Comprehensive Plan River Forest, Illinois

November 2003 Parking ...... 16 Railroads...... 38 Table of Schools ...... 16 Park/Open Space...... 16 Section 6 Corridor Plans ...... 40 40 CoConnntentstents Private Recreation...... 16 Public/Semi Public ...... 17 Corridor Plans...... 41 Table of Contents...... 1 Forest Preserve ...... 17 North Avenue Corridor Plan...... 42 Introduction...... 2 Vacant Land...... 17 North Avenue Corridor Land- Zoning ...... 19 Use and Improvement Plan The River Forest Community ...... 42 ...... 2 R1 - Wide Lot Single-Family Residential...... 19 Harlem Avenue to William Purpose of the Street...... 43 Comprehensive Plan ...... 3 R2 - Single-Family (Detached) Residential...... 19 William Street to Jackson Organization of the Plan...... 3 Avenue...... 43 Maps and Graphics...... 3 R4 - Multi-Family Residential ...... 19 Forest to Thatcher ...... 44 C1-Commercial...... 19 Madison Street Corridor Plan...... 46 Section 1 Community ProfileProfile...... 44 C2-Commercial District .....19 Madison Street Corridor Community Profile...... 5 C3-Commercial District .....19 Land-Use and Improvement Plan...... 46 Historical Perspective...... 5 ORIC- Thatcher Avenue to Gale Regional Setting...... 5 Office/Research/Industrial Avenue...... 47 Demographics...... 5 /Commercial ...... 19 PRI- Gale Avenue to Keystone Public/Recreational/Institutio Avenue...... 47 Section 2 Goals & Objectives ...... 9 9 nal ...... 19 Keystone to Forest ...... 47 Goals and Objectives...... 10 Land Use Plan ...... 21 Forest Avenue to Park Avenue...... 47 Overall Community Goals 10 Land-Use Classification ...... 21 Park Avenue to Franklin Community Appearance and Residential...... 21 Avenue...... 48 Character...... 11 Commercial ...... 22 Franklin Avenue to Ashland Housing and Residential Community Facilities ...... 23 Avenue...... 48 Areas ...... 11 Ashland Avenue to Lathrop Commercial, Retail and Section 4 Community FacilitiesFacilities...... 26 Avenue...... 48 Office Development...... 12 Transportation...... 12 Community Facilities...... 27 Lake Street Corridor Plan...... 51 Community Facilities and Schools & Educational Lake Street Corridor Land- Services...... 13 Facilities ...... 27 Use and Improvement Plan Parks, Recreation and Open Parks, Recreation and Open ...... 52 Space...... 13 Space...... 28 Corridor Commercial Area53 Intergovernmental and Cook County Forest Preserve Village Center Area...... 53 Organizational Cooperation District...... 29 Residential/Recreation Area ...... 14 Public/Semi Public Facilities ...... 54 Fiscal and Economic ...... 30 Development ...... 14 Religious and Other Institutions...... 32 Section 7 Implementation ...... 56 56 Transportation...... 32 Implementation...... 57 Section 3 Land UseUse...... 1515 Administrative Actions ...... 57 regulatory ...... 58 Existing Land Use...... 16 Section 5 Transportation...... Transportation...... 35 Single-Family Residential....16 Capital Improvements Attached Single-Family Transportation...... 36 Program...... 58 Residential...... 16 Streets ...... 36 High Priority Action Agenda Multi-Family Residential.....16 Parking ...... 36 ...... 58 Mixed-Use...... 16 Mass Transportation ...... 37 Review and Revision ...... 59 Commercial ...... 16 Walking/Biking Path ...... 38 River Forest Comprehensive Plan Action Agenda ...... 60

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 1 Commercial and office uses are COMPREHENSIVE PLAPLANNNNINGNING PROCESS IntroduIntroducccctiontion concentrated along and near North Avenue, Harlem Avenue, In the Spring of 2002, the Village This is the updated Comprehensive Madison Street, and Lake Street. selected Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Plan for the Village of River Forest, Payne, Inc. to assist in the prepara- Illinois. It sets forth long-range rec- River Forest contains a large tion of an update to the existing ommendations for the mainte- amount of land devoted to parks, Comprehensive Plan. nance and enhancement of exist- forest preserves, open spaces, pub- ing community areas, and for de- lic buildings and institutional facili- The planning process in River For- sirable improvements, develop- ties, all of which add significantly est has entailed a multi-phase pro- ments and redevelopments in se- to the Village’s special image and gram consisting of: 1) reviewing lected locations. overall character. and analyzing the existing Com- prehensive Plan and Corridor Plan This updated Plan summarizes the There is little vacant land remaining reports; 2) analyzing existing con- results of a public planning pro- for new development within the ditions; 3) identifying issues and gram in River Forest. Village’s corporate limits. concerns; 4) formulating goals and objectives; 5) preparing updated THE RIVER FOREST COMCOMMUNITYMUNITY As a built-up community, River community-wide plans for land- Forest is expected to experience use, transportation and community The Village of River Forest is a ma- very little future growth in popula- facilities; 6) updating and develop- ture community with a population tion and households, although the ing plans and policies for key “tar- of approximately 11,600 persons. high quality of life and favorable get areas;” and 7) preparing final It is located in Cook County, ap- location has created a strong mar- plan and implementation recom- proximately 10 miles west of ket demand for residential homes. mendations. downtown Chicago (see Figure 1). New development will likely entail replacement of older existing uses, River Forest’s planning program River Forest is an attractive and the redevelopment of marginal and has entailed local input and par- desirable community noted for its deteriorated properties, and the ticipation. A close working rela- established, historic residential development of remaining vacant tionship was established between neighborhoods, and its religious land. Village staff, the Consultant, and and educational institutions. the Plan Commission. Workshops River Forest’s most recent Com- In terms of physical development, and community facility surveys prehensive Plan was prepared in River Forest is primarily a single- were undertaken early in the proc- March 1987. While the Plan has family residential community. Exist- ess to elicit ideas and perceptions served as an effective guide for ing residential neighborhoods about issues and potentials within improvement and development, range from older, historic River Forest. Public meetings were an update to the Plan is now neighborhoods in the central por- also undertaken at key junctures to needed to respond to the unique tion of the Village, to multi-family present information, discuss find- needs and potentials of a mature, residences along its eastern and ings and conclusions, and establish built-up community. northern boundaries and along the consensus. Union Pacific tracks and Lake Street.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 2 PURPOSE OF THE promote River Forest’s unique as- and presents future steps and con- COMPRCOMPREEEHENSIVEHENSIVE PLAN sets, and it can be used to help siderations for strengthening their attract new families and desirable role in contributing to the quality The Comprehensive Plan is River new investment and development of life in River Forest. Forest’s official policy guide for to the community. land-use and development. It con- SECTION 5: Transportation. This siders not only the immediate ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN section contains transportation needs and concerns of the com- analysis and recommendations to munity, but also projects im- The Comprehensive Plan report is ensure the Village is served by a provement and development 10 to divided into 7 sections, as follows: balanced system which provides 15 years in the future. safe and efficient movement of SECTION 1: Community Profile. vehicles and pedestrians. The Plan is “comprehensive” in This section describes the overall both scope and coverage. It en- character and setting of the River SECTION 6: Corridor Plans. The compasses the use of land and Forest community. It includes a Corridor Plans section presents buildings, the movement of vehi- historical perspective, regional set- recommendations and guidelines cles and pedestrians, and the pro- ting, and an overview of the demo- for future development, redevel- vision of public facilities. It also graphic trends that have shaped opment, and improvements along addresses residential neighbor- River Forest. North Avenue, Lake Street, and hoods, commercial areas, public Madison Street. SECTION 2: Goals & Objectives. and institutional lands, and public This section lists the goals and ob- rights-of-way. SECTION 7: Implementation. This jectives for the Comprehensive section highlights several next The Comprehensive Plan estab- Plan. The goals and objectives are steps that should be undertaken to lishes the “ground rules” for private listed for the following categories: begin the process of plan imple- improvement and development. It Overall Community Goals; Com- mentation. provides guidelines by which the munity Appearance and Character; Plan Commission, Development Housing and Residential Areas; MAPS AND GRAPHICS Review Board, and Village Board Commercial, Retail and Office De- The update to River Forest’s Com- can review and evaluate private velopment; Transportation; Com- prehensive Plan emphasizes the development proposals. The Plan munity Facilities and Services; use of full-color maps and graphics also provides a guide for public Parks, Recreation, and Open to document existing community investments and capital improve- Space; Intergovernmental and Or- conditions and to highlight plan- ments, and can help to ensure that ganizational Cooperation; and Fis- ning policies and recommenda- local public dollars are spent cal and Economic Development. tions. wisely. SECTION 3: Land-Use. The Land- This approach will convey planning The Comprehensive Plan provides Use section presents the future and development data clearly and a basis for refining the zoning ordi- Land Use Plan for the Village and concisely, and will help make the nance, subdivision regulations and provides an inventory and analysis new Comprehensive Plan “user- other development codes, all of of existing land use and current friendly” in the years ahead. which are used to implement zoning as a foundation for land use recommendations. planning policies and recommendations. SECTION 4: Community Facilities.

Finally, the Comprehensive Plan This section highlights existing can serve as a marketing tool to community facilities in the Village,

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 3

Section 1 Community Profile remain “dry.” In 1884, Forest Park Oak Park, long considered River Community incorporated, and in 1901 Oak Forest’s “sister” village and sharing Park incorporated. a common cultural, economic and PrProoofilefile educational foundation, borders Due to the importance of rail the Village to the east along Har- HISTORICAL PERSPEPERSPECCCTIVETIVE transportation, the original homes lem Avenue from North Avenue to in River Forest were constructed Central Avenue. Forest Park is In 1831, the first settlers came to along the east-west rail line be- River Forest’s southern neighbor, the area now known as River For- tween Chicago Avenue and Madi- Maywood and Melrose Park bor- est to mill timber along the Des son Street. With the advent of the der River Forest to the west, and Plaines River. Although this enter- automobile, homes could be built Elmwood Park borders River Forest prise was short-lived, River Forest’s farther away from the two train to the north. proximity to Chicago, then a small stations then in the Village. but rapidly growing agricultural, River Forest is conveniently lo- industrial and transportation cen- The Village’s northern area was cated in the Chicago metropolitan ter, led to the Village’s initial largely undeveloped throughout area and is well served by an effi- growth. In 1849, the growth of the the early 1900’s. In 1913, Con- cient roadway network and mass area was spurred by having the cordia College relocated from Mis- transit system. River Forest is only first train station on the first rail- souri to a 40-acre campus in River minutes away from downtown road line extending west from Chi- Forest. In 1918, Rosary College Chicago, Midway Airport, and cago. Many of Chicago’s original purchased a 30-acre site in River O’Hare Airport. The Eisenhower “commuters” chose to leave the Forest, and in 1925, the Priory of Expressway (Interstate 290) is lo- city and live in what became River St. Dominic and St. Thomas ac- cated just south of River Forest, Forest. quired a 40-acre site. Together, and the Chicago Transit Authorities the three institutions occupy 110 elevated train has a terminal in The character of River Forest today acres of land and complement the Forest Park, immediately southeast is a result of its early settlers: the tenor of the large and expensive of River Forest. Additionally, Steeles, Thatchers, Quicks, Mur- homes in north River Forest. Metra Rail makes regular stops at phys, Griffens, Wallers, Boughtons, its River Forest station at Thatcher and Brookes. These families do- Consistent with its fine traditions, Avenue (see Figure 1 at the end of nated much of the land and money River Forest today is dedicated to this section). for schools and churches. The af- high cultural, educational, and rec- fluence of these early settlers re- reational ideals. The high level of DEMOGRAPHICS sulted in grand homes and the fin- excellence achieved and main- est churches and schools, attract- tained by the school systems is a Presented below is an overview of ing other wealthy residents to River highly valued community asset. historic trends in population within Forest. River Forest is a vibrant commu- the Village of River Forest as well nity, striving for the best of the ur- as an analysis of the demographic River Forest was incorporated as a ban environment yet remaining a characteristics of the residents who Village in 1880. Prior to that time, simple and quiet place in which to live in the community. It encom- River Forest was considered a part live and grow. passes population, household of a larger community called Har- composition and tenure, income, lem, which also included portions REGIONAL SETTING family composition, housing stock of Oak Park and Forest Park. Fear- composition, and housing value. The Village of River Forest is lo- ing the onslaught of alcohol-related An understanding of the growth cated approximately ten miles problems if Harlem incorporated, and composition of the local popu- River Forest residents incorporated west of Chicago’s Loop and is one lation provides an important foun- first, preempting the incorporation of Chicago’s original suburban dation for the update of River For- communities. of Harlem, and initially choose to est’s Comprehensive Plan.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 5 The analysis is based on interviews River Forest’s population over the than the average household in with persons knowledgeable about last two decades reflects several Cook County (2.72) and the Chi- River Forest, the local economy national trends including an aging cago region (2.77). The 2000 and real estate markets, as well as population, small household size, Census reported that married cou- secondary source material from: and limited opportunities for new ples comprise 59% of the house- the Village of River Forest; U.S. development. holds in River Forest, in compari- Bureau of the Census; and the son with 44% in Cook County, and Northeastern Illinois Planning P o pulatio n R iver F o rest 50% for the Chicago region. Sin- Commission (NIPC). The analysis gle-parent households are also less also highlights key findings and 12,600 common in River Forest in com- conclusions reached by the Con- 12,400 parison to Cook County and the sultant. Chicago region. Single parent 12,200 households comprise 11.6% of the For purposes of the demographic 12,000 households in River Forest, 20.3% analysis, River Forest is compared of households in Cook County, 11,800 statistically to Cook County and and 17.7% of households in the the Chicago Metropolitan Statisti- 11,600 Chicago region. cal Area. 11,400 School Aged Children In terms of land development and 11,200 physical infrastructure, River For- 1980 1990 2000 River Forest has a higher percent- est is a mature suburban commu- age of its population between the nity and is anticipated to experi- ages of 5 and 17 (school aged) ence only a modest future growth than Cook County and the Chi- in population, households and Household Size & ComposComposiiiitiontion cago region. The number of employment. Demographic trends The average household size in the school aged children as a percent- will impact the Village with regard Village of River Forest has de- age of the total population in Cook to housing, schools, shopping pat- creased from 3.06 to 2.84 be- County and the Chicago region terns and other issues addressed in tween 1980 and 2000. However, has decreased during the last 20 the updated Comprehensive Plan. the average household size in years. In Cook County, school River Forest continues to be larger aged children represent 18.8% of It should be noted that the demographic analysis is based on 1980, Households by Type 2000 School Aged Children 1990, and 2000 Census data. 70% 25% PopulPopulaaationtion 60% Although the Chicago region con- 20% tinues to experience rapid growth, 50% the population in Cook County 15% 40% and River Forest has remained 30% relatively stable over the last 22 10% years. Between 1980 and 2000, the population of the Chicago re- 20% 5% gion has increased 28.91%. In 10% contrast, the population in Cook County during that same time pe- 0% 0% Married Single Female Male 1980 1990 2000 riod has increased by only 2.3%, Head Head and the Village of River Forest has River Forest Cook County MSA decreased by 6.1%. The decline in River Forest Cook County MSA

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 6 the population, decreasing from 246% since 1980, in comparison age of service occupations in Cook 20.1% in 1980. In the Chicago with 150% for Cook County, and County (14%) and the Chicago region, school aged children repre- 151% for the Chicago region. The region (12.9%) are close to twice sent 19.5% of the population, de- sharp increase in median housing as much as River Forest (7.3%). creasing from 21.2% in 1980. The value can be attributed to the de- percentage of school-aged children mand for homes in the community, in River Forest however, has ex- created by the high quality of life, perienced an increase during that excellent schools, beautiful M edian Inco me 2000 time period. School aged children neighborhoods, the number of $100,000 currently represent 20.4% of the community facilities, educational population in River Forest, increas- and religious institutions, and prox- $9 0,0 00 ing from 19.5% in 1980. imity to Chicago and other re- $8 0,0 00 gional destinations. $70,0 00

Median Value of Owner Occupied HouHoussssinging $6 0,0 00 Housing Mix The median value of an owner oc- $50,0 00 cupied dwelling unit in River Forest River Forest is thought of as a resi- $4 0,0 00 is substantially higher than dwelling dential community, mainly com- $3 0,0 00 units in Cook County and the Chi- prised of single-family detached $2 0,0 00 cago region. The 2000 Census homes. This statement is sup- reported that the median value of ported by 2000 Census data which $10,0 00 an owner-occupied dwelling unit in report that 62% of all dwelling $- MSA Cook River River Forest was $386,600. The units in the Village of River Forest County Forest median value in Cook County was are single-unit detached dwellings. $157,700 and $165,300 in the This high proportion of single- Chicago region. The median value family detached dwellings is larger has increased disproportionately in than the percentage of single- comparison with the County and family detached dwellings in the the region during the past 20 Chicago region (49.5%), and Cook years. The median home value in County (39.6%).

