as “The Anti-Cookie Cutter Community.” The for the range of opinions, resources and perspective Urban Periphery category was dominated by the Looking at Census data, the variety of lifestyles and that each group adds. tapestry segment known as “Metro Fusion.” In fact, resources is evident when you look at various lists, if the radius is narrowed to a one-minute drive-time such as Age of Housing Structures, Value of Housing from the Downtown Square, this Metro Fusion Units, Resident Age, Ethnicity, Hispanic Population, category rises to over 90% of residents. The or Income. Each case, Woodstock is shown to have description of “Metro Fusion” is: a more diverse range of residents than our neighboring communities in McHenry County. “Metro Fusion is a young, diverse market. Many residents do not speak English fluently and have Even the physical buildings themselves contain a moved into their homes recently. They are message of diversity and tolerance. Adjacent to the highly mobile and over three quarters of Square, houses of worship can be found where households are occupied by renters. Many Catholics, Unitarians, Lutherans, Buddhists, households have young children; a quarter are Episcopalians, and Christian Scientists gather. Many single-parent families. The majority of residents businesses downtown have their primary signage live in midsize apartment buildings. Metro written in Spanish, and event posters hung in the Fusion is a hard-working market with residents front windows of all types of businesses can be that are dedicated to climbing the ladders of found in both Spanish and English. their professional and social lives. Research from the Tapestry Segmentation project confirms what residents of Woodstock already Tapestry Segmentation know - that Woodstock is both a small town, and a Downtown self-contained urban environment, but not a Woodstock* Woodstock Huntley Crystal Lake McHenry suburb. Tapestry Segmentation seeks to categorize Principal Urban Center 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% neighborhood residential areas and divides Urban Periphery 30% 30% 0% 10% 7% Metro Cities 19% 25% 0% 8% 12% communities into 67 distinctive segments based on Suburban Periphery 33% 23% 100% 74% 57% their socioeconomic and demographic Semirural 0% 0% 0% 0% 15% composition. Many of our neighboring Rural 18% 22% 0% 7% 9% *1 mile from the Woodstock Square communities were identified as primarily suburban
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Opportunity Sites It is important to note Two key sites have been identified as showing the that final approval of greatest potential for redevelopment, to include any development will be higher density housing in the downtown. The sites the result of a thorough were both included in the citizen survey associated public approval process with the preparation of this plan, and both have to consider how specific been included in Downtown Woodstock Marketing factors such as materials. The Woodstock Station site has already development density, been cleared and prepared for new construction. It building character, is recommended that the Building Supply site also affordable housing, be cleared and prepared for new construction. The parking and traffic are Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the provided to the buildings on the site and noted that they do not community’s present a case for preservation and restoration. satisfaction. A development “A diverse range of new multi-family and proposal will be mixed-use housing can be carefully added near required to give the city Woodstock Square and its Metra station, adequate satisfaction as housing which will add to the commercial to the acceptability of vitality of the downtown area yet preserve its those and other factors essential character.” through development- - Homes for a Changing Region specific analysis of
Other sites could be appropriate for demolition and traffic, parking, building redevelopment as well. The Downtown National elevations, etc. Register Historic District outlines the extent of the blocks that should be considered ‘off-limits’ for demolition and replacement. Most of the other blocks present opportunities for construction of new residential or mixed-use housing, especially those adjacent to the Square on Throop, Calhoun, and Jefferson. These blocks have experienced several phases of redevelopment over the past 150 Downtown Woodstock Marketing Piece (2017) years.
52 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Opportunity Site #1 Access & Circulation - The shape of the site is a needs within the system, and that until ridership – Woodstock Station Site large triangle formed by 1st Street in the north, Clay numbers increase, this project will remain a lower Street on the east, and the railroad tracks to the priority for system improvements. Woodstock’s west and south. The southern tip of this site is the ridership is 300-450 per day, compared to current 132 space parking lot for the Metra Train approximately 1,700 in downtown Crystal Lake. Depot. The Depot itself, and 227 more parking Desired Use - The site is the primary transit spaces, are located just across the tracks. This oriented development (TOD) opportunity in the location has been the historic site of the train area for significant mixed-use development to add station for the entire history of the Woodstock dwellings and commercial space to downtown. The community, and the current Depot building dates site is envisioned to include a mix of multiple family back to approximately 1910. One peculiarity with (apartment) and townhome dwellings, as well as the site is that the current Metra trains inbound to commercial uses near the Metra Station and Church Chicago load on the east side of the tracks, but the Street. This mix of housing, not prevalent in this station, which contains public restrooms and a cafe, area, is also desirable to provide more housing are on the west side. A few small booths have been choices in the downtown. The potential market placed on the east side to provide shelter from the Development Pattern - Most of the 11-acre site includes not only young professionals, but also elements. While access to both Metra and PACE is has been occupied since before the turn of the those already living in Woodstock and looking to present on the site, both operate with limited century as a factory, first for the Woodstock downsize from a single-family home. These people schedules in Woodstock. Many community Typewriter Company, and later for Die Cast may be looking to live close to downtown members surveyed in the preparation of this plan automobile parts and other metal-casted amenities, their work, or the Metra Train Depot. expressed dissatisfaction with the current schedule components. The factory site was closed in the Evaluation of the site from a market perspective for Metra, which arrives approximately ten times early 1990s and became the primary focus of the concludes that new housing density will benefit the each day, in each direction. Many of our 1997 redevelopment plan and Tax Increment business district by adding potential customers to Woodstock commuters travel to Crystal Lake to take Financing district (TIF). Several proposals for the the area. redevelopment of the site have come forward over advantage of the train schedule there, which stops the years. In 2004-2007, the City was actively twice as often. One reason for this improved It is recommended that as part of this development, working with a developer that would put up to 400 schedule is that several trains park overnight in a permanent warming shelter, preferably with units of apartments and townhomes onto the Crystal Lake, and begin their trips there. Metra has restrooms, be constructed on the east side of the site. Unfortunately, market conditions soured after already purchased land west of Downtown Metra platform. The historic Depot building should the construction of the first 10-unit row of Woodstock that will relocate that parking function remain as well, as it is part of the historic district, townhomes, and the development came to a to Woodstock, and presumably, allow for the and has become a local landmark. Efforts should be halt. Today, the site includes both public and expansion of the train schedule. When asked about made to ensure the consistent public use of that private property, and its development is still the timeline of this improvement, the response building, preferably as a cafe and amenity to the considered a top priority for the City of Woodstock. from Metra has been that there are many capital commuting public.
53 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Opportunity Site #2 Access & Circulation - The site is adjacent to the The recommendation for the use of the site is to – Building Supply Site Union Pacific railroad tracks, which gives it the develop the 1.3 acre parcel with as dense of a advantage of high visibility for the train residential population as is feasible. Estimates traffic. However, the site has a few challenges as show that over 40 units could fit on the site with a well, based on the location along the tracks. Not three-story building using surface parking. If the only the train noise, but because of the goal of site were to include a multi-level parking deck, this eliminating crossings, Jackson Street, which was capacity could go higher. The site zoning should be originally designed as a primary entrance to the changed from M-1 Light Manufacturing to B2C Square, does not cross the tracks. Judd Street Central Business District, which will allow residential crosses to the tracks on the north side of the site, uses of 5 stories or 60 ft. but not only is the intersection awkward, crossing in In addition to the residential use, a portion of the the center of the intersection, but as westbound required setback along the railroad track side passengers arrive at Benton Street, they are should be set aside for the proposed multi-use path directed north, away from the Square. This pattern that will connect this site to parks and other new of streets interacting with the railroad means that developments just north of the tracks. these blocks of Jackson, Jefferson and Judd, to the immediate east of the Square, have the lowest Beyond this key parcel, there are several blocks in traffic counts of all of the downtown streets. either direction that were originally manufacturing and warehousing, but are now deteriorating. These Desired Use - The site was included in the blocks are not part of the Historic District and Downtown Development Plan survey. Most efforts should be made to redevelop these blocks as respondents indicated that a brew pub or winery well, with a higher density of development and was the number one response, which is likely an housing than is currently present. echo of the winery that had been proposed in 2014. The survey asked if a new train station on “Let’s make our communities healthy, active, this site might be a good fit, but this alternative and green. We can make it happen by Development Pattern - The key parcel on in this received the highest negative response. The promoting development that is compact, opportunity area is the 1.3 acre triangular lot which highest positive uses indicated, from the multiple contiguous to, or located within municipalities was a former lumber yard. The site is alternately choice list, were Children’s Museum, and in order to preserve rural landscapes while known as Richards Building Supply or Russell Apartments/Condos. Upon analyzing the site, some providing greater mobility choice for all Building Supply, reflecting various owners over the doubt has arisen about whether the site is close residents.” past few decades. The site was almost redeveloped enough to attract walking traffic from the Square to - McHenry County 2030 and Beyond as a winery in 2014, but the project ultimately could ground floor commercial space, especially given the not secure financing. awkward crossing of the railroad tracks.
