Oak Park TOD Tour
The Suburban TOD Group, led by Ian Brown of Shapiro & Associates, held a tour on October 4 of recent transit-oriented development (“TOD”) in downtown Oak Park. The Oak Park Economic Development Corporation graciously hosted the event, which included a street-level walking tour of completed, ongoing, and proposed major TODs in the downtown area as well as an in-depth tour of The Emerson which was Oak Park’s catalyst TOD.
Pillars of TOD
Transit-oriented development involves developing an individual building or planning an entire area around public transit infrastructure such as a Metra train station. Suburban TOD in particular involves the coordination of many aspects of land use including: community outreach, suburban renewal and walkable neighborhoods, economic development, and transportation planning. Demand for TOD has grown significantly in recent years leading to more vibrant, livable, sustainable communities centered on transit including in many suburban Chicago communities such LaGrange, Wheeling, Des Plaines and Oak Park.
Success through planning and collaboration
Oak Park’s TOD area has developed around its Metra station and the Harlem/Lake CTA Green Line station. In tandem with consumer demand, Oak Park’s success with TOD has been fostered by recent and long-term public and private investments and planning in the downtown area including strategic financial incentives and implementation of an updated comprehensive plan. It was very interesting to hear how Oak Park’s TODs were successfully cultivated through public and private efforts and collaboration, ultimately resulting in a large number of significant projects coming to fruition in the current cycle.
More on the Suburban TOD Group
The Suburban TOD Group’s membership is comprised of individuals widely seen to be at the top of their fields including planners, elected representatives, transportation experts, developers and government officials. The group, founded by Shapiro & Associates, provides a unique opportunity for a diverse group of professionals from the private and public sector to discuss solutions for making TOD a reality for the many Chicago suburbs seeking to meet the needs of residents. Shapiro & Associates looks forward to more great Suburban TOD Group events soon.
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