Median Value of Owner Median Income & OOcccccupationcupation Occupied Housing Households in River Forest earn a $450,000 higher income than households in $400,000 Cook County and the Chicago

$350,000 region. The 2000 Census reports the median income in River Forest $300,000 households is $89,284, nearly $250,000 twice as much as households in $200,000 Cook County ($45,922) and the

$150,000 Chicago region ($51,560). The higher household income level is $100,000 due largely to the occupations of $50,000 the residents. Nearly 60% of em-

$0 ployed residents in River Forest are 1980 1990 2000 in management, professional, or

MSA Cook County River Forest related occupations, compared to 35% in Cook County and 36% in River Forest has increased by the Chicago region. The percent-

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 7 zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Village of River Forest Comprehensive Plan November 2003 Prepared by Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne, Inc. Section 2 Goals & Objectives Goals and Goal 1 Goal 3 Continue to create a physically Protect and enhance the residen- OObbbjectivesjectives distinctive and high-quality com- tial neighborhoods, trees, parks munity environment through ef- and open spaces, and community The goals and objectives are de- forts that preserve the existing and institutional facilities as key signed to help achieve the desired quality of life, character, and heri- amenities that contribute greatly to “vision” of the community and tage of the area, while anticipating the overall character and quality of provide more specific guidelines change and progress in the future. life in River Forest. for River Forest’s updated Com- Rationale Rationale prehensive Plan. To enhance a sense of community Identified as some of the most im- Goals and objectives strive to and pride, there is a need to physi- portant and defining characteristics transform collective community cally enhance and improve areas of the Village, the residential values into operational guidelines and structures within the Village. neighborhoods, trees, parks and for the planning program. The Village expects to accomplish open spaces, and community and this through the design of land-use institutional facilities distinguish Goals and objectives each have a areas as well as in the coordination River Forest from other communi- different purpose in the planning and improvement of public facilities and contribute to the area’s process: ties and services. In support of its overall desirability as a place to live identity as a strong residential and visit. • Goals describe desired end situa- community, River Forest is com- tions toward which planning ef- mitted to providing community Goal 4 forts should be directed. They facilities and services that meet Forge and maintain strong public are broad and long-range. They residents’ expectations. represent an end to be sought, and private partnerships to capital- although they may never actually Goal 2 ize upon and coordinate all re- be fully attained. sources and assets of the Village. Achieve a balanced pattern of de- • Objectives describe more specific velopment in the community that Rationale actions that should be under- provides for well designed, com- River Forest should continue taken in order to advance to- patible and economically sustain- meaningful and productive rela- ward the overall goals. They pro- able residential, commercial, and tionships with local organizations, vide more precise and measur- public areas of the Village. civic groups, institutions, and indi- able guidelines for planning ac- viduals to create awareness and tion. Rationale understanding of community Goals and objectives express many There is a high level of consensus needs and potentials, as well as to ideas and concepts that cannot be in the community on the need to mobilize organizations into action shown on plan maps or depicted in develop, redevelop, and improve for change. This participatory phi- other plan sections, and they are appropriate sites in a manner losophy is a central element in the an important component of River which has long-term economic strategic approach to community Forest’s Comprehensive Plan. stability and meets the community involvement and change. character, residential, economic, OVERALL COMMUNITY GOGOALSALS social, cultural, educational, recrea- Goal 5 tional and lifestyle needs of Village The following general goals have Continue to enhance and improve residents. been developed as a “guiding the quality of life for Village resi- framework” directing future land- dents through the provision of use and development decision quality community facilities and making in the community. services.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 10 Rationale they become focal points and to maintain the Village’s ap- The provision of quality commu- landmarks within the commu- pearance and character. nity facilities and services demon- nity. strates the Village’s commitment to HOUSING AND RESIDENTIALRESIDENTIAL AARRREASEAS 7. Preserve and maintain sites its residents and strengthens the Goal Village’s identity as a strong resi- and buildings of significant his- dential community. torical, architectural and cul- Maintain the Village as an excep- tural interest and value. tional residential community and COMMUNITY APPEARANCE AND CHARACHARACCCTERTER retain its predominant single-family 8. Establish a River Forest His- detached dwelling character and Goal toric Preservation Commission Goal varied architectural styles. to lead the Village’s efforts in Maintain an attractive and distinc- protecting and preserving the tive community image and identity Objectives architectural heritage of the that builds upon and enhances community. 1. Maintain the scale, quality and River Forest’s traditional qualities character of existing single- and characteristics, and distin- 9. Continue the “greening” of family neighborhoods. guishes it from surrounding River Forest by maintaining ex- communities. isting trees whenever possible, 2. Maintain or increase the num- reforestation and new land- ber of single-family detached Objectives scape plantings. homes in relation to the num- 1. Maintain and enhance the ber of multi-family residential 10. Promote high standards of Village’s overall atmosphere dwellings. design and construction for all and character. development within the Vil- 3. Undertake public infrastruc- 2. Maintain the attractive tree- lage. ture improvements within lined streets, pedestrian scale residential areas as required. 11. Promote continued collabora- and other distinguishing quali- tion and cooperation between 4. Protect residential areas from ties of River Forest’s existing the various districts and agen- the encroachment of incom- residential neighborhoods. cies serving the Village in or- patible land uses and the ad- 3. Upgrade the image and ap- der to provide better and verse impacts of adjacent ac- pearance of existing commer- more uniform service to all ar- tivities. cial areas, including buildings, eas of the Village. 5. Preserve sound existing hous- parking lots, signage and the 12. Sponsor and promote pro- ing through effective code en- public rights-of-way. grams, activities, events and forcement and preventive 4. Undertake design and appear- celebrations that can stimulate maintenance. ance improvements along the public involvement and par- 6. Promote the improvement, major thoroughfares that pass ticipation, foster a strong and rehabilitation, or replacement through the community. unified community spirit and identity, and bring together of deteriorating or obsolete 5. Continue to improve and en- residents from the various residential properties. hance the community gate- neighborhoods on a regular 7. Encourage new residential ways through the use of spe- basis. development that provides for cial signage, landscaping and the needs of the Village’s other entry design features. 13. Develop and implement necessary zoning amendments, population. 6. Design and locate public sites, design guidelines, and other buildings, and facilities so that regulatory measures needed

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 11 8. Ensure that home improve- 3. Provide adequate off-street economic vitality of the Vil- ments, additions and new parking facilities throughout lage’s commercial areas. housing construction are commercial areas to accom- compatible with, complement, modate the needs of existing TRANSPORTATION and enhance the existing scale businesses and new commer- Goal and character of the neighbor- cial development. hoods. Maintain a balanced transportation 4. Improve access, parking, traf- system that provides for safe and 9. Ensure that new residential fic, pedestrian and bicycle cir- efficient movement of vehicles, development provides ade- culation, signage and other bicycles and pedestrians, rein- quate parking to accommo- operational conditions within forces surrounding development date residents and guests. all commercial areas. patterns, and enhances regional transportation facilities. 10. Encourage the long standing 5. Encourage the corrective tradition of fine architecture in maintenance, rehabilitation or Objectives new homes and additions. redevelopment of older commercial properties in poor con- 1. Minimize non-local and com- COMMERCIAL, RETAIL ANDAND OOFFFFICEFICE dition. mercial traffic within residen- DEVEDEVELLLLOPMENTOPMENT tial neighborhoods. 6. Promote the redevelopment of Goal marginal, obsolete and vacant 2. Maintain a street network and commercial properties. operational system which di- Maintain a system of commercial, rects traffic in a safe and effi- retail and office development that 7. Encourage compatible new cient manner to streets de- provides local residents with office, retail and commercial signed to accommodate such needed goods and services, in- development in selected loca- traffic. creases the Village sales and prop- tions. erty taxes, and enhances the image 3. Repair, upgrade and resurface and appearance of the community. 8. Promote high quality design streets and alleys on an ongo- and construction for all new ing basis as funding permits Objectives Objectives office, retail and commercial and in coordination with 1. Maintain and enhance the developments. sewer, water, and utilities im- range of retail, commercial provements. 9. Minimize and mitigate any and office establishments negative impact of office, retail within designated areas of the 4. Provide adequate parking for and commercial activities on Village, primarily along North all areas of the Village, includ- neighboring land-use areas. Avenue, Madison Street, Har- ing employee and customer parking for commercial uses, lem Avenue, and within the 10. Promote River Forest as a de- Lake Street Corridor. resident and visitor parking for sirable, highly accessible and residential uses, commuter viable location for new com- 2. Maintain a strong and positive parking for transit riders, and mercial property investment physical community image user parking for community and development. through public and private im- facilities and institutions. provements which enhance 11. Encourage the coordination of 5. Promote shared use of parking various physical features of and cooperation among mer- commercial areas and con- facilities by those properties chants, property owners, and with excess parking capacity in tribute to the Village’s overall local officials to ensure the character and sense of place. areas identified as having a greatest level of efficiency and need for additional parking. effectiveness in enhancing the

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 12 6. Create a comprehensive sys- and service institutions in their sound, attractively maintained tem of bicycle and pedestrian efforts to provide for the spiri- and compatible with surround- facilities, walkways, and envi- tual and service needs of Vil- ing neighborhoods and devel- ronments which enables safe lage residents. opment areas. and convenient movement within the Village and con- 5. Maintain the library as an im- 14. Continue to encourage in- nects with nearby regional sys- portant focal point and re- creased resident involvement tems, facilities, and destina- source for the community. and participation in Village af- tions. fairs and activities. 6. Maintain and improve the pub- 7. Promote convenient public lic infrastructure of the Village. PARKS, RECREATION ANANDD OPEN SPACE transportation services within Goal the Village and between the 7. Provide adequate water supply, water distribution and Village and other nearby Maintain a parks, recreation and sewer systems throughout the communities and destinations. open-space system that meets the Village. recreational and leisure needs of 8. Promote continued improve- 8. Improve stormwater manage- Village residents, and enhances the ment and enhancement of the overall image and character of the Metra commuter station as an ment and maintain sewer facilities throughout the Village. community. important community asset. Objectives COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SESERRRVICESVICES 9. Continue to require overhead sewer connections or encour- 1. Promote continued coopera- GoaGoallll age other effective flood con- tion between the Village, the trol measures where overhead park and school districts, Maintain a system of community sewers are not possible. facilities that provides for the effi- Township, Community Center, the universities, and the forest cient and effective delivery of pub- 10. Ensure effective stormwater preserve in the provision of lic services and enhances the Vil- management so that new resi- recreational programs and fa- lage as a desirable place in which dential and non-residential de- cilities. to live and do business. velopment does not adversely impact adjacent or nearby Objectives 2. Encourage the provision of properties. recreational facilities and pro- 1. Continue to provide high qual- grams that respond to the 11. Provide regular and efficient ity and responsive municipal needs of Village residents. collection of solid waste from services and facilities. residential dwellings having 3. Support the improvement and 2. Maintain a high level of fire three units or less. expansion of programs, facili- and police protection and ser- ties and services for teens and 12. Maintain adequate sites and vice throughout the Village. seniors. facilities for all Village services; 3. Cooperate with the various undertake expansion and re- 4. Continue support of the River public and private schools, dis- placement programs as neces- Forest Community Center in tricts, and universities to main- sary to meet the future needs its efforts to provide recreation tain high-quality school sites, of the community and increase and leisure opportunities, ser- facilities, and services within the effective operation of pub- vices, facilities, and programs the Village. lic agencies. for Village residents.

4. Continue to support and co- 13. Ensure that all community facil- 5. Continue to cooperate with operate with various religious ity sites and buildings are and support the Park District’s

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 13 efforts to upgrade existing 2. Maintain meaningful lines of 2. Establish marketing strategies parks and recreational facili- communication with those to retain and attract businesses ties. agencies and organizations and developers to River Forest that can assist the Village in and to enhance the commu- 6. Promote new plazas and other meeting its overall planning nity’s business image. public open spaces within objectives, and work to secure commercial areas. participation of these agencies 3. Ensure that new development and organizations in realizing pays its fair share of public fa- 7. Undertake more extensive mutual objectives. cilities and service costs which landscaping and “greening” are attributable to the demand programs along major street 3. Continue to seek cooperative for additional facilities or ser- corridors. working relationships with ad- vices as a result of new devel- joining communities in the fi- opment. 8. Expand, upgrade and promote nancing of local community the use of pedestrian and bi- facilities and services. 4. Promote locally based market- cycle paths, routes, and facili- ing programs to boost local in- ties to provide access to and 4. Continue to seek grants, loans, vestment and awareness be- connections between schools, and other sources of intergov- tween the residential and parks, forest preserve, com- ernmental funding transfers. business community. mercial shopping areas and other key activity areas in the 5. Continue to encourage com- Village and neighboring communication and collaboration munities. among service providers to provide the most efficient and

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AANDND cost effective services possi- ORGANIZATIONAL COOCOOPPPERATIONERATION ble. Goal FISCAL AND ECONOMIC DEVEDEVELLLLOPMENTOPMENT Encourage the coordination and Goal cooperation among federal, state, county, and local agencies and Strengthen the Village’s economic organizations potentially having base by enhancing the mix and quality of commercial, retail, and interest in River Forest to ensure the greatest level of efficiency and office uses within designated areas effectiveness in the provision of of the Village. community services. Objectives Objectives Objectives 1. Coordinate planning and eco-

1. Coordinate with state, regional nomic development activities and local agencies to ensure in a manner which provides continuity and consistency of regular opportunities for con- overall community planning tact between business and de- and development activities. velopment interests within the Village.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 14

Section 3 Land Use

Existing Land Use MULTIMULTI----FAMILYFAMILY RESRESIIIIDENTIALDENTIAL SCHOOLS River Forest contains a number of Educational uses within River For- The Village of River Forest includes multi-family developments primar- est contribute to the Village's over- a diverse mix of residential, com- ily located along major corridors all character and help establish the mercial, educational, open space, within the community. Multi- community as a quality family envi- and public uses. Figure 2, located family residential dwellings include ronment. Educational institutions at the end of this section, illustrates apartments and condominiums, include: Francis Willard School, existing land-use, based on field typically with 3 or more units per Lincoln Elementary School, Roose- surveys undertaken by the Con- building, with each unit sharing velt Middle School, St. Vincent sultant in the Spring of 2002. The common access, rather than direct Catholic School, St. Luke Catholic existing land-use pattern is an im- access, to outside. School, Grace Lutheran School, portant consideration in assessing Oak Park and River Forest High future improvement and develop- MIXEDMIXED----USEUSE School, Trinity High School, Key- stone Montessori School, Domini- ment potentials within the Village. Mixed-use land uses in River Forest can University, and Concordia generally refer to two-story build- SINGLESINGLE----FAMILYFAMILY RESRESIIIIDENTIALDENTIAL University. Schools are presented ings, or more, with commercial in greater detail in the Community River Forest is primarily character- uses at street level, and residential Facilities section of this Plan. ized by established residential units above. Mixed-use parcels are neighborhoods. The single-family located along North Avenue, Lake PARK/OPEN SPACE residential areas represent the pre- Street, and Madison Street. dominant land-use in the Village. A The River Forest Park District is limited number of 2-flat dwelling COMMERCIAL responsible for the operation and maintenance of 12 parks within the units exist within the single-family Although scattered throughout the Village of River Forest. Keystone neighborhoods and are included in community, all commercial land Park, located at Lake Street and this land use designation because uses are located along or near ma- Keystone Avenue, is the most in- of their infrequency, size, and jor thoroughfares. Commercial tensely developed park site in the overall appearance and architec- uses include retail, service, and system. The park offers open play ture. office uses. Commercial proper- areas, 7 outdoor illuminated tennis ties are located along North Ave- ATTACHED SINGLESINGLE----FAMIFAMIFAMILYLY RESRESIIIIDENTIALDENTIAL courts, 4 baseball/softball dia- nue, Harlem Avenue, Lake Street, monds, batting cages, a tot lot, and The small amount of attached sin- and Madison Street. Smaller an outdoor ice rink. In addition to gle-family dwellings in River Forest commercial areas are also located the Park District, the Cook County are primarily located along the along Forest Avenue south of Forest Preserve, represented sepa- major thoroughfares in the com- Washington Street, and on Lathrop rately on the Land Use Plan Map, munity. Attached single-family and Ashland Avenues near Haw- provides Village residents with an residential units are generally resi- thorne Avenue. abundance of open space includ- dences that share common walls, ing biking/hiking trails, ball fields, with each unit having direct out- PARKING and picnic and recreation areas. side access. These typically in- Areas designated as parking on the Parks and open space are pre- clude row-houses and townhomes. Existing Land Use Map represent sented in greater detail in the Attached single family homes are parcels that are entirely dedicated Community Facilities section of located on, or near, North Avenue, to parking. Parking areas in River this Plan. Harlem Avenue, Lake Street, and Forest include Metra/Park District Madison Street. parking south of Lake Street, and a PRIVATE RECREATION Concordia parking lot on Bonnie Private recreation consists of rec- Brae Place and Thomas Street. reational facilities that contribute

