At the March MDRN Symposium, Linda Bolte - Chair of Oak Park Plan Commission provided a unique perspective as to how developers, civic groups and village officials collaborate to shape in-fill projects.
The project began with negotiations to adapt the designed density to existing zoning and height restrictions, including overlay district considerations. The developers demonstrated visually (below) how the designed building volume could be "tilted-up" to relate to the existing downtown buildings.
While the project was pending --during the recession-- the building proposal had to be modified extensively, including shifting the mix of uses to an increase in rental units. This modification, analysis and public venting required 35 public meetings from stakeholders to Board approvals.
The images below illustrate how the massing and articulation evolved from the concept to the final proposal.
Yet for all the planning adjustments and design review, the street level modifications were relatively subtle, eg. the entrance canopy:
The Sertus Tower is a measure of improving economy for the village. By the linking the Lake St. business corridor, the addition of 400 new residents, a new parking garage and more jobs the development serves to implement the Downtown Master Plan. The $81 million private investment is estimated to bring the village $1.3 million in property tax and an extra $786,000 in annual sales tax.
Overall, the project demonstrates the endurance required to complete a project under current conditions.
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