
Why Can’t Downtown Be More Like…?
We hear you asking “why can’t downtown be more like…? ” To find out, FDG Committee members recently attended a “behind the scenes” tour of a remarkably successful suburban downtown revitalization.
In years past, Downers Grove was known for its compact historic main street and local character. Through the efforts of community activists, working with local merchants and boards, it’s now bustling with new restaurants, micro-breweries and music spots.
Local planners used methods like those included in Glenview’s new Downtown Plan, and the community effectively collaborated to allow additional density in residential 4-5 story buildings on streets bordering the historic area. Moreover, with community input, new design standards and review processes were implemented to guide new development with architectural enhancements.
The tour, which was sponsored by the Municipal Design Review Network, provided real-world inspiration for what is possible in our downtown. Photo courtesy of Chaddick Institute/MDRN