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 16 to the overall character and ameni- ously improved with a building or ties available to the community. use, but are now vacant. Some of However, they are not open to the the vacant areas are currently be- general public and require a mem- ing used as unimproved parking bership to use. The Oak Park Ten- areas. These vacant areas repre- nis Club and the River Forest Ten- sent obvious redevelopment po- nis Club are private recreational tential within the Village. facilities in River Forest. Private recreation is presented in greater detail in the Community Facilities section of this Plan. PUBLIC/SEMI PUBLIC Existing public/semi-public uses include churches, the post office, the Community Center, and Vil- lage-owned facilities. These facilities are presented in greater detail in the Community Facilities section of this Plan. FOREST PRESPRESERVEERVE The Cook County Forest Preserve has ownership of large areas within River Forest. The large holding of land represents the southern section of the Indian Boundary Divi- sion of the Forest Preserve's open space system. The Cook County Forest Preserve Headquarters building is located on the northwest corner of Lake Street and Harlem Avenue, in addition to a park/open space. Together with the Park District, the forest preserve provides a network of parks, recreational amenities and open space for Village residents. The forest preserve’s holdings are presented in greater detail in the Community Facilities section of this Plan. VACANT LAND There are six vacant sites located within the Village of River Forest. Each vacant site has been previ-

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 17 Village of River Forest Comprehensive Plan November 2003 Prepared by Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne, Inc. detached dwellings, home occupa- Other uses are permitted by the Zoning tions, child day care homes, and ordinance, however they require a accessory buildings. special permit. The River Forest Zoning Ordi- nance was adopted in 1995. Its R2 --- SINGLESINGLE----FAMILYFAMILY ((DETACHED)DETACHED) C3C3----COMMERCIALCOMMERCIAL DIDISSSTRICTTRICT purpose is to promote the public RESIDERESIDENNNTIALTIAL safety, health, convenience, com- Parcels zoned C3 are located fort, preservation of property val- Parcels zoned R2 represent most along Lake Street and Hawthorne ues, and general welfare of the of the land area in River Forest. Avenue. Permitted uses in the C3 Village. Permitted uses in the R2 District District include permitted uses of include permitted uses in the R1 the C2 District, with the exception More specifically, the Zoning Or- District. of offices larger than 2,000 square dinance is intended to: implement feet. Other uses are permitted by goals and objectives of the Com- R3 --- SINGLESINGLE----FAMILYFAMILY ((ATTACHED)ATTACHED) the ordinance, however they re- prehensive Plan; act as a regulatory RESIDERESIDENNNTIALTIAL quire a special permit. guide for decision makers; establish clear procedures for develop- Parcels zoned R3 are located ORICORIC---- OOFFFFICE/RESEARCH/INDUSTFICE/RESEARCH/INDUSTFICE/RESEARCH/INDUSTRIALRIAL ment proposals; support develop- along Lake Street and Harlem /COMMERCIAL ment and redevelopment that is Avenue. Permitted uses in the R3 Parcels zoned ORIC are located appropriate; regulate the location District include single-family at- along Lake Street, immediately of land uses; facilitate long term tached and detached dwellings, west of Harlem Avenue. Permitted development; allow land uses that private garages, home occupa- uses in the ORIC District include support the primary role of the tions, and accessory buildings. permitted uses of the C1 District, Village as an exceptional residen- R4 --- MULTIMULTI----FAMILYFAMILY RESIDENTIALRESIDENTIAL and post offices and large office tial community; control the impact uses. Other uses are permitted by of development; control exterior Parcels zoned R4 are located the ordinance, however they re- lighting and landscaping; support a along Lake Street and Harlem quire a special permit. variety of recreational and open Avenue. Permitted uses in the R4 spaces; promote traffic safety; en- District include multiple-family PRIPRI----PUPUPUBBBLIC/RECREATIONAL/INSLIC/RECREATIONAL/INSLIC/RECREATIONAL/INSTITUTIONALTITUTIONAL sure adequate light and air; control dwellings, and any use permitted in storm water; diversify land uses for the R3 District. Parcels zoned PRI are scattered a stable economy; provide ade- throughout the community. Per- quate off-street parking, and; pro- C1C1----COMMERCIALCOMMERCIAL mitted uses in the PRI District in- tect and enhance the property clude municipal offices and build- Parcels zoned C1 are located value of land and buildings. ings, police and fire stations, along North Avenue. Permitted civic/community centers, libraries, uses in the C1 District include a Figure 3, located at the end of this parks, forest preserves, houses of variety of commercial uses, includ- section, illustrates zoning in the worship, educational institutions, Village of River Forest at the time ing retail, office, service, and res- private recreational membership of the update to the Comprehen- taurant. Other uses may require a organizations, electrical distribu- special permit. sive Plan. tion centers, and cell tower/antennas. R1 --- WIDE LOT SINGLESINGLE----FAMILYFAMILY RESIDERESIDENNNTIALTIAL C2C2----COMMERCIALCOMMERCIAL DIDISSSTRICTTRICT Parcels zoned R1 are located near Parcels zoned C2 are located the center of River Forest, on east along Harlem Avenue, Lake Street and west sides of Ashland Avenue, and Madison Street. Permitted between Augusta Street and Chi- uses in the C2 District include cago Avenue. Permitted uses in permitted uses of the C1 District, the R1 District include single-family and multiple family dwelling units.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 19 Village of River Forest Comprehensive Plan November 2003 Prepared by Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne, Inc. The land uses identified in this sec- image and identity is due to the Land Use Plan tion and illustrated in Figure 4 in- unique character of its neighbor- clude: hoods, and these distinguishing This section presents the Long- • features should be preserved and Range Land Use Plan for the Village Single Family Residential enhanced. Single-family residential of River Forest. The Plan builds • Single-Family/Multi-Family Resi- areas comprise the single largest upon the existing land-use and de- dential land use in the Village of River For- velopment patterns in River Forest. • Multi-Family Residential It strives to promote a compatible est. • arrangement of uses which con- Commercial/Multi-Family tinue to make efficient use of land • Commercial Because the community is essen- tially built-out, little opportunity resources and community facilities • School and services. The Land Use Plan exists for the development of new • also emphasizes an approach that Park/Open Space single-family residential homes, encourages continued protection of • Private Recreation except in the case of a replacing an the Village’s residential areas and a • Public/Semi-Public existing residential structure. strengthening of the Village’s Whenever opportunities present • Forest Preserve mixed-use corridors. Community themselves, such as when an insti- facilities and institutional uses are RESIDENTIAL tutional use vacates a site, new an important component of the single-family residential develop- Village’s character and play an im- Within the residential land use ment should be considered. Areas portant role in the overall Land Use classification there are three cate- identified for potential new single- Plan. A description of the Land Use gories of residential land-use: sin- family homes include the commer- Plan is provided below and illus- gle-family residential, single- cial properties on Ashland Avenue trated in Figure 4 at the end of this family/multi-family residential, and section. just south of Hawthorne Avenue multi-family residential. and in the residential area on the LANDLAND----USEUSE CLASSIFICCLASSIFICAAATIONTION south side of Lake Street west of Together, these residential areas Thatcher Avenue. A new land-use classification system provide a range of quality housing has been developed to help organ- options for Village residents. The Some areas within the Village are ize and arrange future land-use ar- mix of owner-occupied and rental beginning to experience new con- eas in the Village. A land use classi- units, for both single-family and struction and the “teardowns” of fication system is necessary to accu- multi-family dwellings, accommo- rately reflect the Village’s intentions some of the smaller, “obsolete” dates the various housing needs for the type, intensity, and location older homes. The Plan recognizes for individuals and families at dif- of future land uses anticipated un- the value and importance of River der the Comprehensive Plan. ferent stages of life – from renters Forest’s existing housing stock in and first-time home buyers to terms of image, character, and sta- A land-use classification system is “empty nesters”. bility. While the replacement of an important part of the Compre- some older/obsolete homes is hensive Plan. It defines the different Single-Family Residential – a resi- both normal and desirable, the types of land-use areas that will be dential area occupied exclusively Village should continue to monitor mapped as part of the Comprehen- by detached single-family residen- the situation, to ensure that sive Plan Land Use Plan Map. Each tial dwellings. of these areas is described in terms changes are sensitive to and reflec- of its future function and may not River Forest is primarily a residen- tive of existing Village character necessarily translate to existing zon- tial community and is well known and the architectural diversity River ing ordinance districts. In fact, for its established, historic, archi- Forest is known for. some of the classifications indicated tecturally significant, and attractive below may not be currently repre- Single-Family/Multi-Family Resi- neighborhoods, comprised of var- sented in the Village’s zoning dential– a residential area cur- ied architectural styles and appear- scheme. rently consisting of both single- ance. Much of the Village’s special

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 21 family and multi-family dwellings family dwellings including town- and improved as needed. The re- that is appropriate for residential homes, condominiums, and placement of older/obsolete units redevelopment and improvement. apartments. with new developments providing quality living environments and The residential area west of Throughout the Village, several sufficient parking is encouraged. Thatcher Avenue, between Lake areas of multi-family residential Street and the Union Pacific Rail- exist. All of the multi-family resi- The Land-Use Plan designates sev- road, is a development pattern dential uses are located along or eral areas as multi-family, most of unique to this area of the Village. near the Village’s mixed-use corri- which reflect existing residential Within this area are several resi- dors, including: North Avenue, uses. Newly designated multi- dential dwelling types, including Harlem Avenue, Lake Street, and family land use areas include the four single-family detached homes Madison Street. The multi-family alley bound properties on the east and several other buildings hous- dwellings offer a range of housing side of Lathrop between Lake ing 2,4, and 6 units each. Al- options for Village residents, and Street and Central Avenue, and the though many of the homes and accommodate individual “dwelling commercial office properties at the properties are maintained in good needs” at different stages of their southwest corner of Lathrop Ave- condition, the overall character of lives. nue and Hawthorne Avenue. the area is not consistent with other residential areas of the Vil- The range of multi-family residen- COMMERCIAL lage. Access to most units is pro- tial units in River Forest goes from Within the commercially desig- vided from the narrow alley to the affordable older units to more re- nated areas of the Village, different south of the buildings and the area cently constructed developments intensities of commercial activity as a whole is severely under- offering units with very high values. exist. With the exception of only a parked. The strong market for upscale multi-family residential dwellings in few properties, the commercial This designated area should be River Forest has created a desir- areas of the Village are located targeted for residential redevelop- able environment for quality infill along the major mixed-use corri- ment and improvement. As a developments. dors, including North Avenue, Har- highly visible, “gateway” area lem Avenue, Lake Street, and when entering the Village from the New multifamily developments are Madison Street. Detailed corridor west, this single-family/multi-family held to high standards for quality plans are provided in a later sec- residential area is positioned to be construction and building materi- tion of the Comprehensive Plan a priority redevelopment area in als, architecture and appearance, and include the North Avenue the future. The area could be ap- and are required to provide ade- Corridor Plan, the Madison Street propriately redeveloped using a quate parking for residents and Corridor Plan, and the Lake Street mix of single-family homes, town- guests. Older multi-family devel- Corridor Plan. homes, and condominiums. opments often suffer from a lack of sufficient off-street parking and Commercial/Multi-Family – an If opportunity for coordinated re- lack the amenities and market area currently occupied by multi- development does not occur in the competitiveness that new devel- family dwellings that is appropriate future, the Village should work opments can provide. for commercial or multi-family de- with property owners, builders, velopment and improvement. and developers to improve the New multi-family residential devel- Several older multi-family residen- condition and appearance of the opments should be held to high tial developments exist along the area as a quality residential com- standards and reflect the overall North Avenue and Madison Street ponent of the community. character of the community. Older developments should be corridors. The properties, while Multi-Family Residential – a resi- improved with additional parking currently used for residential, are dential area occupied by multi- where appropriate and maintained located on mixed-use corridors and are likely and appropriate

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 22 candidates for future commercial residential neighborhood. In addi- cial and retail products, offices, and development. Both commercial tion to an appropriate commercial services on a community-wide and multi-family residential uses use, residential uses should also be scale, including larger planned are appropriate for these locations. considered. shopping and service locations. Should opportunities for redevel- This area is located south of Lake opment occur in the future, both The small commercial area along Street between Harlem Avenue commercial and owner-occupied Hawthorne Avenue between Ash- and Lathrop Avenue. multi-family uses should be con- land Avenue and Lathrop Avenue sidered. If the existing residential has been eliminated. The small COMMUNITY FACILITIES structures remain, they should be area is designated for single-family Community facilities are an impor- maintained and improved to reflect residential along Ashland Avenue tant component of the Land Use the residential character of the Vil- and multi-family residential along Plan and a defining part of River lage. Lathrop Avenue. Forest’s overall community charac- Mixed-use developments with More detailed commercial area ter. Community facilities are cov- commercial on the ground floor information is provided in the Cor- ered in detail in the next section of and residential units above should ridor Plans section of the Compre- the Comprehensive Plan docu- also be considered for these loca- hensive Plan. ment. Identified below are the tions. land-use classifications for com- The Lake Street Corridor Plan con- munity facilities as identified on the Commercial – a commercial area tains two commercial land use Land Use Plan. designated for retail, office, and classifications unique to the corri- service uses. dor: Public/Institutional - an area con- taining community facilities or pub- Successful commercial uses are Village Center Commercial is a lic buildings such as churches, mu- vitally important to the Village. commercial/mixed-use area which nicipal buildings, and cultural facili- Property tax and sales tax revenue is pedestrian oriented and provides ties. from commercial activities con- products and services to meet tribute significantly to the Village’s, daily living needs, as well as com- School – an area designated for a and other agencies’ ability to pro- parison shopping goods. Ground public or private school, including vide quality services, facilities, and floor uses are primarily retail, res- elementary, middle school, high programs to residents. The Com- taurant, and personal service, with school, college, or university. prehensive Plan reinforces the office and residential uses located Private Recreation – an area occu- commercial role of the Village’s on the upper floors. Although a pied by a private tennis, swim, or primary corridors and strives to pedestrian environment, the area other recreation or social club. provide an environment respectful needs to be easily accessible by car and needs sufficient off-street of the Village’s character and re- Park/Open Space - an area in- parking. The area is located on the sponsive to its needs for viable tended to be maintained as a park, south side of Lake Street between commercial development. recreation site or open space. Lathrop Avenue and Park Avenue. The only commercial property not A small area of Village Center Forest Preserve – properties owned located along a major corridor is Commercial can also be found at and maintained by the Cook the Oilily property on Forest Ave- the intersection of Lake Street and County Forest Preserve as forested nue, adjacent to the Public Works Thatcher Avenue. areas, parks, open space, recreation Yard. If the Oilily operation vacates sites, or other facilities. the property, a similar use would Corridor Commercial is also be preferred. Any use that occu- unique to the Lake Street Corridor RECOGNITION OF RIVER FOREST’S ARCHARCHI-I- pies the site in the future must be and is a commercial area which TECTURAL HERHERIIIITAGETAGE compatible with the surrounding provides a wide range of commer-

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 23 River Forest has a treasure of archi- Trailside Museum), and many, tecturally significant buildings and many single-family residential structures. While most of its re- homes. sources lie within the residential neighborhoods of the Village, All of these sites, institutions, build- there also exist several commercial ing s and homes are significant and and institutional structures. In contribute immeasurably to the 1977, at the direction of the Village’s overall character, heri- United States Department of the tage, architectural diversity, iden- Interior, a National Historic Preser- tity and sense of place. vation District was established in River Forest. The nomination cited several structures and buildings as having architectural interest in the community. Among the known architects cited, they include: Frank

Lloyd Wright, William Drummond, and Tallmadge and Watson. Wil- liam Drummond made his home in River Forest in 1910 and he designed 14 structures in River For- est.

The boundaries of the historic preservation district is illustrated in

Figures 2 and 4.

The National Historic Preservation District only brings recognition to these resources. Preservation and conservation property tax incentives may be made available for restoration activities under the rules of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Approximately 830 structures are located within the Historic District, with 165 of the structures identified for having special architectural and/or historical significance. Some of these sites and structures of significance include: River Forest

Woman’s Club, Harlem School

(now Lincoln School), River Forest Bank Building, River Forest Meth- odist Church, River Forest Tennis Club, River Forest Public Library, Abraham J. Hoffman House (now

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 24 Village of River Forest Comprehensive Plan November 2003 Prepared by Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne, Inc.

