Planning Programs and Projects
This page allows users to search for projects from the RTA’s Planning Programs. Users can search for projects by name or keyword from the Search bar or the Filter pulldown menus.
Table results display summary information about each project. To view more details for a project, select the + icon to expand the view for additional information.
Year | Project Title | Program | Project Type Sort descending | Project Partner | Budget | Funding Source(s) | Status | |||||||||
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+ | River Grove Thatcher Avenue TOD | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | River Grove | $75,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This project developed a transit-oriented master plan for 2.16 acres of land located immediately adjacent to the Village's Metra station, building off recommendations in the Grand Avenue Village Center Plan completed in 2006. The plan also includes a market assessment of market-supportable densities and transit-supportive uses appropriate for this site and conceptual ideas for various other opportunity sites throughout the TOD area. Current Activities
The plan was adopted on June 5, 2014. To continue support of their efforts, the RTA selected the Village to receive funding assistance for a Developer Panel as part of the 2015 Community Planning Program. The RTA, in conjunction with ULI convened a panel of development experts to provide guidance and advice to Village staff and elected officials on ways to attract investment in the TOD area. This discussion took place on November 18, 2015 and the summary report is available on the project's RTAMS webpage. In 2021, the River Grove Station development was completed and began leasing units. The 40-unit multi-family development is located adjacent to the River Grove Metra station in the area designated as "Site 1" in the River Grove Thatcher Avenue Transit-Oriented Development Plan (2014). Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 01.10.2022 |
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+ | Joliet Downtown ETOD Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Joliet | $140,000 |
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In Progress | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Not Available Description
The RTA will assist the City of Joliet to develop an ETOD plan for areas of downtown adjacent to the Joliet Gateway Center, a hub for Amtrak, Metra and Pace services. The goals of the ETOD plan are to create equitable housing opportunities adjacent to public transportation that are not currently available in the downtown; increase ridership on existing public transportation routes; spur new investment in the adjacent neighborhood, including underutilized commercial buildings on Washington Street; utilize existing city-owned parking lots for shared parking opportunities; transition publicly owned land into the private sector to generate property tax revenues; and increase and stabilize property values in the immediate area. Current Activities
The Joliet eTOD Plan has been kicked off. A steering committee meeting was held and work continues on existing conditions and background data analysis. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 04.29.2024 |
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+ | Villa Park Station Area Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Villa Park | $77,887 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This Station area plan focused on transit-oriented development opportunities and improving multi-modal access to the Village's commuter rail station on the Metra Union Pacific West Line. Current Activities
The study was completed in November 2006. In 2010, the Village was awarded $900,000 through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) for streetscape enhancements to Ardmore Avenue. In July 2021, the Village Board voted to approve a proposed $120 million mixed-use apartment building northwest of the Villa Park Metra station. The seven-story, 348-unit complex is to be located on 1.69 acres of a block bounded by East Vermont Street on the north, North Beverly Avenue on the east, West Terrace Street to the south and North Ardmore Avenue to the west and will feature first floor retail space. The developer broke ground on the project in 2022. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 11.09.2023 |
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+ | Chicago - Metra Milwaukee District West Line Transit-Friendly Development Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Chicago | $219,622 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This City of Chicago-sponsored study encompassed five Metra stations along the Milwaukee District West Line within the City of Chicago (Grand / Cicero, Hanson Park, Galewood, Mars, and Montclare). The study provided recommendations for potential transit-oriented development near each station.
Current Activities
The final report was approved by the City's Plan Commission in December 2012.
The Implementation Task Force is currently focusing on the creation, installation and maintenance of wayfinding signs, a main recommendation of the study.
Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 06.20.2014 |
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+ | Richton Park Station Area Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Richton Park | $87,710 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This project explored mixed-use redevelopment opportunities by conducting a preliminary market analysis and survey of stakeholder perceptions. Design guidelines, implementation strategies and a preferred concept plan were developed.
Current Activities
This project was completed in November 2004. The Village was chosen as part of the 2013 RTA Community Planning Program to participate in a RTA/ULI Developer Discussion Panel to solicit guidance and advice from the development community on ways to attract TOD investment. This panel convened on December 13, 2013 and a summary of this discussion can be found in the Study Documents.