54 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Chapter 6 – Strengthen the Central Business District
Goals Downtown Vision 1. Focus attraction and expansion efforts to achieve Ten years ago, the vision for Downtown Woodstock “By the year 2020, the City of Woodstock will be the vision of a dining and entertainment district. was documented in the Vision 2020. This vision of a recognized as a hallmark community with historic 2. Ensure that Downtown remains a preferred Dining, Shopping and Entertainment District has been charm and the magic of Disney. Visitors and location for professional offices. slowly coming to pass. To fully encourage the growth investors will see Woodstock as a premier 3. Improve network connectivity to provide safe of downtown, the community must focus on the destination, the overall economy will be sound passage and amenities for all users. three-tiered approach of; a permanent residential and vital, and our downtown Square will be 4. Encourage the development of the collector streets to reflect and reinforce the pedestrian- population (see Chapter 5), the external investment known as a national treasure that continues to oriented mixed-use sense of place in the Square. of strong tourism visitation, and a strong group of offer magical experiences.” 5. Develop a comprehensive bicycle network. employers in the downtown. - Woodstock Vision 2020 6. Reinforce a connected network of multi-modal transit.
Possible Benchmarks and Indicators - Number of Businesses - Average Lease Rate psf - Vacancy Rates - Square Feet by Type of Business - Business Retention - New Bike Lanes - New or Improved Sidewalks - Transit Ridership - Commuter Survey - Parking Inventory - Bike Facilities - Accident Data - Traffic Counts - Wayfinding Signs
Groundhog Day Prognostication, 2017
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Entertainment Use rather than the pattern seen in so many other towns, and residential spaces. The focus for the downtown National survey research determined the most where the downtown theatre is closed in favor of a business community must shift to improving the popular leisure activities (in any destination) are Cineplex out on the edge of town. Opportunities success of existing businesses, and strengthen the shopping, visiting historic destinations and museums. should be explored to encourage the expansion of regional market position. performance and visual arts within the Most Popular Leisure Activites* downtown. These activities should be anchored at An aggressive and well-coordinated marketing Top leisure activites enjoyed Percentage program is essential to the vitality of the Downtown in the past 12 months Participation the two key historic properties on the Square - the businesses. It should be oriented to niche retail Shopping 81% Opera House and the Courthouse. Historic Places 54% markets as well as the overall image of Woodstock as Museums 47% The Square itself, as an event location, continues to a place to visit. An effective public/private leadership Sightseeing Tours 38% be a strong contributor to the success of large-scale group should be established to direct attraction 37% Festivals/Faris/Events events, such as Fair Diddley, Wizarding World of Theme Parks 35% efforts, host training seminars to assist in the Zoo 35% Woodstock, Food Truck Fest and of course, retention of existing businesses, and a public Gaming/Casino 34% Groundhog Day (photo on previous page). information program to speak for Downtown with a Unique Dining Experiences 30% unified voice in the media. This role has partially Aquarium 26% Despite this, some WHS students interviewed as part been filled by the Chamber of Commerce, City of Spectator Sports 25% of the Plan stated frustration that beyond bowling, Woodstock Economic Development staff, and Live Shows (Music, Comedy) 24% restaurants or a show, there is not much to do in *2013 Survey from H2R Market Research Promote Woodstock and its Real Woodstock Downtown Woodstock. This feedback is valuable, campaign. A leadership group dedicated exclusively On the above list of the top 12 leisure activities, and must be considered when planning events and to the Downtown, its marketing and event Woodstock has a strong appeal for several; Visiting attractions. promotion, should work closely with these groups. Historic Places, Festivals and Fairs, Unique Dining Experiences, and Live Shows, and a somewhat smaller Retail Use Small business success is difficult, as shown by appeal for Shopping and for Gaming. As discussed in Chapter 1, the net promoter score for national statistics, which indicate that 8 out of 10 shopping in Downtown Woodstock was -32. This small businesses fail within the first 18 months. The Other uses from this list could be developed as the shows a fairly strong dissatisfaction with the available success rate is greatly improved when the new community continues to develop its tourism shopping choices, and stands in contrast to the business has access to networks of other small infrastructure. Likely additions might include positive score of +25 for visiting the Square. This businesses to share successes and learn how to Museums, Sightseeing Tours and Spectator Sports. suggests that shopping is not the primary reason that respond to challenges. Efforts should focus on Entertainment use in Downtown Woodstock has long people enjoy visiting Woodstock. This disconnect is a developing education programs to develop improved been anchored by venues such as the Woodstock huge opportunity missed for our community, when business skills and marketing. Incentive programs Opera House and the Farmers’ Market and built upon Shopping has been shown to be the most popular should also encourage retail businesses to remain by recent investments in retail and restaurant leisure activity for destination travelers. open later into the evening hours. The City should properties, and the expanded Woodstock implement a city-wide business registration program Theatre. The theatre expansion was a rare example Few vacancies now exist on the Square, including to better design and track business retention and of a historic downtown theatre expanding in place, ground floor retail spaces as well as the upstairs office attraction programs.
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Dining Use independents, and only 7 of the top 20. Five of these Downtown. Of the 42 new brick-and-mortar Again referring to the Net Promoter Score from seven are located in the Downtown. businesses that opened during 2016 and 2017, only Chapter 1, according to the survey, the NPS for dining seven have closed by the spring of 2018; an 83% In contrast, within the Highway 47 area, 15 of the 21 in Downtown Woodstock was -14, but showed a success rate. The statistics of households and income restaurants are national chains, where it can be noted remarkable improvement to an excellent score of +53 within a certain radius have kept many national that although the average number of seats per when isolating the out-of-town visitors. This shows chains from locating in Woodstock, leaving plenty of establishment is similar, the revenue per seat is much real potential for the growth and popularity of the room in the market for local businesses to thrive. higher. As this document is being prepared in the This identity should be enhanced, and the leadership restaurant district in the Downtown, both for tourists spring of 2018, projects are already underway that should develop a campaign to brand the Downtown as well as Woodstock residents who are ready for will fill some of the last remaining large spaces, as the center of Entrepreneurship in McHenry County. more choices. namely the old Oddfellows Hall (or BMO Harris Bank) To support the goal of a permanent employer Dividing the City of Woodstock up into three main and the old Elks Lodge, with exciting new restaurant presence in the downtown, partners must work to restaurant zones for comparison, we can use; concepts. develop a robust professional office culture within the - Downtown, the Square and nearby blocks Dining in the open air has become very popular, and walkable downtown. The recently-installed fiber - Route 47 north of the railroad tracks has become an important way to experience the network will be an important asset. To date, this - Highway 14, including Route 47 south of the historic downtown. The number of outdoor dining network is privately used by the City, County and tracks and Lave Avenue. seats in the downtown had grown over the past few Schools, but this should be expanded to private users Restaurants Revenues and Seats (2016) years from 226 to 394 seats. In the summer of 2017, to encourage the development of high-tech users. Revenue Seats/ Rev/ the City partnered with businesses along Benton Alternative shared office facilities should be Shops Seats (thousands) Shop Seat encouraged, including co-working. This idea has Downtown 25 1,708 $128,849 68 $75 Street to install outdoor seating decks known as the gained some traction in the county, in both 40% 39% 29% “Benton Street Boardwalk,” which added 160 new Route 47 21 1,382 $196,041 66 $142 seats that are designed to be temporarily used during Woodstock and Crystal Lake. An ideal location would 34% 31% 44% be the Old Courthouse when it is ready for full the months when the weather allows outdoor Highway 14 16 1,305 $117,637 82 $90 occupancy, but the co-working community should not dining. The City and local restaurants should 26% 30% 27% wait for this facility to develop strong roots. Total 62 4,395 $442,527 71 $101 cooperate to facilitate the creation of more outdoor cafe/seating areas throughout the Downtown. As much as possible, office, residential and lodging We can see that Downtown accounts for 40% of the Additional opportunities should be explored for uses should be encouraged on the upper floors of the overall restaurant locations, and 39% of the seats, but creative expansion of outdoor cafe/seating areas, Square, leaving the ground floor space for retail and only 29% of the restaurant sales. This is because 24 including on the rear-facing sides of buildings, and restaurant uses serving walk-in customers. The outer of the 26 restaurant spaces are independent stores building rooftops. ring of blocks south of the tracks should continue to rather than national chains (the only two national accommodate civic uses, churches, financial chains are Starbucks and Dairy Queen), which Office and Entrepreneurship Uses institutions and other daily-visit or weekly-visit uses, typically generate more revenue. Monthly reports Despite the poor success rate nationally, Woodstock which bring important community traffic to the from the State of Illinois to the City show that only is an ideal place to start a small business, especially district. two of the top ten restaurants, by sales volume, are
57 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Downtown Circulation Access and circulation are keys to the success of any commercial or civic area. The following sections detail the recommendations for accessing and enjoying the Downtown.
