LCM’s master plan for the 210-acre mixed-use site establishes standards for future planned development throughout the site.

The plan draws upon pre-war industrial architecture of the area while creating a contemporary ‘live-work-play’ community. Inspired by the area’s architectural tradition, the design standards specify brick, stone, wood, fenestration, and minimal ornamentation. Outdoor cafes, plazas, landscaping, and park benches contribute to vibrant gathering spaces.

Taking advantage of the rural prairie setting, the plan incorporates a network of pedestrian and recreational trails, open green space, and natural plantings. Sidewalks link buildings to the trail network, creating an urban oasis in an open setting.

Traffic resulting from the new development was a community concern. LCM worked closely with residents, the planning and zoning department, and the Illinois Department of Transportation standards to ensure the plan maximized access off of Interstate 57 and main roads yet remained sensitive to nearby residential developments. The ‘town center’ approach establishes a nicely scaled community that places anchor buildings – an administrative office building, an ambulatory care facility, and a hotel – close to road access but diverts traffic away from the pedestrian-friendly interior of the development.

LCM has designed many of the residential, office, and retail buildings on the site.