Section 4 Community Facilities

The Village should support the an enrollment of approximately Community continued operation and im- 2,900 students. The school is cur- provement of these facilities, pro- rently expanding and improving its FFaaacilitiescilities vided they do not negatively im- athletic facilities and is contemplat- pact residential neighborhoods, ing the construction of a parking The Village of River Forest is and cooperate with the various structure to better accommodate served by a system of community organizations to maintain high- parking demands of staff and stu- facilities that provides efficient de- quality school sites and facilities. dents. The high school has no livery of public services and en- plans at this time for the expansion hances the community as a desir- The architecture and character of of its primary building. able place in which to live and do the schools contribute to the over- business. High quality schools, all character of the surrounding St. Luke School parks, recreation, open space, mu- residential neighborhoods. The St. Luke Elementary School is a nicipal services, and other private schools should continue their tradi- Catholic school located along Lake organizations all contribute to the tion of architectural integrity, main- Street, adjacent to St. Luke Church. Village’s quality of life. Figure 5, taining attractive campus facilities, The school is in good condition, located at the end of this section, and willingness to work with although there are plans for asbes- illustrates community facilities neighbors to maintain the balance tos abatement and minor remodel- within the Village. of institutional uses in residential settings. ing of the school building to im- Provided in this section is an over- prove accessibility and keep the view of the community facilities Public Elementary School DiDisssstricttrict 90 facility current. The school pro- within the Village and an assess- vides an excellent educational op- Public Elementary School District ment of each facility’s existing tion for the River Forest commu- 90 provides education for grades condition and future needs. Un- nity. No expansion plans exist for kindergarten through eighth grade derstanding that the Village does the school. to all residents of River Forest. not have jurisdiction or control District 90 operates 2 elementary over a majority of the community St. Vincent School schools (Willard Elementary School facilities within its municipal limits, and Lincoln Elementary School) St. Vincent School is a Catholic but by identifying and understand- and one middle school (Roosevelt school located along North Ave- ing the needs of each community Middle School). The schools are nue, adjacent to St. Vincent facility, the Village is better able to performing extremely well, cur- Church. The school is a valuable gage its role in working with the rently ranked #1 in the six-county asset to the community and is in different service providers to im- area, based on exam scores. The good condition. There are no ex- prove the overall level of service to schools have recently updated pansion or major capital improve- River Forest residents. both their educational and athletic ment plans for the future. SCHOOLS & EDUCATIONAEDUCATIONALL FACILFACILIIIITIESTIES facilities. The district is expecting Grace Lutheran School enrollment to remain at or near the Education in River Forest is pro- current levels, so no new buildings Grace Lutheran School is located vided at a variety of levels by a or expansions are expected. on the southwest corner of Bonnie number of both public and private Brae and Division Street, adjacent agencies. The high quality of the Oak Park River Forest High School DiDisssstricttrict to Concordia University. The schools serving River Forest adds 200 school provides quality education significantly to the overall quality for grades kindergarten through Oak Park River Forest High School of life in the Village and is a major eighth grade. The school has re- (OPRF) is located in Oak Park and contributor to the Village’s desir- cently completed a major addition serves the residents of Oak Park ability as a place to live and raise a and facility upgrade and no addi- and River Forest. OPRF provides family. tional expansion is anticipated. education for grades 9-12 and has

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 27 Keystone Montessori School center, and campus-wide landscap- the trees and wooded setting ing improvements. The athletic should be protected. Keystone Montessori School is a field is owned and operated jointly private educational facility located with OPRF and Fenwick High Priory on the southwest corner of North School, and is often made available Although the Priory building, gar- Avenue and William Street. The for use by local grade schools. school provides classes for pre- dens, and adjacent parking lot are school through sixth grade. Plans Dominican University owned by Dominican University for a second floor addition have for use as a graduate school facility recently been approved for the Dominican University is located in and remote parking area, the fields school. The addition will accom- northwest River Forest. It is a co- surrounding the priory building to modate gymnasium/recreation ed Catholic institution offering the northwest, northeast, and room facilities and additional bachelor and master degrees and southeast remain owned by the group/class room instruction. certificate programs in compre- Province of Saint Albert the Great hensive liberal arts, in a variety of and are being leased to Fenwick Trinity High School disciplines. Dominican University’s High School for baseball, softball, enrollment has fluctuated over the football, and soccer use. In the Trinity High School is an out- past ten years, increasing by an event that the Province chooses to standing all female private Catholic average of eight percent. Follow- sell the fields in the future and the school located on Division Street ing this trend the university should possible development of the par- in north central River Forest. Trin- expect to have 2,700 students cels becomes an issue, the recrea- ity High School draws students within ten years. This growth is not tion/park/open space uses should from within River Forest as well as expected to be confined to the be maintained. The Village, in co- from areas well beyond the Village River Forest campus. Approxi- operation with the Park District, limits. The school has experienced mately fifteen percent of Domini- should designate these areas for steady but modest growth and can University’s students live on- public park use to better facilitate estimates that growth will con- campus. A new residence hall has the growing need for recreational tinue. Currently, the building is in recently been approved that allows activity areas and fields for organ- good condition and is expected to the University to replace an obso- ized sports. meet the needs of the school as it lete dormitory facility and accom- grows. A new gymnasium facility modate its anticipated enrollment PARKS, RECREATION ANANDD OPEN SPACE has been recently approved, and increase. The University’s master The River Forest community’s park, will be constructed on the site of plan is also in the development recreation, and open space needs the existing convent, which is to be process. The plan will outline the are served by the River Forest Park removed. addition of a new parking structure that the university has committed District, River Forest Community Concordia University to providing and a new academic Center, private recreation facilities including the River Forest and Oak building and expansion and reno- Concordia University is located in Park Tennis Clubs, Cook County vation of the dining hall. Addition- eastern River Forest along Augusta Forest Preserve facilities, and ally, the university has recently Boulevard. Concordia University is school facilities. Together, these purchased the Priory building and a private, Lutheran liberal arts uni- facilities contribute to the commu- versity. On its 40-acre campus, gardens at Division Street and Har- lem Avenue to use as a graduate nity’s quality of life by providing Concordia serves 1,200 under- recreation opportunities and pre- school facility. graduates and 700 graduate stu- serving natural areas. The Village dents. The University has recently The University’s main campus is should continue to work with the constructed major campus im- situated on a beautifully wooded different agencies and organiza- provements, including a new ath- site that is considered a commu- tions to increase cooperation and letic field and track facility, a new nity asset. To the extent possible, coordination in an effort to sup- parking deck, a new education

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 28 port, maintain, and improve exist- Memorial Parkway. The Park Dis- demand for programs outgrows ing facilities and programs. trict continues to cooperate with the current facility, the Community Universities, schools, and the forest Center will first look to establish River Forest Park District preserve to make additional ath- partnerships with other agencies letic and recreational facilities before considering expanding their The River Forest Park District owns available to River Forest residents. building. 10 park sites scattered throughout the Village of River Forest. Key- River Forest Tennis Club Cook County Forest Preserve District stone Park is the main recreational area in River Forest. It is 9 acres in The River Forest Tennis Club is a The Cook County Forest Preserve size, and provides residents with 7 family oriented, private tennis and lands are notable community asset outdoor illuminated tennis courts, swimming club. The club is lo- and add to the overall character of 4 little league diamonds, batting cated along Lathrop Avenue, south the Village. The Cook County For- cages, a tot lot, outdoor ice rinks of Oak Street. The clubhouse was est Preserve District is headquar- and warming room, and open designed by Frank Lloyd Wright tered in River Forest. The District space. and is considered architecturally offices are located on the property significant. In addition to the club- at the northwest corner of Lake The Park District recently com- house, the club includes a pool, a Street and Harlem Avenue. The pleted an open space master plan pool house, and 10 tennis courts. Forest Preserve District’s mission is for its ten parks and other open Their facilities are currently ade- to acquire and hold lands contain- spaces. The Park District Master quate and in good condition. They ing one or more natural forests, for Plan document recommends that do not have expansion plans for the purpose of protecting and pre- the district reorganize its parks to the facility. serving the flora, fauna, and scenic maximize the Des Plaines River as beauties. a community asset, work with Oak Park Tennis Club other organizations like the The Forest Preserve District has a schools and the community center The Oak Park Tennis Club is a non- large preserve located within the to provide quality green spaces, profit organization whose facilities Village, along the DesPlaines River. and continue working with the include a clubhouse and nine ten- The preserve is separated into ar- community in planning a new nis courts, in good condition. The eas known as Thatcher Woods, bikeway. club is located in eastern River Thatcher Woods Glen, “Hal“ Tyrell Forest, at the intersection of Har- Trailside Museum, Grand Army of The Village should also continue to lem Avenue and Quick Avenue. the Republic Memorial Woods, cooperate with the park district in The club has no plans for expan- and Thomas Jefferson Memorial the provision of parks and recrea- sion. Woods. Within the forest preserve tion for the community. It is im- River Forest Community CeCennnterter areas adjacent to the Des Plaines portant that park sites are ade- River are pavilions, parks, recrea- quately maintained, and reforesta- The River Forest Community Cen- tion areas, picnic areas, and hiking tion is undertaken when needed. ter is a non-profit organization that and biking trails. A ball field is also Park sites and their facilities and provides educational, recreational, provided on the District property programs should be responsive to and social programs for the citi- at the northwest corner of Lake the needs of the community. Pro- zens of River Forest. They moved Street and Harlem Avenue. grams for the growing demograph- to their current facility along Madi- ics of teens and seniors should be son Street in 1993 and have re- The Village should continue to co- provided. cently completed improvements to operate and support the Forest the building. The building provides Preserve District’s mission and en- The Park District has recently made sufficient space for current activi- courage the continued mainte- improvements to Washington ties and no additions or expansions nance and improvement of its fa- Commons and has plans to up- are planned for the future. If the grade both Keystone Park and

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 29 cilities, including the existing and needs. By cooperating with Con- River Forest Police DDeeepartmentpartment planned bicycle paths and trails. cordia and Dominican Universities, the Library is able to make avail- The River Forest Police Depart- PUBLIC/SEMI PUBLIC FFAAACILITIESCILITIES able the universities’ libraries and ment protects residents against research space for River Forest crime. The department is proud In addition to schools, parks and Library card holders. It is impor- that River Forest enjoys a low open space, other public and semi- tant that the library be maintained crime rate, in comparison with sur- public facilities provide important as a focal point and resource in the rounding communities. The River services to the residents of a com- community. Forest Police Department operates munity and also add to the overall from a single facility at the Village quality of life. These facilities in- Currently, the library is in an excel- Hall. Their facility, personnel, and clude the River Forest Library, lent location, close to schools and equipment are adequate and there River Forest Community Center, other community facilities, but are no plans to expand. Police River Forest Public Works Depart- space for growth is limited so a service should continue to main- ment, River Forest Police Depart- creative solution is needed. Addi- tain a high level of protection for ment, the River Forest Fire De- tionally, a branch library south of the residents and visitors of River partment, and various religious Lake Street might eventually be Forest. institutions. The Village should considered to better serve the maintain and improve these facili- southern portion of River Forest. River Forest Fire DeparDeparttttmentment ties, provided they do not nega- To date, the library does not have The River Forest Fire Department tively impact residential neighbor- expansion or relocation plans for hoods. provides fire protection and emer- its facility. The Village should work gency medical care to the Village River Forest Public Library cooperatively with the library to of River Forest from its fire station, find solutions to the space and located adjacent to the Village The River Forest Public Library parking problems it is facing. Hall. The Village’s fire protection provides a variety of media and system is further enhanced by an data services to the growing com- Village Hall agreement that provides emer- munity. The public library is lo- The River Forest Village Hall is lo- gency response from seven fire cated along Lathrop Avenue, adja- cated at the intersection of Park stations in River Forest, Oak Park, cent to Centennial Park and Roo- Avenue and Central Avenue. The Forest Park, and Elmwood Park, in sevelt Middle School. The original relatively new facility houses of- a coordinated manner. library was constructed in 1923 fices of the Village Administration, and a large addition was built in Public Works, and Fire and Police The River Forest Fire Department 1992. Departments. Although the facility has indicated that their facilities, adequately meets the need of the personnel, and equipment meet or To best serve the community, the Village and no expansion plans are exceed their standards (only library needs more building and anticipated, parking for the facility scheduled equipment purchases parking space. The modern library is limited. Currently, the Village and maintenance are needed) and is now more than a place to store uses the vacant lot on the south- there are no future expansion books. The library houses many east corner of Park Avenue and plans. Fire protection service types of media including com- Lake Street for overflow parking. should continue to maintain a high puters, and is host to many com- The Village should continue to ex- level of protection for the residents munity programs. The library is in plore redevelopment opportunities and property owners of River For- need of space to expand its collec- to provide additional parking in the est. Recent water main rebuild tion and its activity space is be- areas surrounding the Village Hall. improvements have also improved coming inadequate to accommo- fire protection by improving water date demand. The limited parking availability and flow through the has also become a problem espe- Village. Continued cooperation cially for patrons with special and coordination with surrounding

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 30 communities further strengthens system. Overhead sewers, gutter The Village’s water utility must not fire protection services to Village disconnects, and lift stations have only have the capacity to meet residents. been required by the Village in an daily consumption needs during effort to improve the overall sys- the summer months, when the River Forest Public WorksWorks DDeeepartmentpartment tem. Although there is need for no demand is greatest, but also must future expansion, the Village be able to adequately supply water The River Forest Public Works De- should ensure existing infrastruc- in sufficient quantities to fight fires. partment is responsible for the fol- ture is maintained and remains Fortunately, the underground res- lowing: building, zoning, grounds, adequate to serve the community. ervoirs and the water tower store a engineering, GIS (geographic insufficient supply of water for formation systems), streets, for- Water emergencies. Although there are estry, water, sewers, sanitation, no future expansion plans, the Vil- motor fuel tax fund, and property The River Forest Water Distribu- lage should ensure existing infra- maintenance. Currently their facili- tion System is in good working structure is maintained and re- ties, personal, and equipment condition and generally has suffi- mains adequate to serve the com- meets or exceeds requirements cient capacity to meet current and munity. (only scheduled equipment pur- projected needs. The Village purchases and maintenance are chases Lake Michigan water from Solid Waste needed) and there are no plans to the City of Chicago. Chicago wa- expand. The administrative func- ter enters the Village’s system un- River Forest is unique among most tions of the Public Works Depart- der the North Avenue and Harlem suburbs in that household refuse is ment are housed in the Village Hall Avenue intersection and flows to a collected from alleys and back- and the Public Works Garage Yard pumping station at Jackson Ave- yards instead of at the curb. The is located on Forest Avenue near nue and Berkshire Street. At the Village currently contracts with a the intersection of Vine Street. station, the water is re-chlorinated, private firm to collect and dispose stored in two underground reser- of solid waste from residences. Sewer voirs and pumped under pressure Owners of residential buildings into the water mains. Water is also with 4 or more units, commercial, The River Forest sewer system pumped into the Village’s water office, institutional, and industrial consists of Village owned sewers tower to create an additional re- buildings, must obtain solid waste and Metropolitan Sanitary District serve, equalize pressure through- collection services at their own (MSD) interceptors, lift stations out the day, and reduce the bur- expense. The Village regularly re- and a treatment plant. Village den on the water pumps. views contract collection costs and sewers north of Oak Street collect alternative methods and service and combine sanitary and storm Chicago’s water supply system has providers. flows and transport them to a MSD the capacity to meet the antici- interceptor sewer. The Village sys- pated demand for its water during This level of service helps in keep- tem south of Oak Street partially the next 20 years. The sustainable ing unsightly garbage cans out of separates the flows to reduce capacity of the system is 2160 mil- the street and front yards and helps basement flooding. The sewers lion gallons per day, almost twice maintain the traditional quality of collect storm water and carry it to the current average daily use. By life and community aesthetic of the Des Plaines River. The sanitary the year 2020, the average daily River Forest. Beginning in the early flow is sent to and treated at the demand of Chicago and its subur- 1980’s, River Forest was among MSD Stickney treatment plant. ban customers, is projected to be the first communities to actively With the recent construction of the about 20 percent greater than the recycle solid waste. Today the southern system, and MSD’s Tun- current average daily demand, and Village’s programs accommodate nel and Reservoir Plan, the sewer that will only be 55% of the sys- paper, plastic, metal and garden system for the Village is adequate. tem’s sustainable capacity. waste. The Village system, however, is limited by the capacity of the MSD

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 31 RELIGIOUS AND OTHER INSTITINSTITUUUTIONSTIONS meeting/office space. Similar to have convenient access to key other religious facilities in the Vil- transportations systems, including: St. Luke Catholic Church lage, First Presbyterian Church is a highways, airports, Metra and Chi- St. Luke Catholic Church is located beautiful structure in a beautiful cago Transit Authority (CTA) rail along Lake Street and has on its setting, and contributes greatly to service, and Pace bus service. campus a church, an elementary the character of the Village and school, a rectory, and a convent. surrounding residential neighbor- Highways All their facilities are in good condi- hood. The Eisenhower Expressway and tion and though no projects are the Tri-State Highway are two planned, the church intends to West Suburban Temple Har Zion highways in close proximity to the expand its facilities as demand The West Suburban Temple Har Village. The two state highways grows. St. Luke Church has a sig- Zion is located along Harlem Ave- provide convenient access to the greater regional transportation nificant presence within the Lake nue, south of Thomas Street. The network, allowing Village residents Street Corridor and the Village as a facilities are currently adequate whole. The church has architec- to easily travel within and beyond and in good condition. No expan- the Northeastern Illinois/Greater tural significance and adds to the sion plans are anticipated in the Chicago area. overall image and character of the future. Village. Airports River Forest Women’s Club St. Vincent Catholic Church O’Hare International Airport and The River Forest Women’s Club is Midway Airport are both approxi- St. Vincent Catholic Church is lo- located on Ashland Avenue, north mately 20 minutes from River For- cated along North Avenue and is of Lake Street. The structure has est. This central location, O’Hare adjacent to St. Vincent School. architectural and historic signifi- to the northwest and Midway to the southeast, allows residents to The church facilities are in good cance, but requires additional easily travel to either airport with- condition but too small to meet all maintenance and substantial up- the needs of the church. St. Vin- out requiring driving on any state grades. The facility is currently not highways. The convenient access cent’s has plans to expand the par- utilized to its full potential, and is and proximity to both airports is a ish center in the future to better primarily used to accommodate strategic advantage for resident air accommodate the needs of the recitals, meetings of the Women’s travelers. parish. Like St. Luke Church, St. Club and others, programming for Vincent Church has a significant the River Forest Park District and Metra Station architectural and aesthetic impact community group gatherings. Due The Village is served by one Metra and adds to the overall character to the structure’s architectural and station located along the Union and identity of the Village and the historic significance, consideration Pacific tracks between Thatcher North Avenue Corridor. should be given to assisting the Avenue and Keystone Avenue. Women’s Club with finding an First Presbyterian Church Parking for commuters is provided appropriate user for the existing along Central Avenue, Hawthorne The First Presbyterian Church is facility as the Women’s Club has Avenue, and in off-street lots north located at the intersection of indicated a desire to have another and west of the station. The Metra Lathrop Avenue and Quick Ave- user operate and maintain the line provides service between Ge- nue. The church has indicated that building and grounds. neva and Downtown Chicago. As their facilities are currently ade- commuter ridership increases at TTTRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATION quate and in good condition. The the River Forest station, the Village church is planning on adding an The Village of River Forest is should continue to explore oppor- elevator to make the building more served by excellent transportation tunities to provide additional park- accessible, and has future plans to facilities. Both within the Village ing in the area surrounding the modestly expand and redesign the and in close proximity, residents Metra Station.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 32 CTA Station

The CTA station is located in Forest Park on Harlem Avenue, just south of River Forest Village limits. The station is easily accessed by Village residents and provides service to Downtown Chicago and points in between. The Village should continue to provide safe and efficient pedestrian and bicycle access to the CTA station from River Forest locations.