Bicycle Network While the Woodstock Square has developed as a premium walkable destination, there is a lack of bicycle infrastructure. No bicycle racks are present directly on the Square, and only three are found within one block, one at the Train Depot, and two at City Hall. This may be due to the lack of connected trails and on-street bike paths in the rest of the City. Some, but not all of the schools and parks in the Downtown also had bicycle racks present. The only street in all of Woodstock that has a dedicated bike lane is South Street, near Emricson Park, and this only occurred because it was a requirement of the Federal funds used to re-build the road. In contrast with this lack of infrastructure is the constant presence of cyclists in the downtown, even without infrastructure. For example, on the August 2017 day that the Google Maps street view cameras last captured the Woodstock Square, 9 bicycles can be observed. Their bikes are either leaning on buildings or locked to signposts, or even to the old hitching posts that still line the square. The Bike Haven in McHenry opened a second store on the Woodstock Square in early 2017. They host two weekly rides out of the Woodstock store, and another two out of the McHenry Store. This is a nod to an often overlooked asset in our community. While we do not have any off-road trail systems yet, such as rails to trails, we do have access to rural roads that
58 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength stretch for miles and miles, especially to the west and PACE Bus Route 807 north. Many Chicagoland communities have lost this The PACE Suburban Bus system has operated in This route provides weekday rush hour service rural access to road biking, making rural Woodstock a Woodstock for many years, with two routes. between Woodstock and McHenry. Service is very attractive place to ride. It can be noted that the provided to McHenry County Courthouse, McHenry Average Weekday Bus Ridership by Route (Oct 2017) success of our Woodstock Harley Davidson store can Place of Origin 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 City Hall, McHenry Market Place, Marian Central High be partially attributed to the same access to open PACE 807 52 42 26 14 27 School, Metra Woodstock Station and Metra roads. PACE 808 95 77 64 47 58 McHenry Station. For midday service, Dial-a-Ride options are available. This route also makes several While Woodstock does not enjoy much bicycle Route 808 minor stops within the Downtown area. The route infrastructure today, the Transportation Commission This route provides weekday rush hour service averages 20-30 passengers per day. Each pickup has already developed an excellent Bike Master Plan. between Crystal Lake and Harvard via Woodstock. location has a bus stop there 16 times per day. This is This plan outlines various phases of development by Service is provided to Metra Crystal Lake Station, four times in the morning (5:20 a.m. to 8:11 a.m.) in which bike lanes can be added to the City street McHenry County College, Centegra Memorial each direction, and four times in the afternoon (2:30 network. As the Downtown Plan is implemented, and Woodstock, Metra Woodstock Station, Metra Harvard p.m. to 5:27 p.m.) in each direction. some of our opportunity sites are redeveloped, Station and Harvard Community Hospital. For midday bicycle parking and bicycle lanes should be service, Dial-a-Ride options are available. This route Recommendations incorporated into all future residential development also makes several minor stops within the Downtown The network of connections to nearby cities is projects downtown. area. The route averages around 60-80 passengers important, as this provides accessibility and livability per day. Each pickup location has a bus stop there 14 for residents, and access to key locations such as the Public Transportation times per day. This is three times in the morning County Courthouse and the downtown Metra train Downtown Woodstock is as well connected to public (6:48 a.m. to 8:39 a.m. at the Downtown Depot) in depot. However, the limited hours of operation, with transportation as any location in McHenry County. each direction, and four times in the afternoon (2:35 45 minutes to an hour between stops, and the limited Metra commuter rail, and PACE Suburban Bus have p.m. to 5:41 p.m.) in each direction. route options do not make this an attractive option routes that intersect at the Train Depot just north of for most. the Woodstock Square. The City should remain alert to every opportunity to enhance the commuter rail In the long term, the City should advocate for more routes, more stops, and greater frequency. In the service and bus service in the Downtown, in short term, the whole community should promote partnership with the County, and with these use of the PACE bus to increase ridership, and allow operators. For example, an idea that seems to PACE to justify improvements to the system. resurface every few years is a suburban connector Improvements may include permanent windbreak train that would not have Chicago as the hub. Even if shelters in some of the downtown areas, like the ones this is not an active proposal today, legislative found along Lake Avenue, and at the Rec Center. The priorities should include support of the inclusion of City should also focus on designing street the UP Northwest Metra line into any future suburb- courtesy of the Northwest Herald improvements for walkability, comfort and safety, at to-suburb connector trains and busses. the stops and within ¼ mile radius of existing bus
59 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength stops. These improvements can include bike racks, route information, lighting, benches, trash bins and some landscaping. The PACE 807 bus to McHenry does not appear to have any minor stops within the downtown area, compared with three minor stops for PACE 808 (see map on the right). One terminus of the route is the Train Depot, and then the next stop is the Hearthstone Community on Route 47. Especially as housing density increases in the North of the Tracks sub-area, at least one additional stop should be located on the route (perhaps the Old Armory Apartments) or the route should be modified to pick up on the north side of the Woodstock Station Development, or at Clay Academy. The PACE 808 includes frequent stops along the southern approach into the Downtown. However, as the bus approaches downtown from the West, the closest marked bus stop is located at Adult & Child Therapy Services at the corner of Washington Street and Elm Lane. Even so, only one more stop, at Queen Anne Street, is marked on this western stretch of the route. It is possible that unmarked pickups are occurring in these areas, but for the convenience of passengers and to promote awareness among potential passengers, closer stops and more stops should be marked along both of these routes, north of Downtown.
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Commuter Trains Experience Average Weekday Metra Passengers - McHenry County The Metra Commuter rail system provides Woodstock The Metra experience is enhanced in multiple ways. residents important public transportation access to The Train Depot itself must be an attractive and Place of Origin 1986 1996 2006 2016 the City of Chicago and other Chicagoland accessible building. Efforts should be made to keep a Harvard 104 235 274 221 cafe tenant in the Depot building to serve the Woodstock 183 357 456 317 destinations. Two factors should be considered when McHenry 74 162 101 96 planning for the local future of this service, frequency commuters and the community. The Depot is a Crystal Lake 954 1,463 1,370 1,199 and experience. difficult building to keep full. The building is quite Pingree Road 581 751 small, has limited customer parking once the Cary 478 973 988 941 Fox River Grove 195 359 422 451 Frequency commuters have parked in the morning, and is not Total UP Northwest 29,574 35,574 34,227 36,937 The highest transportation priority over the next ten located on the same side of the tracks as the years should be to expand the train schedule. Metra commuters. The station is on the west side but the It should also be noted that the existing wayfinding has shared future plans of a train yard on Lamb Road morning trains to Chicago load on the east side. system, that directs visitors to the Downtown, shares that would move the overnight parking function from Another permanent station or warming center should the message of “Opera House, Shopping, Dining, Crystal Lake to west of Downtown Woodstock, but be constructed on the east side, rather than the Lodging” on each sign. The availability of the Metra has shared that this will not become a priority project windbreak shelters that exist today. Even with this rail depot, either for outbound passengers from until the ridership increases. Conventional wisdom improvement, the current building is a historic nearby communities, or for in-bound repeat travel for dictates that many of our own Woodstock commuters landmark, and a contributing structure to the current visitors planning their next trip, should be are driving to Crystal Lake to take advantage of the National Register Historic District, and should be included in future revisions to the wayfinding signage. schedule. If this could be documented, it might help preserved and used. justify the need for more service, and for the rail yard in Woodstock. Developers and City Officials should be willing to get ahead of this chicken-and-egg relationship and move forward with building the downtown residential density that would be justified with a better schedule, so that a better schedule can indeed be justified.
Number of Weekday Metra Boardings - McHenry County Daily Trains to Daily Trains from Place of Origin Chicago Chicago Harvard 9 11 Woodstock 9 11 McHenry 3 3 Crystal Lake 22 25 Pingree Road 19 26 Cary 21 26 Fox River Grove 21 25
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Parking Weekday peak occupancy (the noon hour) is highest at the commuter lots and the on-street parking A 2008 parking study was conducted by Rich and around the square. The outer lots are less full, with the exception of P5 at Jefferson & Calhoun Streets. Associates. Rich was of the opinion that development Weekend peak occupancy (8:00-9:00 pm) was centered more on the square itself, and the lots adjacent to of additional parking was not required at this time. the movie theater The parking demand was shown to be 1,121± spaces and Opera House. Weekday Peak Occupancy = Noon Weekend Peak Occupancy = 8:00pm compared to the total parking supply of 1,988± on the same 25 blocks, an apparent parking surplus. The study looked at future demand, including the Parking areas (on- street and off- expansion of the Woodstock Theater from 600 seats street) that were to over one thousand. With these adjustments, this from 85% to 100% peak hour parking needs are: occupied during the peak hour are - 1,121± spaces average day (2008) shown in red, - 1,573± spaces peak day (2008) Those achieving - 1,704± spaces peak day (2013) from 75% to 84% occupancy are in - 1,724± spaces peak day (2018) yellow; - 1,736± spaces peak day (2023) Those from 50% to 74% are in green; Total Parking Spaces in Downtown Woodstock Those below 50% North South West Square Total occupancy are in Total 443 286 884 375 1,988 blue. On-Street 101 62 79 301 543 Off-Street 342 224 805 74 1,445 Public 288 141 481 54 964 However, this will require cooperation by downtown assist in paying for the additional parking Private 54 83 324 20 481 business owners and managers as well as their staff improvements. to accept longer walking distances and park in Parking Demand The recommendations of the parking study should be peripheral lots rather than the close on-street parking The study identified pockets of parking deficits and followed, regarding enforcement, and increased fines near their place of employment as many are documented a high level of abuse of the two-hour on- to ensure that the short-term parking spaces are apparently using as evidenced by the violation rate. street parking in and around the Square. available to downtown visitors and customers.