In early 2015 the RTA applied for CMAQ funds on behalf of the Village, via the RTA's Access to Transit Improvement Program, for pedestrian improvements in the Metra station area. The project was chosen for CMAQ funding in fall of 2015 as part of the RTA's combined application. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.03.2017 |
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+ | Worth TOD Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Worth | $74,830 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This project assisted the Village in the creation of a TOD Plan for the area surrounding the Worth Metra station, as recommended by the CMAP Planning Priorities report completed for the Village. The Plan provides a focus on residential and commercial redevelopment near the Metra station along Depot Street, 111th Street and Harlem Avenue. The Plan recommendations create a vision for a Village in developing a downtown area. The desire is to facilitate and sustain future development that would expand opportunities for the residents and business owners, while also increasing ridership for Metra and Pace commuters.
Current Activities
The Worth TOD Plan was completed in August 2016 and adopted by the Village Board as an amendment to the Village Comprehensive Plan on December 6, 2016.
Six new townhomes on Crandall and 5 townhomes on 110th, all within two blocks of the Metra station, have been approved by the Village and constructed in 2018. A key opportunity parcel identified in the plan at 111th and Depot street has been redeveloped into new retail space. The RTA will continue to monitor implementation activity and will provided assistance as needed. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 10.30.2018 |
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+ | University Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | University Park | $74,933 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
This University Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study recommends the establishment of mixed use development in the station area that would also functionally connect the east and west sides of the Village. The plan also recommends improved connections among Village neighborhoods, Governors State University and the station. The study was completed in September 2002.
Current Activities
The Village is exploring ways to incentivize development around the Metra station as well as near Governors State University. Currently the Village is working on various road improvement projects, especially improving Stuenkel Road with new pavement and a 10' multi-use path connecting GSU to Metra. IDOT constructed a new interchange at I-57 and Stuenkel Road which improves road access to GSU and the Village. Governors State University transitioned to a 4-year college in the Fall of 2014, which will bring an estimated 12,000 students to the area each year. A 3-phase, 10-building student housing project called Prairie Place is currently being constructed on campus to provide on-site housing. With this new housing comes the anticipated need for retail/commercial food opportunities. In advance of the University's expansion, the Village worked with the RTA to convene an RTA/ULI Developer Discussion Panel to solicit guidance and advice on ways to attract investment in the TOD area and near campus. This panel convened in March 2014. A summary of the discussion can be found in the Related Reports section below. In 2020, the RTA awarded University Park grant funds to sponsor an update to the TOD Plan. The University Park TOD Plan Update was completed in early 2023 and adopted by the Village Board in February 2023. More information can be found at the following link: https://rtams.org/projects/planning/2994. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.13.2024 |
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+ | La Grange Comprehensive Plan Update and BNSF Corridor Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | La Grange | $125,000 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
As part of the Village of La Grange's effort to revise their Comprehensive Plan, the Village performed a detailed analysis of transit-oriented development opportunities along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) corridor, which includes two Metra stations in the Village. This project was completed in May 2005.
Current Activities
The Village has seen major redevelopment and build-up of their downtown over the past 10-12 years with a mix of national chains and local businesses, along with condo and townhome development. The RTA is currently working with the Village of La Grange to update their Comprehensive and TOD Plans. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 02.15.2024 |
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+ | Des Plaines Cumberland Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Des Plaines | $124,702 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsDescription
In September 2009, the City and consultant team worked with a steering committee including neighborhood residents and business owners to develop a plan for the area around the Cumberland Metra Station. The plan identifies streetscape, pedestrian, and roadway opportunities to improve access and circulation near the station. The final report adopted by the board is comprised of three different volumes: concept plan, design guidelines, and appendix. Implementation of the plan will strongly rely on market forces and actions from the City. The City Council approved the plan as an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan in January 2011. Current Activities
The plan was adopted by the City Council on January 3, 2011. In June 2015, a development team submitted a proposal for the redevelopment of the Littelfuse site along Northwest Highway. The residential project will consist of 127 townhouses and a five-story apartment building with 270 units, located a half-mile from the Cumberland Metra Station. Construction began in late 2016 with townhome units being available for occupancy as soon as 2017. The 397 unit Buckingham Townhomes and Apartments opened in 2018 to residents along Northwest Highway, within walking distance to the Cumberland station. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 07.23.2021 |
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+ | Marengo Station Area Plan | Community Planning | Transit-Oriented Development Plan | Marengo | $99,740 |
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Completed | |||||||||
Project DetailsRelated Reports
Description
This project assessed the feasibility of the City's preferred transit station location and developed a conceptual station area plan for a potential transit station located within the City on the potential Milwaukee District West Line service extension to Marengo. See Metra Marengo Extension Commuter Rail Feasibility Study for more information: https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/about-metra/marengofeasibilitystudy_022410.pdf. Current Activities
The Village Board adopted the final plan in June 2009. The RTA is monitoring progress and will provide implementation support as needed. Funding Amounts by Source
Last Updated 07.18.2023 |