Pace Bus

River Forest is served by four Pace Bus Routes, including routes #305, #307, #309, and #318. The routes serve the primary commercial corridors and well as the universities and residential areas. The routes run along North Avenue, Division

Street, Lake Street, Madison Street, Harlem Avenue, and Thatcher Avenue north of Division Street.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 33 Village of River Forest Comprehensive Plan November 2003 Prepared by Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne, Inc.

Section 5 Transportation ever they often are not as fast, and Street and Thatcher Avenue (be- TransportTransportaaationtion can permit on-street parking during tween Chicago Avenue and North non-peak times. Minor arterial Avenue) are state roads, and are The Village of River Forest should roads can also accommodate the responsibility of the Illinois De- be served by a balanced transpor- through traffic and commercial partment of Transportation (IDOT). tation system that provides for safe traffic, although typically at lesser and efficient movement of vehi- volumes and speeds than major Maintenance cles, bicycles and pedestrians, rein- arterials. forces surrounding development A newly constructed street can last patterns, and enhances regional Collector Streets as long as 50 years with proper transportation facilities. Figure 6, maintenance. River Forest has an located at the end of this section, Collector streets are streets that aggressive street maintenance and highlights traffic conditions, im- collect traffic from local streets, improvement program, regularly provements, and recommenda- and move the traffic toward arterial patching and sealing streets. This tions. streets for efficient flow. Collector proactive approach to street main- streets in River Forest include tenance can minimize the effects STREETS Thatcher Avenue, Lathrop Avenue, of age, weather, and traffic. The Division Street, Chicago Avenue, Village should continue to repair, Streets are classified according to and Washington Street. Collector upgrade, and resurface roadways their design, traffic volume, and streets are intended to serve the and alleys on an ongoing basis as function. Streets in River Forest local population, providing local funding permits. are classified as Major Arterials, streets with efficient access to arte- Minor Arterials, Collectors and rial streets. PARKING Local Streets. Streets in River For- est should direct traffic in a safe Local Streets It is important that there is ade- and efficient manner to the street quate parking for residents, visitors, classification that is designed to All other residential streets within customers, commuters and em- accommodate such traffic. the Village are considered residen- ployees within the Village. Ade- tial streets. Their purpose is to quate parking for all areas of the Major Arterials provide a means of access be- Village and all land uses is impor- tween a property and a collector tant. Parking is becoming an in- Harlem Avenue and North Avenue or arterial street. Non-local motor- creasingly common problem in are considered major arterial ists can create problems in neigh- many areas of the Village. streets. They primarily carry borhoods along local streets and through traffic, traffic whose be- create concerns for safety. Local Currently, parking problems have ginning and destination require a streets are not designed to ac- been identified with institutional trip through the Village of River commodate high volumes of uses, Metra commuters, multi- Forest along these streets. Arterial traffic. Consequently, local streets family residential developments, streets are wider, faster, and have should be protected from high commercial areas, and single- limited access points along their traffic volumes. Non-local, “cut- family neighborhoods that are im- length. Commercial and non-local through” and commercial traffic on pacted by these other uses. The traffic should be directed to and local streets should be minimized. problem is even further com- remain on major arterial roads. pounded when different uses are IDOT Responsibility competing for nearby parking dur- Minor Arterial Streets ing the same time or when a spe- Not all of the streets within the cial event or sport activity is taking Madison Avenue and Lake Street Village of River Forest are under are the two minor arterial streets in place, drawing even more cars to the Village’s control. North Ave- the facility than would otherwise River Forest. Minor arterial streets nue, Harlem Avenue, Lake Street, function like major arterials, how- be there. Adequate parking is es- Washington Boulevard, Madison sential to ensure that residential

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 36 areas are not unduly burdened and the Village the best opportunity to station located along the Union to maintain safe and adequate op- improve parking within certain Pacific tracks between Thatcher eration of non-residential areas. areas of the Village. However, the Avenue and Keystone Avenue. Village may also need to consider Parking for commuters is provided Parking for multi-family land uses developing a parking lot on its own along Central Avenue, Hawthorne should provide adequate parking to facilitate economic develop- Avenue, and off-street lots north for both the residents and their ment in the Village Center area. and west of the station. The Metra guests. Currently there is an aver- line provides service between Ge- age of 1.04 parking spaces per Areas of the Village that would neva and Downtown Chicago. multi-family dwelling unit in the benefit from a more detailed park- The Village should promote the Village of River Forest. Some ing study and plan include: 1) the convenience of using the Metra to multi-family developments provide Village Center area of the Lake travel between the Village and no off-street parking. While this Street Corridor; 2) the area sur- other nearby communities and existing ratio may have been ade- rounding the library, Roosevelt destinations. As stated previously quate in decades past, it does not School, and Centennial Park; 3) in the section on parking, the Vil- meet the parking demands re- commuter parking for the Metra lage should work on providing ad- quired by today’s society. A ratio station; and 4) institutional uses ditional commuter parking near of 2.5 or more parking spaces per and the areas surrounding them, the Metra station. dwelling unit is a more appropriate including, Trinity High School, ratio for providing adequate park- Dominican University, and Con- CTA ing for both residents and their cordia University. guests. The Village should con- As highlighted in the Community sider the development of addi- MAMASSSS TRANSPORTATION Facilities section, the CTA station is tional parking spaces for existing located in Forest Park on Harlem The residents of River Forest have multi-family units and establishing Avenue, just south of River Forest three mass transit options: Metra, greater parking requirements for Village limits. The station is easily CTA, and Pace. These transporta- new multi-family developments. accessed by Village residents and tion opportunities provide resi- provides service to Downtown Because River Forest has little va- dents with a convenient and af- Chicago and points in between. cant land available for develop- fordable means of travel within the The Village should promote the ment, the redevelopment of Chicago Region. Additionally, they convenience of using the CTA to smaller infill parcels for commercial provide an effective way for visi- travel between the Village and or multi-family uses is made more tors to access the educational, reli- other nearby communities and difficult by the inability to provide gious, recreation, cultural and destinations. The Village should adequate parking. Particularly in commercial destinations within the continue to provide safe and effi- the “Village Center” commercial Village. The Village should en- cient pedestrian and bicycle access area of the Lake Street Corridor, courage, and assist when possible, to the CTA station from River For- the Village should aggressively Metra, Pace, and CTA in their ef- est locations. consider the development of a forts to improve transit services for parking lot or structure that could the residents of River Forest. The Pace Bus Village’s original development was facilitate the parking requirements There are four Pace Bus Routes in of an area, rather than for a single a result of its location along a major mode of transportation, and the or adjacent to River Forest. Route use. All new development in areas #305-Cicero-River Forest serves with parking problems should be importance of these services today has not changed. Trinity High School, Dominican viewed by the Village as an oppor- University and Concordia College. tunity to provide parking over and Metra Pace Bus Routes north of Lake above that which is required by Street to these locations are oper- code. “Teaming” with a private As noted in the previous section, ated on a limited schedule. Route development project may afford the Village is served by one Metra #307-Harlem travels north and

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 37 south along Harlem Avenue, ex- connect the Village’s shopping tending north to Grand Avenue district, educational facilities, parks, (River Grove Metra Station) and and neighborhoods. An alternative south to 63rd Street. Route #309- bike route could be designated

Lake Street travels east and west along Central Avenue if necessary. along Lake Street, extending west to Addison (Elmhurst Metra Sta- Additional opportunities should be studied within the Village to pro- tion) and east to Austin. Route #318-West North Avenue travels vide safe on and off-street bicycle around River Forest along North opportunities as an “alternative” Avenue, Harlem Avenue, and mode of transportation for resi- Madison Street. dents and visitors to the Village. Consideration should be given to The Village should promote the the development of a comprehen- convenience of using the PACE sive system of bicycle and pedes- bus service to travel within River trian facilities, walkways, and envi- Forest and between the Village ronments that enables safe and and other nearby communities and convenient movement within the destinations. The Village should Village. also work with local institutions that are currently serviced by PACE RAILROADS to review their current level of ser- There are 2 railroads within the vice and provide any feedback to Village of River Forest: the Wis- PACE that might be used to im- consin Central Railroad and the prove ridership services. Union Pacific Railroad. The Wis- WALKING/BIKING PATH consin Central averages 8-12 trains per day, while the Union Pacific Unimproved walking paths have handles a significantly higher vol- been created through the forest ume with both freight and Metra preserve property along the Des trains. Plaines River. Although these paths are unimproved, cyclists Although the railroads play an im- regularly use them for recreation portant role in local and regional and as a means to bridge the gap transportation and commerce, the between the Illinois Prairie Path to noise, fumes, vibration, and poor the southwest and established bike aesthetics associate with the lines trails along the Des Plaines River to make them somewhat incompati- the north. ble with the desired residential character of River Forest. The Vil- The Lake Street Corridor Plan iden- lage should encourage the rail- tifies Lake Street as a designated roads to maintain their facilities, bike route. A designated bike install sound barriers and planting route along Lake Street, both on and screening where appropriate, and off street to minimize vehi- and discourage the trains idling on cle/pedestrian conflicts, would the tracks in residential areas.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 38 Jurisdictional Transfer

Village of River Forest Comprehensive Plan November 2003 Prepared by Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne, Inc. Section 6 Corridor Plans Corridor Plans

As part of the comprehensive planning process in River Forest, individual corridor plans have been prepared for the three primary commercial corridors in the Vil- lage: North Avenue, Madison Street, and Lake Street. These corridors include a mix of commercial, residential, public and quasi-public land-uses. These corridors are the sites of the Village’s most intensive uses and represent the areas most likely to experience pressure for change through development activity.

Although the corridors appear fully built, they hold great potential for new development. When the economic strength of properties along the corridors declines, those properties will likely be redeveloped. This is a common and appropriate form of development along older mixed-use corridors. It reflects changes in the community over time and is actually the way in which older parts of the Village will renovate themselves. Corridor Subarea Locations The corridor plans seek to protect and preserve the unique and The corridor plans are consistent quality and image of the commu- historical aspects of the corridors with and reinforce the recommen- nity and be designed and devel- while encouraging planned and dations and objectives for the oped in a manner to buffer resi- coordinated growth and develop- community as whole, as identified dential areas from commercial ac- ment. New development is antici- in the Comprehensive Plan. These tivity. pated along each of the corridors commercial/mixed-use corridors and the plans provide land-use, are vital to the overall character of transportation, community facility, the Village and the vitality and suc- and urban design guidance in a cess of these areas directly impacts manner that allows the Village to the quality of the single-family resi- achieve community goals and ob- dential areas of the Village by pro- jectives, in anticipation of future viding a strong tax base for the change. Village and necessary goods and services for residents. It is important that the corridors reflect the

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 41 Lake Street (streetscape) site can accommodate con- North AvAveeenuenue Guidelines for use along the temporary forms of commer- North Avenue Corridor. cial development which provides adequate on-site parking CorrCorriiiidordor Plan 4. Work with adjacent communi- and extensive landscaping and ties, government agencies, and buffer treatments. Such deep North Avenue is the northern North Avenue businesses to lot commercial development boundary of River Forest, extend- ensure that planning, land de- may be appropriate at select ing from Harlem Avenue on the velopment, and infrastructure locations along the corridor. east to the DesPlaines River on the improvements along North west. The north side of the corri- Avenue support the goals and 10. Minimize the number of curb- dor is in the Village of Elmwood objectives of the Comprehen- cuts along North Avenue to Park and is developed with a vari- sive Plan. the extent possible. Side ety of commercial and multi-family streets should be used where 5. Seek redevelopment options uses. The south side of the corri- possible to provide access to that enhance the tax base of dor is in River Forest and is devel- on-site parking areas. oped with commercial, multi-family the Village. 11. Utilize existing ordinances, residential, and institutional uses 6. Work with the State of Illinois regulations, plans, guidelines, fronting North Avenue, with single- to improve traffic flow along and plan review processes to family residential neighborhoods to North Avenue without the ensure quality development the south. need to widen the existing (including, but not limited to roadway or remove existing the Comprehensive Plan, Zon- Goal::: on-street parking that serves ing Ordinance, Landscape Or- businesses. Establish an attractive and vital dinance, Planned Develop- commercial environment along 7. Minimize non- ment process, and Develop- North Avenue while accommodat- local/commercial traffic in ad- ment Review Board), and de- ing appropriate residential and jacent residential neighbor- velop design and development institutional uses, and ensuring hoods. guidelines and an updated sign compatibility of adjacent land uses. ordinance to further assist in 8. Develop additional off-street providing quality commercial Objectives: parking to better accommo- and multi-family development date existing uses and ensure along the corridor. 1. Attract commercial develop- that future development pro- ment/redevelopment that re- vides adequate off-street park- NORTH AVENUE CORRIDORCORRIDOR LANDLAND----UUUSESE AND flects the character of River ing for the proposed use. IIIMIMMPROVEMENTPROVEMENT PLAN Forest. Every effort should be made to 2. Ensure that residential uses are prevent commercial and multi- The Land-Use Plan for North Ave- effectively and sufficiently family parking for uses along nue builds on the goals and objec- screened and buffered from North Avenue from spilling tives. It emphasizes commercial adjacent commercial uses and over onto north-south residen- land uses along North Avenue, and activities along North Avenue. tial streets. Where possible, maintains the single-family area shared parking areas and ar- south of the commercial/mixed- 3. Enhance the appearance of rangements should be utilized use corridor. In addition, the Plan the corridor to reflect the to provide improved parking defines opportunities to increase character of River Forest, with for adjacent uses. the separation between residential particular attention to the and commercial land uses through “gateways” at Harlem Avenue 9. Facilitate the desired quality of “buffering “ techniques. Therefore, and Thatcher. Consideration commercial development by the planning area generally should should given to adopting the the availability of deeper de- be thought of in two parts: 1) the velopment sites. This type of

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 42 commercial corridor along North It includes the potential for retailers The shallow lot depth will be a lim- Avenue, which is expected to that need larger sales space, more iting factor in terms of potential change significantly over time, and parking, and greater storage area. redevelopment, but if adjacent 2) the single-family residential uses The market is then expanded to commercial properties are com- behind the commercial corridor, include both larger and smaller bined, a more “linear” develop- which are expected to remain and businesses, rather than only those ment can be accommodated, with be “buffered” from the commercial accommodated by narrow depths. surface parking on the side of the corridor. In instances where adja- A few of these larger parcels exist buildings, rather than in front of or cent residential properties are con- along North Avenue. The corridor in the rear. Additionally, although sidered for inclusion in commercial plan presents options for creating commercial development should redevelopment, landscape buffer- additional “larger” commercial not extend south of the alley, the ing of the type illustrated below sites for future development alley could be incorporated into should be provided. the overall parking lot design in The planned land-use pattern for order to accommodate more off- The changes to commercial land the entire corridor planning area is street parking. uses are key components of the presented below and illustrated in land use plan. They present sig- Figure 7. Using the goals and ob- WILLIAM STREET TO JAJACCCKKKSONSON AVENUE nificant opportunity to the Village. jectives put forth above as a gen- The commercial parcels along eral framework, the following These two blocks include com- North Avenue range in depth from guidelines are provided: mercial uses, the Montessori approximately 115 feet to 235 school, and multi-family housing. feet. The majority of commercial HARLEM AVENUE TO WILWILLIAMLIAM STREET Fronting North Avenue on the lots now along the corridor (mainly block between William Street and The location of these blocks at the found from Harlem Avenue to Wil- Monroe Avenue is a commercial eastern end of the corridor make liam Street) are about 115 feet use. The Montessori school is on this area a gateway to River Forest. deep. New commercial develop- the southwest corner of William This area establishes the “first im- ments unconstrained by lot depth Street and North Avenue. South of pression” of the Village when trav- are typically 200 feet deep. This the commercial use on the south- eling west-bound on North Ave- does not mean that there cannot, east corner of Monroe Avenue and nue, and as such, any development or will not be commercial redevel- North Avenue is a multi-family project should reflect River Forest’s opment along North Avenue, but it residential use. This block front is high quality character and appear- does have implications for the designated for commercial use and ance. Commercial uses within types of buildings and businesses the multi-family property can re- these blocks should front North that can be expected. main residential or redevelop as Avenue and not extend south of commercial. This block provides Where deeper development par- the alley that runs parallel to North sufficient depth for contemporary cels exist or can be created, the Avenue. commercial redevelopment with- variety of potential users increases. out the anticipated need for incor-

poration of adjacent single-family residential properties.

The block between Monroe Ave- nue and Jackson Avenue contains a single commercial use. The food store has expressed interest in updating and expanding its current facility to accommodate a larger store and additional parking, more Illustrative Landscape Buffer reflective of its typical suburban

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 43 operations. Expanding the busi- appropriate high quality commer- The western portion of the block is ness would require incorporating cial development with sufficient designated for commercial use. A adjacent single-family homes into screening from adjacent residential recently approved development the commercial expansion, or pos- uses. has allowed the extension of the sibly expanding to the east by cul- commercial use to the south, by de-sacing Monroe Avenue and ASHLAND TO FOREST acquisition of the adjacent single- including the block between Mon- family residence. A wide land- roe Avenue and William Street These blocks are primarily devel- scaped buffer has been established (see Figure 7). oped with multi-family residential along the south edge of the com- uses. Commercial uses exist on mercial property to “screen” the the southeast corner of Park Ave- The Village should attempt to re- commercial activity from the adja- nue and North Avenue. If the ex- tain and improve the existing food cent residential uses. Future isting uses are to remain, the qual- store, and accommodate the ex- commercial expansion south of the pansion of the facility if possible. ity and appearance of the buildings established landscape buffer The eastern expansion concept and grounds must be maintained. should be prohibited. would allow the expansion while If redevelopment occurs, quality minimizing the impact on the adja- commercial development should cent residential neighborhood. be a priority of the Village. For Although cul-de-sacs are typically sites currently improved with multi- discourage within the Village, the family residential uses, redevelop- eastern expansion concept would ment for new residential use, as require that Monroe Avenue be well as commercial uses, is consid- cul-de-sacked. Another option for ered appropriate. expansion would involve the acquisition of the four residential FOREST TO THATCHER parcels to the south. The location of this block makes it a gateway to River Forest which JACKSON AVENUE TO LALATHROPTHROP AVAVEEENUENUE establishes the appearance for this This block includes Saint Vincent portion of the Village and as such church and school. Saint Vincent any development project should contributes significantly to the Vil- reflect River Forest’s high quality lage’s and North Avenue Corri- standards. dor’s character, image, and archi- The existing townhome buildings tectural integrity. Saint Vincent is a on the east half of this block are strong asset to the community and inconsistent with the character of corridor, and should remain. It is the Village. This is in part due to not anticipated nor recommended the age and design of the buildings that the site be redeveloped. as well as the congestion of park- LATHROP AVENUE TO ASASHLANDHLAND AVAVEEENUENUE ing between the buildings and North Avenue. Redevelopment of This block includes commercial the site for commercial or appro- uses fronting North Avenue with priate multi-family use should be single-family residential uses adja- considered. If the existing town- cent to the south. This block homes are to remain, the Village should be maintained and im- should encourage the townhome proved for commercial use. Any owners to enhance their property redevelopment should provide by seeking ways to provide additional off-street parking.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 44 Village of River Forest Comprehensive Plan November 2003 Prepared by Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne, Inc. and Thatcher Avenue. Con- 9. Minimize the number of curb- Madison Street sideration should given to cuts along Madison Street to adopting the Lake Street the extent possible. Side CoCorrrrridorridor Plan (streetscape) Guidelines for streets should be used where use along the Madison Street possible to provide access to Madison Street is the southern Corridor. on-site parking areas. boundary of River Forest, extend- 4. Work with adjacent communi- 10. Utilize existing ordinances, ing from Lathrop Avenue on the ties, government agencies, and regulations, plans, guidelines, east to the DesPlaines River on the Madison Avenue businesses to and plan review processes to west. The south side of the corri- ensure that planning, land de- ensure quality development dor is in the Village of Forest Park velopment, and infrastructure (including, but not limited to and is developed with a variety of improvements along Madison the Comprehensive Plan, Zon- commercial uses, an institu- Street support the goals and ing Ordinance, Landscape Or- tional/residential use, and a ceme- objectives of the Comprehen- dinance, Planned Develop- tery. The north side of the corridor sive Plan. ment process, and Develop- is in River Forest and is developed ment Review Board), and de- 5. Seek redevelopment options with commercial, multi-family resi- velop design and development that enhance the tax base of dential, and institutional uses front- guidelines and an updated sign the Village. ing Madison Street, with single- ordinance to further assist in family residential neighborhoods to 6. Minimize non- providing quality commercial the north. local/commercial traffic in ad- and multi-family development jacent residential neighbor- along the corridor. Goal::: hoods. MADISMADISONON STREET COCORRRRIDORRIDOR LANDLAND----USEUSE Establish an attractive and vital 7. Develop additional off-street AND IIMMMPROVEMENTPROVEMENT PLAN commercial environment along parking to better accommo- Madison Street while accommodate existing uses and ensure The Land-Use Plan for Madison dating appropriate residential and that future development pro- Street builds on the goals and ob- institutional uses, and ensuring vides adequate off-street park- jectives for the corridor. It empha- compatibility of adjacent land uses. ing for the proposed use. sizes commercial land uses along Where possible, shared park- Madison Street, and maintains the : Objectives: ing areas and arrangements single-family area north of the 1. Attract commercial develop- should be utilized to provide commercial corridor. The com- ment/redevelopment that re- improved parking for adjacent mercial and multi-family use areas flects the character of River uses. along Madison Street are expected Forest. to change significantly over time. 8. Facilitate the desired quality of The single-family residential uses 2. Ensure that residential uses are commercial development by north of the commercial corridor effectively and sufficiently the availability of deeper de- are expected to remain. screened and buffered from velopment sites. This type of adjacent commercial uses and site can accommodate con- The changes to commercial land activities along Madison temporary forms of commer- uses are key components of the Street. cial development which pro- land use plan. They present sig- vides adequate on-site parking nificant opportunity to the Village. 3. Enhance the appearance of and extensive landscaping and The majority of commercial lots the corridor to reflect the buffer treatments. Such deep along the corridor are relatively character of River Forest, with lot commercial development shallow in depth. This does not particular attention to the may be appropriate at select mean that there cannot, or will not “gateways” at Lathrop Avenue locations along the corridor. be commercial redevelopment

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 46 along Madison Street, but it does to the Village, incorporating land- KEYSTONE TO FOREST have implications for the types of scaping and gateway fea- This block is improved with a qual- buildings and businesses that can tures/signage. The Village should ity, attractive single commercial be expected. The commercial also explore the opportunity of use. This block should remain a property west of the railroad tracks installing a gateway sign/feature on unified commercial development (currently occupied by Hines Lum- the west side of Thatcher Avenue and should serve as an example for ber) provides a depth that may be within the public right-of-way, ad- future commercial redevelopment more conducive to a greater vari- jacent to the forest preserve. efforts along the corridor. ety of potential commercial uses in GALE AVENUE TO KEKEYYYSTONESTONE AVENUE the future. FOREST AVENUE TO PARKPARK AVENUE This block front contains two multi- Madison Street does not provide Hines Lumber, at the northeast family residential developments, as strong a commercial market as corner of Forest Avenue and Madi- the River Commons condominium North Avenue, due to considerably son Street, has been in the com- development and a smaller apart- less traffic volumes and small lots munity for quite some time. There- ment building on the eastern por- with insufficient parking. Because fore, residents are accustomed to tion of the block. The River Com- businesses are generally less “visi- its presence. As a relatively large mons condominium, on the north- ble” along this corridor than along commercial venture, it is some- east corner of Madison Street and North Avenue, the range of market what unique to this area. Although Gale Avenue, is considered an viable commercial uses is even it extends further north than any asset to the community and re- further limited. The land-use pat- other commercial use along the flects the high quality and charac- tern for the entire corridor plan- corridor, its operation is not overly ter of River Forest. The develop- ning area is presented below and intrusive on the neighborhood. In ment extends well into the single- illustrated in Figure8. Using the addition, it is a good use to have family area to the north, but has goals and objectives put forth along the Wisconsin Central rail- been designed and landscaped to above as a general framework, the road tracks. However, the appear- be compatible with the surround- following guidelines are provided: ance of the building should be im- ing uses. proved. THATCHER AVENUE TO GGALEALE AVAVEEENUENUE The appearance and condition of As a significant parcel on the corri- The Community Center, which the apartment building on the east dor, its appearance impacts the occupies the entire block frontage, half of this block has been im- area’s image and character. As a is an asset to the Madison Street proved in recent years and should first step, the Village should work corridor and the River Forest continue to be maintained and with the owners to improve the community. It is a stable use that upgraded. Unlike the “deep” de- appearance of the building, im- attracts residents from throughout velopment of the River Commons, prove parking lot landscaping, and the Village. It is not anticipated or the smaller condominium building better screen the outdoor storage recommended that the Commu- is located only on the shallow lot areas. If future redevelopment nity Center site be redeveloped for fronting Madison Street. opportunities arise, the site should another use or be expanded to the be considered for commercial re- north beyond its existing property. Although it is unlikely that the River Commons property will be rede- development with another single- To improve the appearance of the veloped, if redevelopment along use that is compatible with the block, the existing Community this block does occur, it should surrounding residential neighbor- Center parking lot should be im- provide a new, quality commercial hood. proved with both perimeter and or appropriate multi-family residen- East of the Wisconsin Central rail- internal landscaping. Additionally, tial development. road tracks is the “Carpenter’s Un- the appearance of this block ion” property, at the northwest should be improved as a gateway corner of Park and Madison. The

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 47 property is improved with a two- sion of adequate off-street parking contamination has been an obsta- story building and small surface for the proposed uses. cle to successful redevelopment of parking lot. The building is essen- the property. tially vacant and does not seem to FRANKLIN AVENUE TO ASHLANDASHLAND AVENUE The remaining uses along the be used by the fraternal organiza- Along the Madison Street corridor, block (the office/lab, Gunzo’s, and tion or other tenant. The building this block shows the greatest varia- the dental/medical office) are uses should be removed and the prop- tion in use, appearance, and activ- that are appropriate for the corri- erty targeted for commercial rede- ity. From west to east, the block dor, but lack adequate parking and velopment. includes trucks parked on a vacant the desired appearance and char- lot, a medical lab, Gunzo’s (a re- PARK AVENUE TO FRANKFRANKLINLIN AVAVEEENUENUE acter for commercial uses in the gional destination for hockey Village. If the existing uses are to This block contains both multi- equipment sales and repair), and a remain, the appearance of the family and commercial uses. Build- dental/medical building. buildings should be improved. If ings along this block are “dated” redevelopment is proposed, the and should be considered for re- The existing condition of the va- site should be designated for qual- development. The existing com- cant lot at the west end of this ity commercial development, with mercial strip center suffers from block is characteristic of the Vil- an attractive appearance and ade- tenant vacancies and an overall lage’s concerns for the Madison quate off-street parking. If the site unattractive appearance. If the Street corridor. Its uses and ap- is redeveloped, the Village should existing uses are to remain, efforts pearance are entirely inappropriate work with the existing businesses should be made to improve the for the area and the site. The va- to retain them as River Forest busi- appearance of the buildings, land- cant parcel should be targeted for nesses. scaping, and overall appearance of commercial development, incor- the sites. The surface parking lot porating attractive building archi- ASHLAND AVENUE TO LALATHROPTHROP AVENUE serving the commercial use should tecture and materials, appropriate be improved with perimeter land- landscaping and screening, and This block also reflects the diversity scaping. adequate parking and access. Re- of land use and appearance of the development of this site should corridor. The appearance of this While unified commercial redevel- reflect the desired character of block is not consistent with the opment is preferred for the entire commercial development in the Village’s standard for the appear- block, multi-family redevelopment Village and establish a precedent ance of private and public spaces. may be considered appropriate for for other commercial development the existing residential site on the efforts along the corridor. Com- The commercial uses at the west southeast corner of Park Avenue mercial development should not and central locations of the block and Madison Street. New com- extend further north than the alley are appropriate for the corridor, mercial or multi-family develop- that runs parallel to Madison but the existing buildings are in ment should not extend further Street. The alley serves the resi- need of aesthetic improvement. If north than the alley that runs paral- dential neighborhoods to the north the existing buildings and uses are lel to Madison Street. The alley and should remain operational. If to remain, the Village should work serves the residential neighbor- properly designed, the alleys could with the property owners to im- hoods to the north and should re- be incorporated to provide access prove the overall appearance and main operational. If properly de- to off-street parking areas that character of the properties. If fu- signed, the alleys could be incor- serve commercial uses along ture redevelopment is an option, porated as access to off-street park- Madison Street. The Village should the properties should be devel- ing areas that serve commercial seek remediation assistance, if oped with a quality commercial and multi-family uses along Madi- needed, to “clean-up” the prop- use. Commercial development son Street. Any redevelopment of erty, which was formerly the site of should not extend further north the block should include the provi- a gas station. The likelihood of site than the alley that runs parallel to Madison Street. The alley serves

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 48 the residential neighborhoods to the north and should remain operational. If properly designed, the alleys could be incorporated to provide access to off-street parking areas that serve commercial uses along Madison Street.

The final use on the block (Pete’s Automotive Services, Inc) is a well respected and appreciated business in the community. However, the nature of the business requires that numerous cars be parked on the site for extended periods. The appearance of this site is that of a crowded and unattractive parking lot. This is unfortunate because the business marks the entry to River Forest from the east. If the business is to remain, the Village should work with the property owner to improve the overall appearance and character of the site. The building façade and overall appearance of the structure should be improved. Most importantly, the outdoor storage of vehicles should be screened with landscaping and attractive fencing.

Any future redevelopment of the site should be for a quality single- use commercial development. Any redevelopment should reflect the character of the Village and serve as a gateway to the Village.

As an improvement to the existing use, or as part of a redevelopment effort, a gateway feature/sign should be installed near the corner of Lathrop and Madison Avenues, identifying this location as an en- tryway into River Forest.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 49 Village of River Forest Comprehensive Plan November 2003 Prepared by Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne, Inc. 3. Utilize the Lake Street Corri- tant for the Village to coordi- Lake Street dor Design Guidelines to pro- nate recommended improve- vide a "unifying" appearance to ments with IDOT, it will also Corridor Plan the corridor and guide the de- be important to ensure that velopment of physical facilities any future improvements pro- Lake Street represents the “heart” and features that distinguish posed by IDOT for Lake Street of River Forest. It includes a strong River Forest from surrounding be consistent with the Village’s mix of commercial, residential, communities. objectives for the corridor area. public and quasi-public land-uses 4. Develop and implement sign, adding an important role and focus facade, and other improve- 10. Traffic conditions could be to the area. It also includes a vari- ment programs which main- improved along the corridor ety of unique physical characteris- tain and keep visual appear- through the use of progressive tics, such as the division between ance along the corridor "up-to- signalization. The Village, per- residential uses north of Lake date". haps in association with Oak Street and non-residential areas to Park, should explore the pos- 5. Work with adjacent communi- the south. The corridor has been sibilities of progressive signali- ties, government agencies, and an area of recent and on-going zation with IDOT. It is impor- Lake Street businesses to en- development activity and future tant to create gaps in traffic so sure that planning, land devel- additional development is antici- River Forest residents can opment, and infrastructure pated. The Plan establishes distinct more easily cross or enter Lake improvements along Lake “functional subareas” within the Street. corridor and identifies different Street support the goals and intensities of commercial and resi- objectives of the Comprehen- 11. Review current regulations dential use. The Plan provides sive Plan. and establish appropriate off- street parking requirements for guidance for reinforcing and fur- 6. Seek redevelopment options uses within the Lake Street ther improving the character of that enhance the tax base of Corridor. different areas along the corridor, the Village. while planning for the improve- 12. Maximize the use of on-street 7. Minimize non-local and com- ment of the corridor as a whole. parking within the Lake Street mercial traffic in adjacent resi- Corridor and subareas. Goal::: dential neighborhoods. 13. Facilitate the desired quality of 8. Develop additional off-street Enhance and improve the Lake commercial development by parking to better accommo- Street Corridor as River Forest's the availability of deeper de- date existing uses and ensure key mixed-use, community busi- velopment sites. This type of that future development pro- ness, and civic area. site can accommodate con- vides adequate off-street park- temporary forms of commer- : ing for the proposed use. Objectives: cial development which pro- Where possible, shared park- vides adequate on-site parking 1. Attract commercial developing areas and arrangements and extensive landscaping and ment/redevelopment that re- should be utilized to provide buffer treatments. Such deep flects the character of River improved parking for adjacent lot commercial development Forest. uses. Parking should be en- may be appropriate at select hanced for both residential 2. Ensure that residential uses are locations along the corridor. effectively and sufficiently and commercial uses. 14. Minimize the number of curb- screened and buffered from 9. Monitor the plans and pro- cuts along Lake Street to the adjacent commercial uses and grams of the Illinois Depart- extent possible. Side streets activities along Lake Street. ment of Transportation should be used where possible (IDOT). While it will be impor-