Increased use of peripheral lot spaces by employees Recommendations The system should add commercial vehicle loading coupled with targeted enforcement should permit the If businesses do not want to encourage their zones on each perimeter block face of the Square; 15 parking system to function adequately and meet employees to use the peripheral lots so that the most minutes or less on the Square, open to any forecasted needs. convenient spaces can be kept available for their commercial or private vehicle. This will also help with customers and instead want additional close-in tour busses and school busses that frequent the parking developed, then they should be willing to Square.
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New and/or expanding businesses in the study area Streets and Streetscape Woodstock Square buildings, and the rear alleys and should either provide for their needs for parking or The City of Woodstock adopted streetscape street faces of these same buildings, may never be pay a fee-in-lieu of for any spaces they are short of guidelines in 2008, and has been carefully following fully addressed. However, efforts should be made to the requirement. These funds can be used to create this plan for the past decade. A review of the improve the look and feel of these spaces. This can public parking areas. All newly constructed recommendations finds no substantial changes that include street tree planting and landscaping in the developments affecting current parking areas must need to be made to this plan, but the plan should transitional and neighborhood areas, including site replace and add to existing parking capacity, including continue to be followed. Recommendations such as furnishings in select locations. It can also include underground or decked parking if necessary. the historic lighting, the stone facade on the Square building maintenance, window replacement, reduction or consolidation and beautification of Alternative parking options should be encouraged, retaining wall, and the landscaping bump-outs have overhead utility lines, and consolidation of trash including EV Charging Stations, and smaller contributed significantly to the beauty, safety and collection locations. Finally, it can also include the motorcycle parking as an allowable component of atmosphere of the Woodstock Square. One of the decorative enhancement of the secondary entrances required on-street or off-street parking. key observations of the Streetscape plan was to draw out the visibility and walkability of the Square to the to businesses from rear streets or alleys, including outer blocks. This is important to expand the key signage and awnings. Existing alleys should be community space, but also to help visitors passing upgraded into pedestrian corridors where applicable. through the downtown to recognize that they have Expand the historic pedestrian-scale street lighting, arrived at the Square. now present at intersections and within the Square, to virtually all light poles around and near the “Initial review of the site indicated that an Square. These should be capable of holding important underlying issue is that the Square decorative banners. area is easy to miss. From a non-local The secondary streets themselves should also be perspective, elements to draw people into the enhanced, especially to identify Square access streets. square are lacking and conditions along the This should include additional landscaping and perimeter streets are less than desirable. treatment with brick or stamped brick pattern for Visitors to the area first see several under- sidewalks and crossings leading into the Square. Of utilized buildings, overhead utilities, service the streets that actually lead in to the Square, Dean, areas and non-pedestrian friendly streets. W. Jackson and Cass Streets are paved with historic Without prior experience, visitors do not realize brick, and Main and Benton Streets are paved with that there is a unique and exciting place right newer concrete pavers. However, E. Jackson, E. Judd around the corner.” and Johnson Streets are surfaced with concrete and - Woodstock Square Streetscape Guidelines asphalt. These entrances should be paved with
concrete pavers to match the Main Street pavers. This disparity between the attractive and The City should investigate opportunities for creating architecturally significant front facades of the
63 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength landscaped center-medians within streets in the downtown that is currently split north and south by crossing, and traffic coming from the west does stop, district, especially on Throop, Jefferson, Church, the railroad tracks: but no crossing is presented. Washington and Calhoun Streets that border the Wicker Street has a well-marked crosswalk on the Square. Even without a full boulevard; intersection east side of the street. The sidewalk is separated improvements, including landscaping, are from the street with a grassy area, which is where the recommended for the intersection of Washington safety arm is located. The west side of the street Street and Throop Street. Care should be taken to does not have a sidewalk. maintain visibility of key landmarks and signage, and to design tree plantings with the required 6’ clearance for snow plows. Finally, the new roundabout at Lake, The nearby crossing at Benton Street is passable, but Madison and South Streets presents a unique could be improved. Striping and materials are opportunity. The City should maximize the place- inconsistent, and the passage width narrows making potential of the new roundabout at Lake considerably on the east side of Benton Street, as the Avenue with landscaping or public art. safety arm mechanism blocks most of the width of
Short Street has a similar crossing on the north side of the sidewalk. Pedestrian Access & Rail Crossings the street, but no crossing on the south side. This is a Mid-block crossings should be installed where very low-traffic street. appropriate to connect blocks. Locations may include the center of Main Street, and the 100 block of South Jefferson Street, in addition to the Throop Street crossing that exists today. Recommendations should also be considered for non-stop-controlled T- intersections, such as the intersection of Johnson and The intersection of Judd and Washington Streets is W. Calhoun Streets, or the intersection of Cass and more awkward, partially because the railroad tracks
Throop Streets. This could include the addition of Church Street, on the other hand is the highest traffic are in the center of the street intersection. None of flashing pedestrian crossing signage, like that count street in the Downtown. The crossings here are the four sides has markings for a pedestrian crossing, employed on South Street at the old hospital building. wide and clearly marked. The more pressing concern not even the two that do not cross the tracks. Input Another pedestrian safety project to be pondered is that was expressed by the public was crossing Church should be sought from the railroad as the best way to appropriate crossings for the several at-grade railroad Street from the Rail Depot to Main Street. This encourage safe passage here. This intersection crossings in Downtown. There are seven at-grade crossing is somewhat counterintuitive. The north- specifically is perceived to be a barrier to more crossings in the downtown, considered here from south pedestrian crossing is marked on the east side development on the east side, such as the Building north to south. The goal with improving these of the intersection, and not the west, however, traffic Supply site. On a positive note, all four sides have crossings is to help unify the pedestrian access to the coming from the east does not stop, due to the rail sidewalks, and all of these have ADA ramps already present.
64 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Streets As Route 47 is expanded, and Judd Street The street network as it stands today works well to becomes a more important entrance into the circulate traffic, and draw visitors in, both from the Square, its terminus in the downtown should be adjacent residential areas, as well as the arterial assessed. Traveling west on Judd Street to the streets. The lack of a clear highway corridor that downtown, motorists will arrive at Judd Street, passes directly through the downtown has only to be redirected north, and away from the square. An option is to change the one-way contributed to the preservation of the district. It In contrast to this, the crossing on Madison Street has owes much of its current integrity to the by-pass orientation of the small section of Judd that sits a well-marked buffer area on both sides of the street, routes on Route 47 and Route 14 that have allowed between Cass Street and Judd Street, so that it but City sidewalks are not present, connecting to this much of the corridor-style development of the past bears traffic in both directions. The preferred area. 60 years to avoid Downtown. This plan does and less expensive alternative is to revisit the recommend two potential modifications to the street wayfinding signage to direct motorists from the network. Judd Street Roundabout into the Jackson Street entrance to the Square (as shown below). This - The City should work with the railroad to re- will help re-establish Jackson Street’s original role establish the Wheeler Street Crossing as part of as one of the primary entrances into the Square. the redevelopment of the Woodstock Station site. This was closed sometime around 2004, but City staff and the Transportation Commission should was intended to be reconnected as the site was identify synergies with capital improvement Finally, the crossing at East Calhoun Street is the developed (see the 1996 Downtown Sub-Area schedules to integrate street enhancements into second-busiest vehicular crossing. The crossing on Plan). routine maintenance. the south side of this street is well marked and well - connected to the City sidewalk network. The crossing on the north side includes a smaller marked buffer area, but the City sidewalk network does not connect, and even dead-ends on the east side.
