Hubbard Woods Business District Streetscape

March 11, 2025, Village Council Study Session

On Tuesday, March 11, Jodi Mariano with Teska Associates, the Village’s streetscape consultant, Dan Brinkman, with Gewalt Associates, the Village’s traffic consultant, and Village staff presented the following to the Village Council: 

1. A review of the two streetscape design concepts for the Hubbard Woods Business District and community input regarding these design approaches, which was material that was previously reviewed with the Council at the June 2024 Council Study Session.    
2. A summary of the findings of potential impacts on vehicular traffic, pedestrian movement, and parking due to the proposed improvements. 

The meeting video can be found here.

June 11, 2024, Village Council Study Session

On Tuesday, June 11, Jodi Mariano with Teska Associates, the Village’s streetscape consultant, and Village staff presented to the Village Council two streetscape design concepts for the Hubbard Woods Business District and shared with the Council the community feedback regarding these design approaches. At the meeting, the Village Council directed staff to complete a traffic study so that the Council has additional information on which to make decisions regarding the preferred streetscape design. 

January 30, 2024 Public Open House and February-March 2024 Online Survey

Village staff and Teska Associates, the Village’s streetscape consultant, held a public open house and conducted an online survey that provided residents, business owners, and property owners an opportunity to review results of the first community survey, view preliminary streetscape concepts, and provide the Village with their thoughts regarding streetscape design options. 

The following links will take you to copies of the display boards from the open house:

• Existing Conditions (PDF) 
• Community Survey Responses (PDF)
• Design, Strategies, Issues, and Opportunities (PDF)
• Public Parking (PDF)
• Plan Enlargements Concepts for Green Bay Road Corridor (PDF)
• Plan Enlargement Concepts for Roadways Around Hubbard Woods Park (“Horseshoe Area”) (PDF)
• Plan Enlargement Concepts for Green Bay Road Intersections with Gage Street and Merrill Street (PDF)
• Materials & Products Options (PDF)

About this project

The Village has commenced a streetscape planning effort for the Hubbard Woods Business District and is planning to make streetscape improvements within the public right-of-way in the business district, similar to those streetscape improvements made in the Elm Street Business District. We are interested in hearing your thoughts about how we appropriately apply elements of improvements from the Elm Street Business District to the Hubbard Woods Business District. 

The planning effort includes a study of the utilization of the public right-of-way in Hubbard Woods. The public right-of-way is generally defined as the roadways, sidewalks, plantings, and green spaces controlled by the Village and/or Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Although private properties will be evaluated for context, the Village does not intend to make any recommendations to modify private properties.

Hubbard Woods is recognized as a charming and historic business district with a range of curated offerings, including specialty shops, friendly cafes, fine dining, unique galleries, a range of distinctive design services, as well as Hubbard Woods Park. This Streetscape Plan will build on previous planning studies that have been implemented and identify further opportunities to benefit the businesses, residents, and visitors of Hubbard Woods.

Study focus areas

The planning process was designed to offer viable enhancement options that improve pedestrian safety, on-street and off-street parking, lighting, pavement, site furnishings, wayfinding signage, trees, plantings, and outdoor seating and dining. 

Study outcomes

This study resulted in a Hubbard Woods Business District Streetscape Concept Design Plan report paired with concept plans to help guide future Village discussions and decision-making about specific streetscape improvements in the district.

Study area

The project area is generally along Green Bay Road between Tower Road (to the south) and the commercial businesses located north of Scott Avenue (to the north). The study area includes Tower Court to the east and the alleyway to the west. The Village of Glencoe participated in this study, as the areas located north of Scott Avenue are located within Glencoe’s municipal limits. Note: no changes to Hubbard Woods Park are planned as part of this study. No changes to the train station are part of this project, as planned improvements to the station are the responsibilities of Metra.

Green Bay Road jurisdiction

Green Bay Road is currently controlled by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). As such, certain design standards must be met and IDOT coordination meetings will take place. The Village has discussed the potential to explore a Jurisdictional Transfer with IDOT, which is an agreement that facilitates the transfer of ownership of a section of state-controlled roadway from IDOT to a municipality. Under a jurisdictional transfer, the municipality takes over responsibility of the public right-of-way from the State and thus is provided more design flexibility.

Streetscape planning timeline

The streetscape planning efforts were focused on concept-level planning and public engagement. We anticipate it will take several years to work with IDOT to determine if the improvements will be made as an IDOT or Village-controlled right-of-way. