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.

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This search filters based on details within the Planning Project. The search box below allows users to search by Planning Project name.

Year Project Title Program Project Type Sort descending Project Partner Budget Funding Source(s) Status
+ Chicago Southland TOD Corridor Planning Study Phase II Implementation Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) $125,000
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project was the second phase of a two-phase planning process aimed at facilitating TOD at station areas in southland communities. Phase I was funded through the Community Planning program in 2009 and concluded at the end of 2010. Phase II built off the planning framework completed during Phase I and developed site plans for select sites in Homewood, Blue Island and Oak Forest.
Current Activities
In June 2015 a boutique hotel opened in Homewood across from the Metra station. This 18-room hotel also consists of a restaurant/bar and the owners are hopeful that the proximity to Metra will attract commuters to visit and stay in the area. For more information please visit "http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/news/ct-sta-homewood-hotel-st-0612-20150611-story.html".

In 2013 the SSMMA received assistance from the RTA (with support from ULI) to solicit guidance, advice and input from the development community on ways to attract TOD investment in the Oak Forest TOD area. This discussion took place on December 10, 2013 and a Summary Report of this discussion can be found below under "Related Studies".

In 2015, Oak Forest received CMAQ program funding for pedestrian improvements in the Oak Forest station area via the RTA's Access to Transit Program. This project will improve multi-modal access to the station, as well as to Pace Route 383.

In 2016 SSMMA provided additional funding to Homewood and Oak Forest to advance additional implementation efforts. Oak Forest will use the funds to complete a pro forma analysis and conceptual design review for two mixed-use, multi-family sites adjacent to the Rock Island Metra station. Homewood will use the funds to complete architectural, engineering, and environmental work for 28 proposed residential units, as well as a Science Center, on a currently vacant site near the Homewood Metra station.

In 2018 Homewood began a marketing campaign to promote the affordability and convenience of living in Homewood. Advertisements were targeted to various Chicago neighborhoods.

The City of Oak Forest continues to focus its economic development efforts towards quality placemaking, transit-oriented development around their Metra station by strategically acquiring dormant properties. In 2019 numerous projects were underway with the largest being Cook County releasing an RFP to begin redevelopment plans for the 129-acre Oak Forest Health Center.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $100,000
Local $25,000

Last Updated 06.28.2019

+ Harvey Intermodal Station Area Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Harvey $83,693
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description

This project provides a plan for redevelopment of the city's downtown area that includes the Metra Electric District commuter rail station and Pace's Harvey Transportation Center. The plan was completed in November 2005.

Current Activities

In 2010, Pace funded a Transit Signal Priority Project for the Harvey Transportation Center. Testing of the full deployment of TSP was completed in August 2010. Twenty signalized intersections along 158th, Sibley Boulevard, Halsted and Park Avenue were deployed in Phase I, and in Phase II 10 signalized intersections were deployed along Halsted Street. This project helped to improve circulation and movement within the downtown area, as recommended in the plan.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $16,739
Federal $66,954

Last Updated 02.15.2024

+ Olympia Fields Town Center Development Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Olympia Fields $37,949
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project developed a concept plan for a new town center on a 54 acre green-field site adjacent to the Metra Electric station in Olympia Fields. The proposed town center includes a mix of civic, commercial, retail, and residential land uses adjacent to an expanded commuter rail facility.
Current Activities

The study was completed in October 2000 and in 2014 CMAP funded an update to this study with support from the RTA. 

Additionally, the RTA coordinated with ULI to assemble a panel of developers on June 12, 2013 to solicit guidance, advice and input from the development community on TOD opportunities near the 211th Street Metra Station. This discussion focused on property adjacent to the Metra station in both Park Forest and Olympia Fields. A summary of this discussion can be found here: 211th Street Station

The Village was selected by the RTA to complete a TOD zoning code update as part of the 2016 Community Planning program. Work on the zoning code is now complete and the updated zoning code and design guidelines were adopted by the Village Board in September 2018.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $37,949

Last Updated 02.13.2024

+ North Chicago Station Area Planning Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan North Chicago $74,820
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project created a master plan and implementation strategy for the redevelopment of the area surrounding the North Chicago Metra rail station. The redevelopment would include high-density housing, retail and commercial services. The project will also analyze the inter-modal connections between Pace and Metra.
Current Activities
The final plan was adopted by the City Council in January 2008. Currently, the City has been exploring ways to acquire some or all of the excess property in the TOD area owned by Abbott Laboratories, which would allow them to pursue TOD opportunities recommended in the plan.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $14,964
Federal $59,856