IDOT Preliminary Design for Highway 47
65 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
The Historic Woodstock Square venues, professional offices, residential units, people, as possible, it will be important to identify and place friends, co-workers, kids and families, that come more retail anchor stores into the Woodstock Square, together to make a remarkable space come to life. that draw traffic to the Square, which then spills over to other establishments. The current anchors include Development Pattern Classic Cinemas, the Opera House, the Public House, The presence of the square park is a differentiator; and Starbucks. other towns are investing in the creation of spaces like the Woodstock Square. However, we have lost a Architecture & Historic Preservation lot of the old activity generators (post office, hospital, Almost all of this area is contained within the County Courthouse) that used to drive visitation. One Woodstock Square Historic District as recognized by resident surveyed described the situation like this, the National Register of Historic Places. Many “Development of distant subdivisions has turned structures are carefully preserved contributors to this downtown into a stage, instead of a bustling city district, and four are individually listed. These are center.” As described earlier in this chapter, detailed in Chapter 3. Many of the key landmarks revitalization must focus on increasing the downtown associated with the Woodstock Community are residential population, strengthening the core located on the Square, such as the Five Gems of the business district, and promoting tourism. Square; the Opera House, Courthouse, Bandstand, Veterans Memorial and Spring House. Part of what makes the Square an exciting place to Intended Uses and Form visit is the entrepreneurs that occupy a majority of A member of the Planning Commission said of his the street-level spaces. This ever-changing tapestry is family’s first reaction to the Woodstock Square, “We a reflection of the free market operating within the had an immediate emotional reaction to the Square.” times in which we live. A review of historic photos They moved here within months. The Woodstock shows that the retail landscape has been constantly Square District has been recognized again and again changing, within the stability of the same commercial as a premier public space. Honors include Preserve structures. It is both the familiarity and the America Community, All-American City, Certified excitement of change that bring people back to enjoy Local Government, and National Register of Historic Woodstock. This same preferred mix of familiarity Places. The NRHP nomination noted that Woodstock should lead the retail and restaurant landlords to add is a well-preserved example of a small Midwestern a few more national brand tenants (in addition to County Seat. “The remaining commercial area is not a Starbucks and Dairy Queen). This should not be remnant of a larger development, but actually the perceived as a lack of historic character, but as maximum commercial growth that ever existed confirmation that Downtown Woodstock is part of a around Woodstock’s town square.” wider world of American retail culture. This national presence will also increase retail rents, and ensure Today, “The Square” as it is known, is a walkable higher quality and stability in the retail mix. As much collection of retail stores, restaurants, entertainment
66 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Streetscape and Pedestrian Realm The Woodstock Square Streetscape Guidelines were Street Network The Square is a supremely walkable space. The approved in 2007 and have been well-implemented in Unlike the three transitional areas, the Square has no website Walkscore.com gives Downtown Woodstock the past decade. Many recommendations remain, direct thoroughfare streets, and does not concern a score of 85 out of 100, noting: and the plan should be completed as currently itself with traffic counts. The brick streets are - This location is Very Walkable so most errands scheduled. As noted in the following pages, efforts designed to slow traffic, resulting in almost can be accomplished on foot. should be made to extend this walkable retail exclusively use by destination traffic. The Square - Downtown Woodstock is a three minute walk environment to the streets surrounding the Square. contains some of the only one-way streets in from the UP-NW Union Pacific Northwest at the Open Space/Tree Canopy Woodstock. Main and Benton Streets function as Woodstock stop. parallel southbound and northbound streets, The Park in the Woodstock Square is its defining - This location is in Woodstock. Nearby parks respectively. The Square itself is a one-way include Woodstock Square Historic District, feature. This two-acre green space is the point from counterclockwise route of four streets, three of which Raintree Park and Ryders Wood Park. which the rest of the town was platted, and represents the geographic center of the County (it is continue as one-way exits out of the loop. Each of common to hear people claim this, although the the four sides of the Square also has a corresponding actual geographic center is approximately the corner street, for a total of seven streets all converging in of Wicker and Donovan Streets). what is essentially a large traffic circle. Recommendations for the Park itself are considered Pedestrian access continues in from these four in Chapter 5, as well as recommendations for the streets, with sidewalks directly into the Park in the other two public spaces in this Area – the Main Street Square, reinforcing that the whole district was Pedway and Sesquicentennial Park. Chapter 5 also ultimately designed for people, rather than for cars. recommends that guidelines and programs be As noted earlier in this section, improvements to the enacted to encourage additional public art, especially bicycle network are needed, both to allow safe travel in the Downtown. Several locations have been to the Square, and parking once cyclists have arrived. discussed for additional murals, noting the warm reception that the Pedway Mural has received. Similarly, no motorcycle parking is designated in any The Walk Score is determined by walkable access of the lots or on-street parking around the Square. from residential areas to dining, groceries, shopping, For the participants in the planning process, events When motorcycles do park on the Square, they errands, parks, schools, culture and entertainment. on the Square were both the greatest source of pride typically take an entire car-sized parking stall. This is Other individual addresses have scores as high as 87. in the community and the greatest opportunity for an unnecessary stress on the parking system. This Walk Score is better than any other Downtown in inclusion and participation by additional community Exclusive motorcycle parking should be designated, McHenry County. The overall Walk Score for members. In the past few years, the numbers of both as an amenity to cyclists and as a way to Woodstock is only 30, indicating a car-dependent city. events directly serving the Hispanic population have conserve the rest of the parking stalls for full-size The heat map above shows the walkability in different grown, as well as Latino elements within other vehicles, and to create more overall spaces. parts of the community, with the most walkable existing events such as Summer in the Park. This can section being downtown. continue with our treasured long-running events like Farmers’ Market and Band Concerts.
67 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
North of the Tracks Transition Area Architecture & Historic Preservation tree canopy and even has a landscaped parklet Although the Woodstock Train Depot is not the maintained by the Rotary Club. The residential areas original 1850s station, this current building is maintain a great tree canopy, and green space should approximately 100 years old. Even if the Woodstock be encouraged as a component of further Station development includes a new station on the development in this area. north and east side of the tracks, this current building is an important historic landmark and should be Street Network preserved and used by the public. A prominent Of the four sub-areas, this one has the highest traffic historic row in this sub-area is the Church Street block counts because of the thru traffic on Highway 120. just east of the Railroad. This was historically a rail- The access to the intersection of Highway 47 and 120 loading area, and included an early auto shop, built is one of the most important entrances to downtown, shortly after the introduction of the automobile. As in particular because of more extensive neighborhood development occurs around this block, care should be development on the north side of town. The adjacent taken to preserve and accent this row. Successful neighborhood follows a traditional grid pattern of preservation projects here include the Emerson Lofts development, with Clay Street and Wicker Street as and the Woodstock Armory apartments. important entrances to the downtown area for neighbors to the north. The streets that were installed in the Woodstock Station site connect to this Streetscape and Pedestrian Realm Intended Uses and Form Pedestrian access across Highway 120 has been raised network, and future configurations should continue This area has the most potential for change and as a concern. As more development occurs in this this connection. When higher density development includes a truly unique opportunity in the region, area, attention should be given to improving these occurs on the Woodstock Station, the intersection of having over 10 acres adjacent of developable land crosswalks, at Church and Clay & Benton Streets, and Madison and McHenry (Highway 120) should be adjacent to the METRA station. Much of the former Main and Washington Streets. If possible, both sides studied to determine the potential effects of warehouse and corridor commercial space to the east of each intersection should receive a crosswalk in the increased traffic from Newell St into that same of the square is ready for redevelopment. Many of future. Part of this crossing at Clay & Benton Streets intersection. the existing buildings in this area are two stories tall would be the Downtown Rail Corridor Walking/Biking The portion of this area south of Church Street was and the elevation directly to the east is lower than the Path proposed in Chapter 4. This trail will become an considered in the parking study in the future zone Square, setting the stage for appropriate uses that important part of the pedestrian circulation in this analysis. The study concludes that parking for this may be three or four stories, or even higher. area, bringing greater walk-ability to Aurora seven-block area exceeds demand by over twice as University and Scoops Restaurant. much. It will be important to continue to supply Development Pattern adequate parking in future redevelopments, Historically, this area developed in response to the Open Space/Tree Canopy especially if the large lot at Aurora University building junction of the railroad and highway 47, which used Sesquicentennial Park anchors the center of the is modified or redeveloped. to route though the downtown. Judd and Seminary commercial area and softens the otherwise vehicle- Streets retain much of that commercial/industrial dominated layout. The exception to this is the feel, even as they transition to less intense uses. McHenry Street gateway, which retains an excellent
68 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