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 51 to provide access to on-site LAKE STREET CORRIDOR LANDLAND----USEUSE AND the more traditional business uses parking areas. IIIMIMMPROVEMENTPROVEMENT PLAN which are smaller in scale and pedestrian orientated. The success of 15. Develop strategies to improve The north side of the corridor is these uses depends upon the abil- the safety of pedestrian and planned to remain a stable residen- ity of to provide adequate and bicycle traffic along the corri- tial area in concert with pub- convenient short-term and em- dor, providing safe crossings, lic/institutional and park/open ployee parking. The post office especially near Keystone Park space uses. Land use and im- remains Public/Institutional. and by establishing progres- provement plans vary only slightly sive signalization at Bonnie from the existing pattern of land The commercial areas on the Brae, Lathrop, and Thatcher use. Multi-Family Residential is southwest and southeast corners Avenue. designated for the entire area be- of Thatcher Avenue and Lake 16. Provide bicycle facilities such tween Bonnie Brae and William Street are both designated for Vil- as racks and lockers at public Street. lage Center Commercial. The facility locations throughout commercial use designation is ex- the corridor, including parks, Along the south side of Lake Street tended along the west side of municipal facilities, and mass for the areas west of Park Avenue, Thatcher Avenue from Lake Street transit facilities, as well as with the exception of the south- south to the Metra parking area. within the commercial shop- west and southeast corners of ping areas. Thatcher Avenue and Lake Street, A comprehensive review of the the Land Use Plan generally re- existing on-street parking should 17. Provide bicycle access to the flects existing land use patterns. be conducted for all areas of the bicycle path which is planned More significant changes in land- corridor and a Master On-Street to run along the Des Plaines use are suggested for the areas Parking Plan should be developed River. east of Park Avenue. and implemented. The street net- 18. Continue to maintain and im- work is already in place and maxi- The Land-Use Plan distinguishes prove bicycle and pedestrian mizing on-street parking is not between different types of com- access to Metra and CTA fa- about constructing new facilities, mercial land use areas. Rather cilities. but rather, more efficiently using than indicating only one type of existing facilities. 19. Utilize existing ordinances, commercial land-use between Park regulations, plans, guidelines, Avenue and Harlem Avenue, the Prime on-street spaces should be and plan review processes to Plan distinguishes between Village reserved, where possible, for ensure quality development Center Business and Corridor shoppers and business patrons, (including, but not limited to Commercial. These two commer- with employees preferably using the Comprehensive Plan, Zon- cial land-use designations establish off-street lots located nearby. Cur- ing Ordinance, Landscape Or- different scales and characters for rent parking time limit restrictions dinance, Planned Develop- areas within the corridor. should be reviewed to ensure that ment process, and Develop- spaces are being utilized to their ment Review Board), and de- Corridor Commercial exists primar- full potential. In addition, it may velop design and development ily between Lathrop Avenue and also be desirable to designate one guidelines and an updated sign Harlem Avenue. This area is in- or two parking spaces at the be- ordinance to further assist in tended for larger scale planned ginning or end of each business providing quality commercial shopping, service, and office de- block for very short-term (i.e., 15 and multi-family development velopments. The commercial ar- minute) parking. along the corridor. eas between Lathrop Avenue and Park Avenue are designated as Even though Lake Street should Village Center Commercial, in- continue to operate as a mixed-use tended to maintain and enhance area, several “functional subareas”

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 52 should be promoted to encourage should include a mix of retail stores parking for the use being pro- mutual support and cumulative and shops; restaurants; and per- posed. attraction between similar uses. sonal and business services. While • Minimize curb-cuts along Lake Based on the existing and planned the area should provide pedestrian Street and encourage shared pattern of uses, the Corridor is di- facilities, and should be easily ac- access and shared parking. vided into the following subareas: cessible from nearby neighborhoods, it will largely function as an VILLAGE CENTER AREA RESIDERESIDENNNTIAL/INSTITUTIONALTIAL/INSTITUTIONAL AAREAREA automobile-oriented commercial The blocks situated between area. Future development and re- The area along the north side of Lathrop Avenue and Park Avenue development within the area Lake Street throughout the entire are intended to function as the should provide for adequate off- corridor area will continue to serve Village Center Area. Commercial street parking and loading facilities. as the residential/institutional land-use within this area is in- New high-quality multi-family resi- tended to focus on the more tradi- “edge”, defining and separating dential development should be tional small scale stores, generally more intensive uses to the south considered for underutilized exist- from residential neighborhoods to oriented to Lake Street. The area ing residential properties. Policies the north. While the presence of will continue to consist of small and improvement recommenda- this area serves as an important retail and service stores and shops tions for this area include: asset in defining the neighborhood on the street level, with residential orientation of the area, as well as • Promote compatible new con- and office uses potentially above the visual character of the corridor, struction at selected sites. the first floor. Given that the nature it must be carefully protected from of development in this area will be • the impacts and nuisances of Coordinate redevelopment small shops, the area will have a commercial uses immediately to efforts for the "Superblock" be- stronger pedestrian focus than the the south. Policies and improve- tween William Street and area east of Lathrop Avenue. Por- ment recommendations for this Lathrop Avenue, including tions of blocks within the area area include: modifications and improve- south of the Lake Street frontage ments to West Suburban Hos- will continue as high density resi- • Preserve and protect residen- pital, Jewel/Osco, outlot de- dential uses. Policies and im- tial areas from intrusions of velopment, and the Kirk Eye provement recommendations for any new commercial uses. Center. this area include: • Minimize non- • In the Corridor Commercial • Maintain and enhance the local/commercial traffic in Area, buildings should be lo- traditional “small business” residential areas. cated at or very near the sidewalk line in order to maintain character of the area. • Reduce “spillover” commercial the "streetwall" along the south • Continue to encourage prop- parking in residential areas. side of Lake Street. If buildings erty maintenance, particularly • Improve the appearance of the are set back from the sidewalk, along the rear of buildings, al- park district owned building landscaping, and/or decora- leys, and off-street parking ar- and property between the rail- tive fencing should be pro- eas. road and Park Avenue. vided to maintain the "street- • Promote retail activity. wall". CORRIDOR COMMERCIAL AREA • Promote new family-style and • Encourage the development of specialty restaurants. The blocks between Harlem Ave- additional off-street parking for nue and Lathrop Avenue along the both residential and commer- • Promote above ground floor south side of Lake Street should be cial uses. office uses. promoted as the location for primarily large scale planned com- • Ensure that all new develop- • Working cooperatively with mercial and retail uses. This area ment provides appropriate Corus Bank, explore opportu-

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 53 nities to redesign the appear- be located at the rear of the • Continue to encourage prop- ance of the block between building. In the Village Center erty maintenance. Working Franklin and Ashland Avenues. Area, off-street parking lots cooperatively with residents This block lacks the same should be accessed from the and property owners, the con- business character of the Vil- cross streets and not from dition of residential structures lage Center Area and could be Lake Street. should be upgraded and im- dramatically improved by re- proved over time. • Provide new off-street parking ducing the impact of the drive- for the Village Center Area. • Improve off-street parking and through service area and park- This may require: property ac- access areas for the residential ing lot which are directly visi- quisition and constructing new area west of Thatcher Avenue. ble from Lake Street. Future public parking lots; consolidat- improvements could improve • Consider future commercial ing and reorganizing existing the appearance, character, use or parking lot redevelop- adjacent parking lots to in- physical layout, and "pedes- ment on the southeast corner crease the number of spaces trian friendliness" of the site. of Lake Street and Thatcher and improve circulation; ensur- Avenue, while providing ap- • Develop the small commercial ing that adequate off-street propriate screening and buffer- area south of the Union Pacific parking is provided as part of ing for the residential building Railroad for residential uses. any redevelopment in the cor- to the south. In particular, the The commercial uses along ridor area; and permitting residential use fronting Lake Lathrop Avenue should be re- shared parking by multiple us- Street in this area should be developed as high-quality ers whenever possible. considered for redevelopment multi-family residential and the • The Village currently does not as a commercial use. If possi- commercial uses fronting Ash- require off-street parking in ar- ble, the former Rossman Drug land Avenue should be rede- eas zoned “Village Center”. Store building should remain veloped as single-family resi- The Plan recommends that in tact and be reused as part of dential. minimum requirements be es- any larger redevelopment • A unique pedestrian-oriented tablished along with the option scheme. character for the Village Center for payment-in-lieu of im- • For existing multiple family Area, reflecting the more tradi- proved off-street parking, to be residential uses and condomin- tional small scale shops is de- exercised at the discretion of ium properties which do not sired. Coordinated landscap- the Village. maintain adequate off-street ing, signage, lighting, and RESIDERESIDENNNTIAL/RECREATIONTIAL/RECREATION AREA parking, encourage property sidewalk treatment can be owners to provide expanded used to distinguish the Village The remainder of the corridor lying parking to reduce the overall Center Area from other parts west of Park Avenue to the Village demand for on-street parking of the corridor. limits will function as a recreational and facilities in the corridor • Any new development or re- and residential land-use area. It will area. development in the Village continue to emphasize a mix of • Extend commercial land-use Center Area should not permit single family detached, low-density designation along the west off-street parking lots to front multiple family, and recreational side of Thatcher Avenue from on Lake Street. Buildings land-uses. Commercial uses in this Lake Street south to the Metra should be oriented close to area should be located on the parking area. the front lot line along Lake south side of Lake Street at the Street and parking lots should intersection of Thatcher Avenue.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 54 Village of River Forest Comprehensive Plan November 2003 Prepared by Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne, Inc.

Section 7 ImplementImplementaaationtion High Priority Action Agenda. The groups to bring additional ImplementImplementaaationtion Village should carefully consider technical resources to assist specific high priority improvement the Village in its efforts. Formal adoption of the updated projects to begin the implementa- • The Village should consider Comprehensive Plan is only the tion of the Comprehensive Plan. first step, not the last. Without con- the initiation of a facade im- tinuing action to implement and Review and Update. The Plan itself provement program to assist update the Plan, Village efforts up should be subjected to a monitor- property owners in updating to this point will have minimal last- ing process and be updated peri- the appearance and image of ing impact. odically to continually reflect local commercial buildings. This aspirations and opportunities. should include some level of The updated Comprehensive Plan design review on behalf of the sets forth an agreed-upon "road Each of these implementation Village of River Forest and the map" for the next ten years. It is the components is discussed below. program should be initially tar- product of considerable effort on geted for the North Avenue, the part of the Plan Commission ADMINISTRATIVE AACCCTIONSTIONS Lake Street and Madison and Village Board. The final Plan Street corridors. These are all high-priority, early- represents the consensus of all action projects which largely rep- • The Village makes a high prior- involved. resent public policy or administra- ity of working with the devel- There are several requirements for tive decisions. They do not require opment community, busi- effective implementation of the a significant new allocation of nesses and land owners to re- Comprehensive Plan. These five funds and they should all be under- alize economic change and basic components are highlighted taken within a relatively short time physical improvement, as rec- below: frame. These actions relate to revis- ommended under the Plan. ing and updating local codes and Housing and ResideResidennntialtial Areas Administrative. The Village should ordinances, follow-up studies and be guided by a suggested agenda related administrative actions. • Closely monitor building con- of administrative actions which will ditions in all neighborhoods of help establish a policy framework Economic Development the Village and strictly enforce aligned with the recommendations • The Village should also con- all zoning, building, fire safety, of the Comprehensive Plan. sider appropriate development and occupancy codes as they and developer incentives pro- apply to all structures. Regulatory. The Village should grams as necessary to initiate a • Utilize the Land-Use Plan to review and revise its regulatory high level of investment in the measures, primarily the zoning guide the location, type, and development and improve- ordinance, which can enforce the amount of multi-family hous- ment of the Village’s commer- Plan's policies and recommenda- ing. cial. The continued use of TIFs tions. • Revise existing zoning regula- is encouraged as a strong eco- tions to ensure the protection nomic development tool. Capital Improvements. The Village of sound existing develop- should utilize project scheduling • The Village should continue to ment, to reduce adverse influ- devices, such as the Capital Im- create organizational capacity ences, and to establish setback provements Program, which allow to undertake and direct eco- and buffering requirements for implementation of the most impor- nomic and community devel- new non-residential develop- tant public improvements on a opment. The Village should ment. priority system, while staying explore the possibility of creat- within budgetary constraints. ing an Economic Development Commission or affiliating with other economic development

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 57 Commercial DeveloDevelopppmentment regulations, and other related projects related to the Compre- codes and ordinances. It is essen- hensive Plan, particularly the • Utilize the Corridor Plans to tial that all development controls restoration and upgrading of establish basic functional roles be consistent with and comple- existing utilities and infrastructure for the Village’s various com- ment the updated Comprehensive facilities, including the water mercial areas. Plan. system, sanitary sewers, storm • Update the Village zoning water facilities, and the street map to reflect new commer- The Village’s zoning regulations system. Expansion or improvement cial area designations, and have not been comprehensively of Village Hall and public works other changes reflected in the reviewed within the last several facilities would also be included in Land Use Plan. years. Among other zoning rec- the Capital Improvements ommendations included in the Program. • Consider the development of Plan, the Village should consider River Forest's financial resources access control policies and the following: will always be limited and public standards to be integrated into dollars must be spent wisely. The an updated Zoning Ordinance • Conduct an overall review and Capital Improvements Program which facilitates the Village’s update of the Village’s Zoning would allow the Village of River desire to reduce the number Ordinance to ensure it ade- Forest to provide the most desir- of individual curb cuts along quately addresses the overall able public improvements, yet stay major streets in favor of shared recommendations of the Plan. within budget constraints. or common access ways. • Create the appropriate com- HIGH PRIORITY ACTION AGENDA • Implement the Lake Street mercial and residential use HIGH PRIORITY ACTION AGENDA Corridor Design Guidelines zoning classifications as called In order to “jump start” implemen- along Lake Street, and where for in the Plan. tation of the updated Comprehen- appropriate, along North Ave- • Adopt a Village Sign Ordi- sive Plan, there are several high nue and Madison Street. nance to improve the appear- priority improvement projects • Continue to participate in ance, character, and consis- which the Village should carefully economic development pro- tency of signage in the com- consider. grams aimed at attracting at- mercial areas of the Village. The Action Agenda, located at the tention to business and devel- CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PRPROOOGRAMGRAM end of this section, highlights the opment opportunities within implementation aspects of major River Forest. Another tool for implementing the improvement and redevelopment • Hold regular meetings with the Comprehensive Plan is the Capital projects. The Action Agenda con- business, real estate, and de- Improvements Program. It estab- sists of several components: velopment communities to lishes schedules and priorities for apprise them of active changes all public improvement projects 1. A listing of individual projects and improvements being un- within a five-year period. The Vil- and actions that should be undertaken in the community lage first prepares a list of all public dertaken to improve and en- and the part they can play to improvements that will be required hance the Village in the future. help stimulate positive change. in the next five years. Then all projects are reviewed, priorities as- 2. An indication of the public and REGULATORY signed, cost estimates prepared, private sector responsibilities and potential funding sources for initiating and participating Adoption of the updated Compre- identified. in each project. hensive Plan should be followed by a review and update of the Vil- The Capital Improvements Pro- 3. A suggestion of the funding lage's various development con- gram typically schedules the im- sources and assistance pro- trols including zoning, subdivision plementation of a range of specific