Last Updated 02.25.2013

+ Lake Villa Downtown TOD Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Lake Villa $124,840
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project created a transit-oriented development plan for an approximate 1/2 mile radius of the existing Metra station within the Village. The plan focused on expanding new development and redevelopment opportunities and providing a balanced mix of housing and jobs in the Metra station area. The TOD plan was adopted as part of the Village's Comprehensive Plan in September 2013.
Current Activities
The RTA worked with the Village to prepare a marketing brochure that highlights the opportunity sites and concept plans illustrated in the TOD plan. The brochure was completed in August 2014 and the Village will use it to court prospective developers. The brochure can be found below in the Study Documents.

In early 2015 the RTA applied for CMAQ funding on behalf of the Village, as a selected project in the Access to Transit Improvement Program, for sidewalk & access improvements in the Metra station area and was awarded funding (including Lake Villa). Projects should begin construction in 2017 or 2018.

In September 2017, the Village Board voted to designate the Metra station area a Business District in order to spur redevelopment. The additional taxes generated from the business district will be used for area improvements such as enhancements to private buildings, public infrastructure upgrades and beautification efforts.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $99,872
Local $24,968

Last Updated 10.02.2017

+ Highwood Transit-Oriented Development Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Highwood $125,000
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project created a transit-oriented development plan for an approximate ½ mile radius of the Highwood Metra Station, which is also served by Pace Route 472. The plan developed strategies to increase residential and commercial densities and add new business that will improve transit ridership.
Current Activities
The Downtown Projects Guide has been finalized and was adopted by the City Council on September 2014. The City of Highwood was selected by the RTA as part of the 2015 Community Planning Program to receive assistance updating their TOD area zoning regulations. This project began in May 2015 and the city is currently reviewing a draft of potential code revisions.

In 2015, the City of Highwood approved a redevelopment proposal for the former Hotel Moraine site to construct 103 units of senior housing with a grocery store on the ground level. The project is currently under construction.

In spring 2018 the City announced a new residential project that adds 14 townhomes on property between Webster and Clay Avenues, located roughly two blocks from the Highwood Metra station. Plan implementation has continued with the approval of two multi-family developments on currently vacant lots, located on Green Bay Road. The proposals passed the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council in fall of 2016.

On September 20th 2017, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a proposal for a mixed-use building with 52 apartments, 2,800 square feet of retail space and 56 parking spaces at 440 Green Bay Road. The City acquired this property in 2012 and demolished the former restaurant building on it. It was sold to a developer two years ago and TIF funds have been promised to help with development costs. The proposal will next go to the City Council for approval. In May 2018, the Webster Place Residential Project was approved. It consists of a 14-unit townhouse complex in Downtown Highwood and is under construction as of June 2018. In addition, a mixed-use development at 246 Green Bay Road consisting of 31 apartment units, 9000 sq. ft of commercial space, and 39 parking spaces was approved in September 2018 and went under construction in November 2018.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $100,000
Local $25,000

Last Updated 09.16.2019

+ Mundelein Station Area Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Mundelein $78,568
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description

The plan emphasized an appropriate mix of land uses to revitalize a currently under utilized area adjacent to the commuter rail station. Revitalizing the area with the addition of appropriate access improvements will effectively connect the station area with the Village's downtown. This project was completed in January 2005.

Current Activities

Phase I of the nine-building Cardinal Square development, an 84 unit building located directly east of the Metra Station, was completed and occupied in 2008. Phase II, a 65 unit building, was completed in 2015. As of October 2022, construction of Phase III (180 units) is ongoing and nearing completion. The Village, in partnership with Weston Solutions, broke ground on a new mixed-use biulding in April of 2013. This new building is part of a larger redevelopment of the Village Center and will include a new village hall and new retail/office space. Construction is completed and the Village held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 6, 2014. As part of this project, the Village also constructed a new public right-of-way, Plaza Circle, to provide better access to the Metra station and Village Hall. In October 2022, the Village approved a redevelopment plan for a 165 unit development adjacent to the new Village Hall on Plaza Circle. To implement these projects, which were central recommendations of the 2005 TOD plan, the Village purchased ten acres of land previously occupied by an industrial building. The tenant of the building was relocated to another Village-owned property immediately south of the Metra commuter parking lot.