The West Side Transition Area of Throop Street represents at least a third wave of potential than some of the other sub-areas for development on some of these sites, which would additional walkable retail uses. As the occupancy and have been homes originally. rents on the Square increase, this area will see some additional walkable retail development. Efforts Architecture & Historic Preservation should be made to encourage this trend, and extend Much of this area, especially from Judd Street to Dean the walkable feel of the Square out to Throop Street. Street is dotted with beautiful well-preserved This could include additional street trees, or a green Victorian homes, dating back to 1858. Much of this is boulevard. Also, the rear yard and façade of the zoned multi-family, and many of these homes have Courthouse should be improved to include outdoor been converted from large single-family homes to dining space similar to the dining space available on multiple unit buildings. During the public input the side facing the Square. process, it was recommended that efforts be made to restore the homes to single-family status. It is Open Space/Tree Canopy important to remember that this practice was actually The residential areas along Jackson, Judd and a recommendation of the 1958 development plan. Washington include a marvelous tree canopy. This thins between Tryon and Throop Streets. No parks The conversion to multiple units or back to a single- are present in this transition area. family home is a market driven decision, controlled by zoning. All of the residential areas included in The Street Network West Side Transition Area (shown on the inset map), Intended Uses and Form It is also this area that has the most public parking in are eligible for this type of conversion as well as new This area represents the convergence of several of the Downtown. This area was considered as two multi-family construction based on the R4 Multiple the primary collector streets that diverge from the separate zones in the parking study’s future zone Family Residential District. downtown, by design of the original platting of the analysis. The area north of Jackson Street (but not city; South Street, Dean Street, Jackson Street, and Much of the commercial development along the west north of Washington) was shown to have a parking Washington Street (Highway 120). Today, it is Throop side of Throop Street is not historic, the same parcels surplus at peak demand, even into the future. The Street that ties them together as the pass-through having been redeveloped several times over the zone south of Jackson was shown to have a deficit. arterial on the west side of the Square. years. It should be noted that certain historic This is primarily because of demand from adjacent landmarks on the Square have a rear façade on blocks on the Square, namely the blocks between Van Development Pattern Throop Street and add to its overall appeal. This Buren St and Calhoun Street, which have higher Washington Street parallels the Union Pacific railroad includes the Home State Bank (the old Post Office), density residential and commercial uses, as well as tracks, and has a more industrial feel. This is an the Old Courthouse, the former Elks Lodge, and even the Opera House, but only on-street parking. Overall, appropriate mix of uses, and should continue. the Woodstock Theatre. the West Side Transition Area has 2.7 to 1 ratio of Current uses on this corridor began to evolve decades supply to demand, but this is shared, more than the ago as Highway 14 ran up Throop Street, prior to the Streetscape and Pedestrian Realm other areas, with The Woodstock Square area, which by-pass constructed on the South side of town. Much Because of the presence of these historic structures has a 0.4 to 1 ratio of supply to demand. of the commercial development along the west side on the east side of Throop Street, this area has more
69 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Southeast Gateway Transition Area should be made to accent the bridge and its history, recommendations for these areas are considered especially at the pedestrian scale. One of the more individually in Chapter Four. amusing local oddities is the two different construction dates on the bridge. It says 1867 on the Street Network keystone on one side, and 1897 on the other side. At the public input meetings, one of the most This is because the bridge was built first as a one-rail discussed features of this area was the anticipated bridge, and expanded later with a second track. roundabout at the five-way corner of Lake Avenue with the intersection of South and Madison Streets. The issue is divided between fans of traffic circles, who have seen them function well in other areas, and those who have concerns about their effectiveness, safety and functionality, especially with large trucks. A recent study of 24 intersections before and after the installation of traffic circles found a 40% reduction Many homes in this area have been marked with in overall crashes, a 76% reduction in injury crashes, historic plaques noting the original owners. Of the and a 90% reduction in fatal crashes. The constant over 40 such homes city-wide, the most compact movement of the circle also allows for less braking
collection of these is at 339-400 Madison Street, with and stopping, which results in less time wasted and Development Pattern six in a row. This same block faces the grand Judge less fuel consumed in re-accelerating the vehicles. Lake Avenue was laid out as a major collector street, Barnes Mansion, now better known as the bed and The roundabout is scheduled to be installed in the parallel to the rail tracks, and it is common to have breakfast from the Groundhog Day movie, located summer of 2019. Input was sought on whether the train and vehicle traffic pass each other near the where Madison Street intersects with Fremont Street. change will result in a change in the property values police station. The residential areas east of the in the area. The conclusion was that yes, the value railroad, are not as historic as those on the west, and Streetscape and Pedestrian Realm would increase, and zoning should be changed to may be good candidates for redevelopment with Currently, the area is not oriented to pedestrians, allow for higher density commercial development higher density development with Raintree Park as its although most streets do have connected sidewalks. within one block of the new circle. central open space. If and when commercial structures are redeveloped, especially on Calhoun and Jefferson Streets, street- The commercial uses in this area are more vehicle- Architecture & Historic Preservation level pedestrian-oriented mixed use commercial retail oriented than most of the Downtown, so most of the The historic Rail Bridge on South Street is a rare spiral and restaurant space is recommended. properties have their own parking areas. Of the four arch bridge. The bridge is owned by Union Pacific study areas, the Southeast Gateway Area has the Railroad, which has resisted nomination as a historic Open Space/Tree Canopy most balanced ratio of parking supply to demand (1.5 landmark. With the construction of the traffic circle In addition to the mature neighborhood tree canopy, to 1). It also has the fewest parking spaces, the on the west, and the proposed trail on the east, plans this area includes over 32 acres of parkland, both lowest amount of on-street parking and second passive space, and two excellent playgrounds. The highest number of private spaces.
70 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Chapter 7 - Implementation
Action Plan Phasing The combination of these recommendations and Recommendations are given with a timeline of guidelines are proposed to create a downtown Ongoing, Short-Term, Mid-Term or Long-Term. environment that builds upon Woodstock’s existing These timelines do not reflect a ranking of how successes and character, expands those successes important the Action is, but rather a likely into areas currently lacking that same downtown development timeline or sequencing within other sense of place. Applying these concepts will help proposed Action steps that must be accomplished future residential and commercial developments first. Generally speaking the timeline will be: be integrated into the existing downtown fabric. - Ongoing – should be considered throughout The increased connectivity on both sides of the - Short-Term – 1 to 2 years railroad tracks will encourage more people to - Mid-Term – 3 to 5 years experience the entirety of Downtown as one area. - Long-Term – 5 to 10 years The historic character of downtown Woodstock will Commission, Plan or Code not be changed, but embraced and kept consistent This cell within the matrix ponders for each Action into the future. step: This chapter provides a detailed framework that - Which of the City of Woodstock Commissions identifies needed changes to the City’s zoning should make this recommendation? code, development procedures, and planning - Which existing City of Woodstock plan might documents. The intent of this chapter is to ensure provide insights into this topic? that the Downtown Woodstock Development Plan - Which City of Woodstock Code might need to is clear, easy to use, and effective. be changed to enable this Action?
Action Research & Funding The Action Steps listed here are categorized in the This line indicates the Community Partner that same order as the four primary chapters of this should be asked to collaborate, to fully research Downtown Woodstock Development Plan the appropriate Action. In some cases, this - Build upon and preserve Historic Character partner will also be a funding source for - Reinforce the Civic Heart of the community implementation. Most of the answers indicate the - Promote residential Diversity word “Staff” meaning that the City should take the - Strengthen the Central Business District lead in researching this topic, along with the appropriate Commissions.
71 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Preserve Historic Character – Goals Possible Benchmarks and Indicators 1. Use historic properties as development catalysts and as unique focal points - Number of Designated Landmarks for the revitalization of Downtown. - Number of Contributing Structures - Building Permits 2. Review the Downtown Woodstock Historic Preservation District. - Other Permits (Renovation, Demolition) 3. Increase the prominence of historic properties through coordination with - Variances (Existing, Approved) private development, enhanced public way design and wayfinding, and - Code Violations integration into marketing materials. - Certificates of Occupancy - Tree Survey 4. Employ a consistent set of urban design guidelines to enhance the visual cohesion of the district.
COMMISSION RESEARCH & COMMISSION RESEARCH & ACTION PHASING ACTION PHASING PLAN OR CODE FUNDING PLAN OR CODE FUNDING Goal 1. Use historic properties as catalysts for new development and as Goal 2. Review the Downtown Woodstock Historic Preservation District unique focal points for the revitalization of Downtown. Ensure the boundaries of the Historic Even if a new Metra Depot is built Historic District conform to the Mid-Term Preservation Staff on the north side of the tracks, it publicly and visually perceived Short- Historic Commission should remain near its present boundaries of historic Downtown. Term Preservation Staff location, visible at the end of Main Ensure the ability of the Commission Street, to preserve the historic Preservation District to protect Historic relationship with the square. significant properties and Mid-Term Preservation Staff Identify partners to revitalize assemblages of properties that Short- Private Commission remaining key historic properties; Historic together contribute to the historic Term and Investors, the Courthouse, Sheriff’s House, Preservation character of Downtown. Mid-Term Grants and Elks Lodge and BMO Bank Commission Ensure appropriate overlap with Staff Historic Building. incentives boundaries such as Mid-Term Preservation Staff Review and promote procedure Historic Downtown Woodstock TIF, and Mid-Term Commission for designating property as a local Preservation Staff Enterprise Zone.