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 58 grams that might be available The Action Agenda includes rec- 1. Make available copies of the for implementing each project. ommendations cited elsewhere in Plan document for public the Comprehensive Plan. To reviewing and purchase. 4. A prioritization of recom- main relevant, it must be flexible to mended projects and actions adjust to unforeseen and changing 2. Provide assistance to the pub- into three phases: conditions in the future. Therefore, lic in explaining the Plan and changes to the Action Agenda are its relationship to private and • Priority 1 - projects should be anticipated and will not require public development projects undertaken immediately. Most formal amendment to the Com- and other proposals, as ap- of these are projects which en- prehensive Plan. The Action propriate. tail a public policy or adminis- Agenda should be reviewed by the trative action and will not re- 3. Assist the Village Board in the Plan Commission and Village quire a significant new alloca- day-to-day administration, in- Board at least once annually. tion of funds. Others may re- terpretation and application of quire significant investment, REVIEW AND RREEEVISIONVISION the Plan. but are necessary actions to help ensure that major imple- The Comprehensive Plan is not a 4. Maintain a list of current pos- mentation elements are real- static document; the planning sible amendments, issues or ized. process must be continuous. The needs which may be a subject Plan should be monitored and up- of change, addition or deletion • Priority 2 - projects should be dated on a regular basis. The need from the Comprehensive Plan. undertaken within the next five for Plan amendments are the result years, although many should of many community influences. 5. Coordinate with, and assist the actually begin immediately. Most frequently these are brought Plan Commission and Village While these projects are con- about by changes in attitudes or Board in the Plan amendment sidered just as important as the emerging needs not foreseen at process. Priority 1 projects, they will the time of Plan adoption. The fol- likely require more time or ef- lowing paragraphs describe the Plan Review and Progress RReeeportport fort to implement. These in- procedures which apply to any Although a proposal to amend the clude projects which appear to amendment of the Comprehensive Plan can be brought forth by peti- have strong local support and Plan. tion at any time, the Village should would have a dramatic impact regularly undertake a systematic on the image and character of DayDay----tototo----DayDay Monitoring and AdministrAdministraaationtion review of the Plan. Although an the community. In order for the Plan to be “main- annual review is desirable, the Vil- • Priority 3 - projects should be tained” and updated in a timely lage should initiate review of the undertaken during the next 5 manner, the designation of an Plan at least every two to three to 10 year period. These in- agency responsible for coordinat- years. Ideally, this review should clude projects which appear to ing planning activities, receiving coincide with the preparation of be more difficult or costly to community input and comments, the annual budget and capital im- achieve, are not market sup- and providing and disseminating provement program. In this man- portable at this time, or have information regarding the Com- ner, recommendations or changes received less initial local sup- prehensive Plan is required. While relating to capital improvements or port. However, it should be the Plan Commission and Village other programs can be considered emphasized that some of Board are ultimately responsible as part of the upcoming commit- these projects could “move for implementing the Plan, the Vil- ments for the fiscal year. Routine forward” if market conditions lage staff is the most appropriate examination of the Plan will help or local priorities change dur- group to carry out the day-to-day ensure that the planning program ing the next few years. activities of Plan administration. remains relevant to community The Village will: needs and aspirations.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 59 RIVER FFORESTOREST COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ACTION AGENDA

PROJECT or ACTION Role of the Other PossPossiiiibleble Tools, TecTechhhniquesniques Village of River Forest Participants and RReeesourcessources

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS:ACTIONS: Use the Comprehensive Priority 1: Adopt the Comprehen- Support for the Plan Administrative actions Plan as a policy guide and sive Plan; review all public and from other organiza- and policy decisions. framework for land-use and private improvement and devel- tions, institutions, busi- development decision mak- opment proposals for conformance nesses and residents. ing. to the Plan; undertake the other projects listed below. Priority 1: Use the Plan to guide the location, intensity, character, and quality of new development. Ensure that all local codes Priority 1: Update Zoning Map and Village responsibility Administrative actions and ordinances conform to Zoning Ordinance to reflect Plan with input and partici- and policy decisions; and support the Compre- land-use designations. pation from local resi- Zoning and Devel- hensive Plan. Priority 1: Continue to actively dents, businesses, and opment Code amend- civic organizations. ments; no new enforce codes and ordinances in all areas of the Village. funding required. Support Historic Preserva- Priority 1: Inventory, assess, and Village responsibility Administrative actions tion as a tool to preserve designate individual buildings and with support and and policy decisions; and protect key historic properties of architectural or his- involvement from Illinois Transportation areas and “landmark” build- toric significance for preservation. Historic Preservation Enhancement Pro- ings. Priority 1: Explore the establish- Commission, property gram (ITEP); Illinois ment of a River Forest Historic owners, and state Main Street Program. Preservation Commission to assist and/or national historic with/lead the Village’s historic pres- preservation agencies. ervation efforts. Review and update the Priority 1: Establish a process for Village responsibility Administrative actions Comprehensive Plan on a staff review of the Comprehensive with input and partici- and policy decisions; regular basis. Plan on an annual basis and a more pation from local resi- no major new funding comprehensive review of the Plan dents, businesses, and required. by the Plan Commission and Vil- civic organizations. lage Board approximately every 5 years.

LAND USE and DEVELOPMENT: Protect the single-family Priority 1: Carefully review all de- Village responsibility Administrative actions residential character of the velopment proposals and projects with input and partici- and policy decisions; established neighborhoods for their potential impact on resi- pation from local resi- no new funding re- throughout the Village. dential areas. dents. quired.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 60 River Forest Comprehensive Plan Action Agenda (continued)

Role of the Other PossiPossibleble Tools, TechTechniquesniques PROJECT or AACCCTIONTION Role of the Other Possii ble Tools, Techniques Village of River Forest Participants and RReeesourcessources

Establish new residential Priority 1: Utilize the Comprehen- Cooperation and par- Consider RFP process development that provides sive Plan to guide the type, quality, ticipation with property for select properties, for the needs of the Village’s and intensity of future develop- owners, developers and administrative actions population. ment. Village residents. and policy decisions, Priority 2: Working with property development plan owners, actively seek development review process. proposals from qualified developers which meet the Village’s objectives for redevelopment of appropriate sites. Accommodate infill residen- Priority 1: Review Zoning Ordi- Village responsibility Administrative actions tial development while pro- nance residential “bulk” regula- with participation and and policy decisions. tecting the scale and overall tions including, height, setbacks, support from property character of established building coverage, open space, to owners, developers, real neighborhoods. determine if amendments are estate brokers and resi- needed to appropriately control dents. new residential development. Support the unique role, Priority 1: Utilize the Comprehen- Cooperation and par- Administrative ac- function, and character of sive Plan to guide the type, quality, ticipation with property tions; policy deci- the primary commercial and intensity of future develop- owners, developers and sions; technical assis- corridors – North Avenue, ment. Village residents. tance; RFP process. Madison Street, Harlem Priority 2: Working with property Avenue, and Lake Street. owners, actively seek development proposals from qualified developers which meet the Village’s different functional objectives for each commercial area.

NORTH AVENUE CORRIDOR Use the Comprehensive Priority 1: Adopt the Comprehen- Support for the Plan Administrative actions Plan as a policy guide and sive Plan; review all public and from other organiza- and policy decisions. framework for land-use, private improvement and devel- tions, institutions, busi- development, and im- opment proposals for conformance nesses and residents; provement decision making. to the Plan; undertake the other cooperation from Illi- projects listed below. nois Department of Priority 1: Use the Plan to Transportation (IDOT). guide the location, intensity, character, and quality of new development. Encourage and guide rede- Priority 1: Utilize the Comprehen- Participation and sup- Administrative actions velopment of select proper- sive Plan to guide the type, quality port from property and policy decisions; ties along the corridor in a and intensity of future development. owners, developers, plan review and ap- manner that minimizes the Priority 2: Working with the prop- business and residents. proval process. impact on adjacent residen- erty owners, actively seek devel- tial areas. opment proposals from qualified developers which meet the Vil- lage’s objectives for redevelopment of the sites.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 61 River Forest Comprehensive Plan Action Agenda (continued)

Role of the Other PossiPossibleble Tools, TechTechniquesniques PROJECT or AACCCTIONTION Role of the Other Possii ble Tools, Techniques Village of River Forest Participants and RReeesourcessources

Apply the Lake Street Corridor Priority 1: As redevelopment and Village responsibility; Administrative actions Streetscape Improvement property improvement projects with cooperation from and policy decisions; Guidelines to properties along occur along the corridor, Lake property owners; busi- plan review and ap- the North Avenue Corridor. Street Streetscape guidelines ness owners; develop- proval process. should be applied to improve the ers; and IDOT. overall appearance of the corridor. Develop and implement a Priority 1: Working with a consult- Village responsibility; CDBG; TIF; revolving detailed North Avenue Corri- ant, develop and implement a de- with assistance from a loans; grants; general dor Streetscape Plan (similar tailed streetscape plan for the pub- consultant and input fund. to the Lake Street Streetscape lic areas along the corridor. from property owners, Plan) business owners, and residents.

Explore opportunities to Priority 2: Provide technical Property owners; mer- Administrative actions accommodate expan- and financial assistance. chants; developers; and and policy decisions, sion/upgrading of the food residents. development plan store located between Jack- review process; prop- son and Monroe Avenues. erty acquisition; redevelopment agreement; gap financing; technical assistance. Provide “gateway” sign- Priority 2: Designate appro- Property owners; mer- TIF; grants; general age/entry features at key priate locations for chants; developers; resi- funds. locations near the east and signs/features and incorpo- dents. west ends of the corridor. rate into overall streetscape improvement plan.

MADISON STREET CORRICORRIDORDOR Use the Comprehensive Priority 1: Adopt the Comprehen- Support for the Plan Administrative actions Plan as a policy guide and sive Plan; review all public and from other organiza- and policy decisions. framework for land-use, private improvement and devel- tions, institutions, busi- development, and im- opment proposals for conformance nesses and residents. provement decision making. to the Plan; undertake the other projects listed below. Priority 1: Use the Plan to guide the location, intensity, character, and quality of new development. Encourage and guide rede- Priority 1: Utilize the Comprehen- Participation and sup- Administrative actions velopment of select proper- sive Plan to guide the type, quality port from property and policy decisions; ties along the corridor in a and intensity of future development. owners, developers, plan review and ap- manner that minimizes the Priority 2: Working with the prop- business and residents. proval process. impact on adjacent residen- erty owners, actively seek devel- tial areas. opment proposals from qualified developers which meet the Vil- lage’s objectives for redevelopment of the sites.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 62 River Forest Comprehensive Plan Action Agenda (continued)

Role of the Other PossiPossibleble Tools, TechTechniquesniques PROJECT or AACCCTIONTION Role of the Other Possii ble Tools, Techniques Village of River Forest Participants and RReeesourcessources

Apply the Lake Street Corridor Priority 1: As redevelopment and Village responsibility; Administrative actions Streetscape Improvement property improvement projects with cooperation from and policy decisions; Guidelines to properties along occur along the corridor, Lake property owners; busi- plan review and ap- the Madison Street Corridor. Street Streetscape guidelines ness owners; develop- proval process. should be applied to improve the ers. overall appearance of the corridor. Develop and implement a Priority 1: Working with a consult- Village responsibility; CDBG; TIF; revolving detailed Madison Street Cor- ant, develop and implement a de- with assistance from a loans; grants; general ridor Streetscape Plan (similar tailed streetscape plan for the pub- consultant and input fund. to the Lake Street Streetscape lic areas along the corridor. from property owners, Plan) business owners, and residents.

Explore opportunities to Priority 2: Provide technical Cooperation from the Technical assistance; improve the appearance of assistance. property owner. CDBG; revolving the lumber/building supply Priority 2: Establish a façade im- loans; local grants. business property west of provement program. the Wisconsin Central Rail- road. Explore opportunities to Priority 2: Provide technical Cooperation from Technical assistance; improve the overall appear- assistance. property owner. policy decisions and ance and screening of out- Priority 2: Establish a façade im- administrative actions; door storage of the automo- provement program. CDBG; revolving bile repair business on the loans; local grants. northwest corner of Madi- Priority 2: Establish and enforce son Street and Lathrop Ave- new standards for screening of nue. outdoor storage. Provide “gateway” sign- Priority 2: Designate appro- Property owners; mer- TIF; general funds. age/entry features at key priate locations for chants; developers; resi- locations near the east and signs/features and incorpo- dents. west ends of the corridor. rate into overall streetscape improvement plan.

LAKE STREET CORRIDOR Maintain and enhance lake Priority 1: Adopt the Comprehen- Support for the Plan Administrative actions Street as a “mixed-use” cor- sive Plan; review all public and from other organiza- and policy decisions; ridor. private improvement and devel- tions, institutions, prop- plan review and ap- opment proposals for conformance erty owners, businesses proval process. to the Plan; undertake the other and residents. projects listed below. Priority 1: Use the Plan to guide the location, intensity, character, and quality of new development.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 63 River Forest Comprehensive Plan Action Agenda (continued)

Role of the Other PossiPossibleble Tools, TechTechniquesniques PROJECT or AACCCTIONTION Role of the Other Possii ble Tools, Techniques Village of River Forest Participants and RReeesourcessources

Encourage functional “su- Priority 1: Adopt the Comprehen- Support for the Plan Administrative actions bareas” within the Lake sive Plan; review all public and from other organiza- and policy decisions; Street Corridor. private improvement and devel- tions, institutions, prop- plan review and ap- opment proposals for conformance erty owners, businesses proval process. to the Plan; undertake the other and residents. projects listed below. Priority 1: Use the Plan to guide the location, intensity, character, and quality of new development. Establish signalized pedes- Priority 2: Determine crossing lo- IDOT; Park and School TEA 21; TIF; MFT; trian crossings. cations; provide financial assis- Districts. other local sources. tance. Coordinate traffic lights at Priority 2: Identify timing issues IDOT Administrative actions key intersections along Lake associated with traffic signals; mod- and policy decisions; Street. ify timing as appropriate; work with Tea 21; MFT. IDOT. Provide new parking for the Priority 1: Review all new devel- Property owners; mer- Technical assistance “Village Center” area. opment proposals in the area for chants; developers; resi- and plan review proc- opportunities to established addi- dents. ess; TEA 21; TIF; park- tional parking. ing revenue general Pr4iority 2: Establish a general funds. parking fund for the area to assist with the development of new public parking lots. Maximize on-street parking Priority 1: Continue to make avail- Property owners; mer- Administrative and throughout the Lake Street able as many on-street spaces as chants; IDOT. policy actions; TEA Corridor. possible in the corridor and de- 21; TIF; MFT. velop a Master On-Street Parking Plan. Establish a façade improve- Priority 3: Undertake façade im- Property owners; mer- CDBG; TIF; revolving ment program for buildings provement program; provide fi- chants; residents. loans; local grants. along the corridor. nancial and technical assistance.

COMCOMMUNITYMUNITY FACILITIES ANANDD SERVICES Continue to encourage in- Priority 1: Utilize the Village web Village responsibility Administrative actions creased resident involve- page and newsletter to communi- with participation from and policy decisions. ment and participation in cate issues, events, meetings, and residents, business

Village affairs and activities. other information to residents. owners, property owners, institutions and civic organizations. Encourage the provision of Priority 1: Support and provide as- Schools; Park District; Administrative actions recreational facilities and sistance to the schools, park district, Forest Preserve; and and policy; technical programs that respond to forest preserve and community cen- Community Center. assistance. the needs of Village resi- ter. dents. Continue to explore oppor- Priority 2: Work with the library Support and coopera- Administrative actions tunities to improve parking and school; provide technical assis- tion from the library and and policy; technical in the area surrounding the tance and financial support; exam- school district. assistance. library. ine additional on-street parking options.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 64 River Forest Comprehensive Plan Action Agenda (continued)

Role of the Other PossiPossibleble Tools, TechTechniquesniques PROJECT or AACCCTIONTION Role of the Other Possii ble Tools, Techniques Village of River Forest Participants and RReeesourcessources

TRANSPORTTATION Provide bicycle facilities Priority 1: Continue to work Village responsibility General revenue fund; throughout the Village, par- with developers and institu- with participation and TIF; TEA 21; technical ticularly in commercial, tions during the review and support from develop- and financial assis- park/recreation, and public approval process to ensure ers and property own- tance; plan review facility locations. bicycle facilities are provided ers, business owners, and approval process. as part of new development Park District, and pub- improvement projects. lic/institutional uses. Priority 2: Identify appropriate locations and improvements for improved bicycle facilities and coordinate efforts with Village capitol improvement planning. Establish designated bicycle Priority 2: Explore different Village responsibility Administrative actions route through the commu- route options and make with assistance from and policy. nity. physical improvements as consultant and support needed. from property owners, merchants, park district, and neighborhood residents. Coordinate and plan to Priority 3: Explore options; Coordinate with Park Administrative actions connect with existing and enact new regulations and District and Forest Pre- and policy decisions. planned bicycle paths along physical improvements as serve District the DesPlaines River and the required; provide technical path at Keystone Park. assistance and financial support.

Improve pedestrian and Priority 2: Provide new sign- Village responsibility Administrative actions bicycle safety throughout age; provide designated with assistance from and policy decisions. the Village. bicycle routes and paths; property owners and develop informational mate- merchants, IDOT, and rial. neighborhood residents. Implement the planned Priority 2: Continue the Village responsibility General revenue street improvement program ongoing construction of with coordination from funds. through the year 2007 as street improvements sched- residents and property indicated in this Plan. uled through the year 2007. owners.

Provide additional off-street Priority 1: Review all new devel- Property owners; mer- Technical assistance parking in the Village Center opment proposals in the area for chants; developers; resi- and plan review proc- area of the Lake Street Cor- opportunities to established addi- dents. ess; TEA 21; TIF; park- ridor. tional parking. ing revenue general Priority 2: Establish a general park- funds. ing fund for the area to assist with the development of new public parking lots.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 65 River Forest Comprehensive Plan Action Agenda (continued)

Role of the Other PossiPossibleble Tools, TechTechniquesniques PROJECT or AACCCTIONTION Role of the Other Possii ble Tools, Techniques Village of River Forest Participants and RReeesourcessources

Continue to explore oppor- Priority 2: Work with sur- Property owners and General revenue tunities for additional park- rounding area property developers; Metra. funds; technical and ing for Metra commuters. owners and future develop- financial assistance; ment proposals north of the plan review and ap- railroad tracks to provide proval process; additional off-street parking.

Comprehensive Plan: River Forest, Illinois Page 66