In an effort to improve pedestrian circulation in the station area, the Village designed and constructed a pedestrian overpass at the Metra station. The project was awarded CMAQ funding in October 2015 and was completed in October 2022. In fall of 2015, construction began on Fairhaven Crossing, a 40 unit affordable residential development for families and individuals with disabilities located on Hawley Street within convenient walking distance of the Metra station. Construction was completed in fall of 2016 and the building is currently occupied.

In 2020 the Village purchased a former recycling center at 101 E. Maple in Mundelein's downtown district to encourage new retail or resident development of the site, which would be more fitting with the rest of the downtown area. In October 2022, construction began on a 139 unit development at this location, bounded by Morris Ave, Park St. Seymour Ave, and Maple Ave. The Village is also constructing water/sewer, roadway, and pedestrian infrastructure improvements on Seymour Ave, Morris Ave, and Park St to support the development. Construction is expected to wrap up in Spring 2024.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $18,568
Federal $60,000

Last Updated 02.15.2024

+ Mokena Transit-Oriented Development Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Mokena $124,500
  • RTA
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project identified transit-oriented development opportunities for the downtown Mokena Metra Rock Island District station area.
Current Activities
After completing the plan in 2008 the Village has taken several implementation steps, including the establishment of a TIF District as well as instituting permit fee relief and grant programs

Mokena received a grant from the Federal Railroad Grade Protection Fund in April 2011 for signal improvements at the intersection of Wolf Road and the Metra tracks located just south of Front Street. This will help improve traffic movements across the Metra tracks at Wolf Road, as suggested in the Plan.

Mokena was chosen as part of the 2012 RTA Community Planning Program of Projects for assistance connecting with development experts to discuss opportunities in the TOD study area. A panel of development experts met in November 2012 to discuss potential redevelopment opportunities in the TOD area and provide guidance and advice on ways the Village can attract development. A summary of this discussion can be found in the Study Documents. In recent years, (2) commercial projects were completed; 4,400 sq.ft 'Tribes Brewery' completed in May 2018, and 5,000 sq.ft 'Current Call Theater' completed in February 2017.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $4,900
Local $20,000
Federal $99,600

Last Updated 09.16.2019

+ Lemont Station Area Planning Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Lemont $100,000
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
This station area planning project focused on mixed use development and improved access and circulation while maintaining the historical character of the study area. A detailed concept plans for the western portion of the Village, including the Metra station area, was prepared. This project was completed in January 2005.
Current Activities

The Village revised their zoning ordinance in 2008 per a recommendation in their Station Area Plan and developed a Unified Development Ordinance, which allows them to provide optimal transitions between incompatible land uses, incorporate design controls, and focus on transit-supportive uses. 

The Front Street Lofts, an 82-unit condo loft development located in the TOD area along the I&M Canal, is completed and occupied. Additional residential and mixed use development has taken place along Talcott Ave., also in the study area. 

In January 2015 the Village held a Developer Discussion Panel coordinated through the RTA and ULI to solicit advice from development experts on ways to proactively attract infill development near the Metra Station along two Downtown corridors, Main Street and Canal street. The report can be found in Related Reports.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $20,000
Federal $80,000

Last Updated 02.14.2024

+ Franklin Park West Line Station Area Planning Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Franklin Park $75,000
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project assessed the feasibility of transit-oriented development in the vicinity of the Metra Milwaukee West Line station in downtown Franklin Park. The goal of the project was to foster improvements to the area served by the Metra Station in order to attract and retain businesses, increase potential tax revenues to the Village, and increase transit ridership by enhancing pedestrian, bus and auto access to the station. This project was completed in February 2006.
Current Activities
RTA worked with the Village to convene a ULI Developer Discussion Panel to solicit guidance and advice on ways to attract TOD investment in the study area. A panel of development experts met with Village staff and elected officials in July 2012 to discuss potential redevelopment opportunities at the vacant LaSalle Bank site located on Minneapolis & 25th Avenues as well as vacant land next to The Crossings condominium development. A summary of this discussion can be found below in the Study Documents.

In 2014 the completed updates to their downtown zoning code, in partnership with the RTA, to better facilitate TOD development and the Village also pursued a Quiet Zone in the TOD area in partnership with the Village of River Grove. For more information please visit http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/franklin-park/news/ct-fhj-train-quiet-tl-0219-20150212-story.html.
In 2020 the Village approved the sale of a downtown parcel at 9600 Franklin Avenue to make way for the construction of a 6-story, 110-unit, market rate luxury rental housing development with ground floor retail.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $15,000
Federal $60,000

Last Updated 08.20.2020