historic landmark. Commission Perform a Historic Resources Historic Clearly outline the benefits to Historic Survey on the downtown area Mid-Term Staff Mid-Term Staff and Resources property owners for participation, Preservation north of the railroad tracks, as an Grants Tax Credits Survey including tax benefits. Commission extension of the 2012 survey. Plans should be prepared to Historic Review the design guidelines Plan Mid-Term accent the spiral arch rail bridge Preservation Staff pertaining to new construction in Commission, Mid-Term on South Street and its history. Commission the historic district. Assess their Historic Staff
compatibility with the goals, and Preservation recommendations of this plan. Commission
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COMMISSION RESEARCH & Building architecture should reflect ACTION PHASING Unified PLAN OR CODE FUNDING traditional, but varied styles, Development Goal 3. Increase the prominence of key historic properties through compatible with Historic Ordinance coordination with private development, enhanced public way design and Preservation Commission guide- Ongoing Staff (UDO) wayfinding, and integration into marketing materials. lines. Buildings should face toward Design Downtown land use and streets and should be generously development should respect the Plan Guidelines Ongoing Staff landscaped. integrity of adjacent residential Commission On-street and off-street parking to Unified neighborhoods. support the train depot and new Development Develop a series of downtown Historic Staff and Short- development should be distributed Ongoing Ordinance Staff street banners that feature key Preservation Business Term and designed in a manner that will Design historic buildings and homes. Commission Partners minimize its visual impact. Guidelines Review the existing Historic Short- Historic Staff and The cupola of the Courthouse and Unified Walking Tour materials and make the tower of the Opera House Development Term Preservation Promote Short- available both in print and should be established as the Ordinance Staff Commission Woodstock Term digitally. maximum allowable building Design Develop a consistent system of height (elevation) in Downtown. Guidelines physical identification for historic Staff and Building height minimums should Mid-Term Promote Unified properties within the Downtown Promote be established in different areas of Woodstock Development Historic District and throughout Woodstock Downtown, with the goal of Short- Ordinance Staff the Downtown. increasing overall density of uses, Term Design Create visual identity for the rear Historic and eventually eliminating one- Guidelines facades of the buildings on the Preservation story uses. Mid-Term Square through consistent use of Commission Staff Develop recommendations and Unified colored banners, awnings and and Plan form partnerships to consolidate Development Short- architectural elements. Commission trash containers, and install Ordinance Staff Term Capitalize on the recommended decorative gates to conceal these Design revisions to the wayfinding Historic Staff and service areas. Guidelines Mid-Term program to reinforce the Preservation Promote Large new structures should be Downtown Historic District as a Commission Woodstock designed to reduce their perceived Design Developers unique area and destination. height and bulk by dividing the Mid-Term COMMISSION RESEARCH & Guidelines and Staff ACTION PHASING building mass into smaller-scale PLAN OR CODE FUNDING components. Goal 4. Employ a consistent set of urban design guidelines to enhance the Development on the Woodstock visual cohesion of the district. Station site should use the Depot Apply design guidelines for the Unified as a focal point between the Mid-Term Plan Developers integration of historic properties Development square and open space extending Commission and Staff into new development projects Ongoing Ordinance Staff into new development north of throughout the Downtown. Design the tracks. Guidelines
73 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
The Civic Heart – Goals Possible Benchmarks and Indicators 1. Encourage a downtown with public gathering places, open spaces, parks, - Residential Population within Downtown that strengthen a sense of place and reinforce the social fabric of the - Residential Building Permits community. - Walk Score - Number of Zoning Change Requests 2. Provide a variety of parks and public spaces that accommodate a wide - Home Sales and Rents range of activities and attract a diverse population. - Apartment Rental Prices psf 3. Cooperate with local stakeholders to promote place-making investment on - Owner Occupied vs. Rental private property. - Deteriorated & Dilapidated Units 4. Implement a network of pedestrian corridors and connections to promote walkability and diverse pedestrian experiences. COMMISSION RESEARCH & COMMISSION RESEARCH & ACTION PHASING ACTION PHASING PLAN OR CODE FUNDING PLAN OR CODE FUNDING Goal 1. Encourage a downtown with public gathering places, open spaces, Goal 2. Provide a variety of parks and public spaces that accommodate a parks, that strengthen a sense of place and reinforce the social fabric of the wide range of activities and attract a diverse population. community. A quality Visitor’s Center should Promote Chamber of Require construction of new place- be maintained on or adjacent to Ongoing Woodstock Commerce making elements in conjunction Short- Plan Developers the Square. & Chamber with new development (green Term Commission and Staff Develop multiple formal plans for Police, space, public art). the closure of various streets and Public Short- Park Master In the short term, the 0.85 acre spaces surrounding the Square at Works & Term Plan former gas station site to the Staff and various levels of intensity based on Opera Short- Park Master south of the Rec Center should be Brownfield the size of an event. House Term Plan acquired by the City and prepared Funds Install an improved, permanent to serve as additional parking. sound system throughout the Park Short- Park Master Construction of a new Rec Center in the Square, with possible Staff Term Plan with multiple gyms and a larger extensions to the entire Staff and pool should be proposed and Long- Park Master downtown district. Health presented to the public for Term Plan Amend current downtown zones Unified Partners referendum vote. A downtown to provide opportunities for food Development Short- location should be preferred. carts, trucks, street musicians, and Ordinance Staff Term The small triangle of land (0.04 sidewalk vendors in strategic Design acres) on the south edge of Long- Park Master areas. Guidelines Staff Sesquicentennial Park should be Term Plan Review the system of pedestrian- Design acquired and added to the park. scale signage and information Mid-Term Guidelines Staff kiosks throughout downtown Streetscape parks and public spaces.
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Refresh the current wayfinding Focus public and private program to ensure effectiveness beautification efforts on areas and Streetscape Property Mid-Term Plan and maintenance. Add wayfinding Staff buildings visible from the railroad, Mid-Term Guidelines Owners Commission on approaches from the west on as an important first impression of and Staff Highway 14. the District. The City should explore the Explore the creation of a Property Long- Environment provision of permanent public permanent indoor Farmer’s Owners Term Plan restroom facilities at key locations, Market and Staff Mid-Term Park Master consistent with the quality of the Staff COMMISSION RESEARCH & Plan ACTION PHASING Historic District, to better PLAN OR CODE FUNDING accommodate festivals and Goal 4. Implement a network of pedestrian corridors and connections to events. promote walkability and diverse pedestrian experiences. Require pedestrian connections as Design more engagement into Short- Parks Plan amenities to private development Staff Sesquicentennial Park to activate Term Trails Plan the space. Potential ideas include in the Downtown. Long- Park Master a play fountain, an expansion site Staff The City, District 200, and private Safe Term Plan for the Farmers’ Market, a small schools should work jointly to Transportation Routes to Mid-Term ice rink in the winter, or holiday identify priority locations for Plan Schools lights in the trees. school pedestrian routes. Grants COMMISSION RESEARCH & Connect public spaces and open ACTION PHASING PLAN OR CODE FUNDING spaces with pedestrian corridors. Parks Plan Goal 3. Cooperate with local stakeholders to promote place-making Improve walkability to more Mid-Term Staff Trails Plan investment on private property. remote locations such as the Define guidelines to facilitate the library and police station. Property creation of public art on private Short- Implement a new trail connection Sign Code Owners Parks Plan Staff and property, such as murals and Term in Raintree Park, connecting Mid-Term and Staff Trails Plan Grants sculpture. Highway 47 to Seminary Ave. Introduce a policy for the simple Streetscape Property Establish a bicycle & pedestrian Short- permitting of safe outdoor dining Guidelines Owners trail along the north side of the Term spaces for restaurant patrons. UDO and Staff railroad tracks connecting Raintree Work with the owners of private Park to Sesquicentennial Park, and Long- Park Plan IDOT and Streetscape Property alleys to create safe and inviting to the Woodstock Station site. Term Trails Plan Staff Mid-Term Guidelines Owners pedestrian gateways into the Easements should be secured as UDO and Staff Square. Woodstock Station and Building Encourage socially engaging Supply sites are redeveloped. Streetscape Property elements in new residential Identify ways to not only meet, Disabilities Mid-Term Guidelines Owners housing, such as front porches, but exceed the accessibility Long- Act UDO and Staff Staff open spaces and walking paths. requirements of the Americans Term UDO with Disabilities Act.
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Residential Diversity – Goals Possible Benchmarks and Indicators 1. Focus redevelopment efforts on goal of creating new residential units in - Residential Population within Downtown close proximity to the Train Depot and the Woodstock Square. - Residential Building Permits - Number of Zoning Change Requests 2. Encourage reinvestment in existing housing units around the downtown - Home Sales and Rents 3. Provide mixed-use and neighborhood commercial uses to support - Apartment Rental Prices psf downtown living. - Owner Occupied vs. Rental - Deteriorated & Dilapidated Units 4. Coordinate the surrounding future neighborhood plans to be complementary to the Downtown future land use map.
COMMISSION RESEARCH ACTION PHASING North of the tracks, the several PLAN OR CODE & FUNDING blocks from the Woodstock Goal 1. Focus redevelopment efforts on goal of creating new residential units Station site, to the former lumber in close proximity to the train depot and the Woodstock Square. yard, to the former warehouses Promote development of along Judd Street, should be Developers residential units for a variety of Mid-Term Comp. Plan Zoning Map Developers redeveloped. Recommended use and Staff ages and lifestyles including Ongoing And UDO and Staff should make a compatible families, young professionals, and transition between the historic active seniors. business core and the residential Update the Comprehensive Plan neighborhoods to the east. to reflect the future land use goals Short- for Downtown. Determine which Comp. Plan Staff Term zones and zoning are inconsistent COMMISSION RESEARCH ACTION PHASING with the future land use goals. PLAN OR CODE & FUNDING Public and private financing must Goal 2. Encourage reinvestment in existing housing units around the be assembled to achieve these downtown. redevelopment goals. Among the TIF Develop a standard operating Short- Developers sources should be tax increment Development procedure to review each land use Downtown Term and Staff Short- financing, with a focus on the key Plan proposal within the downtown Development Staff Term redevelopment sites outlined in area for its compliance to the goals Plan this plan. of this plan. The Woodstock Station site should Explore potential incentives to Historic Short- be redeveloped as a planned Developers encourage investment in existing Preservation Staff Mid-Term Comp. Plan Term mixture of business, high density and Staff historic housing. Commission residential and public uses. Suggest codes and enforcement strategies to ensure quality and Short- Comp. Plan Staff safety in downtown rental Term properties.
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COMMISSION RESEARCH ACTION PHASING PLAN OR CODE & FUNDING Goal 3. Provide mixed-use and neighborhood commercial uses to support downtown living. Landscaping guidelines should be developed for private property Streetscape that guides the creation of Short- Guidelines Staff community gardens for the Term and UDO residents of downtown multi- family properties. Develop a strategy to strengthen Comp. Plan the “walk score” of Downtown and Woodstock, including shorter Mid-Term Staff Streetscape distances to groceries and other Guidelines residential-oriented retail.
Support the development of downtown family amenities such Developers Mid-Term Comp. Plan as day care and fitness facilities to and Staff enhance Downtown living.
COMMISSION RESEARCH ACTION PHASING PLAN OR CODE & FUNDING Goal 4. Coordinate the surrounding future neighborhood plans to be complementary to the Downtown future land use goals. Engage neighborhoods around the downtown in a planning process to Ongoing Comp. Plan Staff identify recommendations to enhance walkability and identity. Review project proposals adjacent to Downtown to ensure compatible Ongoing Comp. Plan Staff and complementary development.
77 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Strengthen the Central Business District – Goal Possible Benchmarks and Indicators 1. Focus attraction and expansion efforts to achieve the vision of a dining and - Number of Businesses entertainment district. - Vacancy Rates
2. Ensure that Downtown remains a preferred location for professional offices. - Square Feet by Type of Business - Average Lease Rate psf 3. Improve network connectivity to provide safe passage and amenities for all - Customer Satisfaction Survey users. - New Bike Lanes 4. Encourage the development of the collector streets to reflect and reinforce - New or Improved Sidewalks the pedestrian-oriented mixed-use sense of place in the Square. - Transit Ridership - Parking Inventory 5. Develop a comprehensive bicycle network. - Bike Facilities 6. Reinforce a connected network of multi-modal transit. - Accident Data - Traffic Counts - Wayfinding Signs
COMMISSION RESEARCH & ACTION PHASING An effective public/private PLAN OR CODE FUNDING leadership group should be Goal 1. Focus attraction and expansion efforts to achieve the vision of a established to direct attraction Dining, Shopping and Entertainment District. efforts, training seminars to assist Downtown Staff and An aggressive and well- Short- Staff, in the retention of existing Development Chamber coordinated marketing program is Economic Term Chamber businesses, and a public Plan essential to the vitality of the Ongoing Development and information program to speak for Downtown businesses. It should and Short- Commission Promote Downtown with a unified voice in be oriented to niche retail markets Term and Promote Woodstock the media. as well as the overall image of Woodstock Develop a campaign to brand the Promote Staff and Woodstock as a place to visit. Downtown as the center or Facilitate the creation of more Mid-Term Woodstock Promote Comp. Plan Entrepreneurship in McHenry outdoor cafe/seating areas Ongoing Staff and McEDC Woodstock and UDO County. throughout the Downtown. Encourage the expansion of Implement a city-wide business Economic performance and visual arts within registration program to better Short- Opera Development Staff the downtown, anchored at the Mid-Term Comp. Plan design and track business Term House Commission Opera House and The Old retention and attraction programs. Courthouse. Develop education and incentive Economic Staff and Maximize outdoor cafe/seating programs to encourage retail Short- Development Chamber areas, including on the rear-facing Long- Comp. Plan businesses to remain open into Term Staff Commission sides of buildings, and building Term and UDO the evening hours. rooftops.
78 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
COMMISSION RESEARCH COMMISSION RESEARCH ACTION PHASING ACTION PHASING PLAN OR CODE & FUNDING PLAN OR CODE & FUNDING Goal 2. Ensure that Downtown remains a preferred location for professional Goal 3. Improve connectivity to provide safe passage and amenities for all offices. users. Develop a robust professional Economic Establish a net-gain parking rule, office culture within the walkable Ongoing Development Staff whereby new developments must Unified Short- downtown. Commission replace and add to existing parking Development Staff Term As much as possible, office, capacity, including underground or Ordinance residential and lodging uses decked parking if necessary. should be encouraged on the Economic Establish guidelines for the upper floors of the Square, leaving Ongoing Development Staff placement and marking of Unified Short- the ground floor space for retail Commission motorcycle parking as an Development Staff Term and restaurant uses serving walk- allowable component of required Ordinance in customers. on-street or off-street parking. The outer ring of blocks south of Develop guidelines to permit the Short- the tracks should continue to inclusion of EV Charging Stations Term and Comp. Plan Staff accommodate civic uses, churches, Economic in future developments. Mid Term financial institutions and other Ongoing Development Staff Develop recommendations for Short- daily-visit or weekly-visit uses, Commission appropriate pedestrian, at-grade Transport. Term and Staff which bring important community railroad crossings, such as Benton, Plan Mid-Term traffic to the district. Judd and Madison streets. Expand the public fiber network to Add Commercial vehicle loading Short- Fiber IT and private users to encourage the zones on each perimeter of the Transport. Term Consortium McEDC Mid Term Staff development of high-tech uses. Square, open to any commercial Plan Encourage the development of a Economic or private vehicle. full-time co-working community. Development Identify synergies with capital Short- Ultimately, this could be in the Commission improvement schedules to Transport. Term and Staff Mid-Term Staff Courthouse, but should not wait and Old integrate street enhancements Plan Mid-Term for that building to be ready. Courthouse into routine maintenance. Commission Re-allocate parking to direct employees to peripheral lots, Long- leaving more on-street and close- Comp. Plan Staff Term in off-street spaces for customer/visitor use. Explore the addition of flashing pedestrian crossing signage at Long- Transport. mid-block crossings and non-stop- Staff Term Plan controlled T-intersections, such as Johnson/Calhoun, or Cass/Throop.
79 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
Mid-block crossings should be Investigate the opportunities for installed where appropriate to creating landscaped center- Transport. connect blocks. Locations may Long- Transport. median streets in the district, Mid-Term Staff Staff Plan include the center of Main Street, Term Plan especially on Throop, Jefferson, and the 100 block of South Church, Washington and Calhoun. Jefferson Street. Intersection improvements, Expand historic pedestrian-scale including landscaping, is Transport. street lighting, now present at recommended for the intersection Mid-Term Staff Plan intersections and within the of Washington Street and Throop Long- Transport. Square, to virtually all light poles Staff Street. Term Plan around and near the Maximize the place-making Square. These should be capable potential of the new roundabout Short- Transport. Staff of holding decorative banners. at Lake Avenue with landscaping Term Plan Work with the railroad to re- or public art. Union Pacific establish the Wheeler Street Long- and Crossing as part of the Staff Term Transport. redevelopment of the Woodstock Plan Station site. As Route 47 is expanded, revisit COMMISSION RESEARCH ACTION PHASING the wayfinding signage to direct PLAN OR CODE & FUNDING Long- Transport. motorists from the Judd Street Staff Goal 5. Develop a comprehensive bicycle network. Term Plan Roundabout into the Jackson Develop educational materials to Transport. Street entrance to the Square. teach cyclists and motorists to Mid-Term Staff Plan share the road safely. Research enforcement techniques to deter unsafe behaviors by Transport. COMMISSION RESEARCH cyclists and motorists, and to Mid-Term Staff ACTION PHASING Plan PLAN OR CODE & FUNDING encourage all road users to obey Goal 4. Encourage the development of the collector streets to reflect and traffic laws. Adopt a phasing schedule to reinforce the pedestrian-oriented mixed-use sense of place in the Square. Mid-Term implement and maintain bicycle Transport. Encourage the decorative and Long- Staff enhancement of the secondary lanes, as outlined in the Bike Plan Streetscape Property Term entrances to businesses from rear Mid-Term Master Plan. Guidelines Owners Incorporate bicycle parking and streets or alleys, including signage Mid-Term Owners bicycle lanes into all future Transport. and awnings. and Long- and Increase and improve street tree residential development projects Plan Short- Term Developers planting and landscaping, in the Environment. downtown. Term and Staff core, transitional and neighbor- Plan Mid-Term hood areas.
80 Downtown Woodstock Development Plan Character – Heart – Diversity – Strength
COMMISSION RESEARCH ACTION PHASING PLAN OR CODE & FUNDING Goal 6. Reinforce a connected network of multi-modal transit. The City should remain alert to Ongoing Transport. Metra, every opportunity to enhance the Plan PACE and commuter rail service and bus Staff service in the Downtown. Efforts should be made to keep a Ongoing Transport. Union café tenant in the Depot building Plan Pacific and to serve the commuters and the Staff community. Add amenities to local bus service Mid-Term Transport. PACE stops. Plan Design for walkability within ¼ Mid-Term Transport. Metra, mile of the Train Depot and bus Plan PACE and stops. Staff Integrate transit information into Mid-Term Transport. Chamber wayfinding. Plan and Promote Woodstock A permanent station or warming Mid-Term Transport. Metra and center should be constructed on Plan Staff the north side of the tracks, as this is the loading area for morning commuters. The City should continue to Long- Transport. Metra, support efforts by Metra to Term Plan PACE, relocate expanded train facilities Staff and to the westerly edge of County Woodstock, which would then result in an improved schedule at the Woodstock Station. Legislative priorities should Long- Transport. Metra and include support of the inclusion of Term Plan Staff the UP Northwest Metra line into any future suburb-to-suburb connector trains.
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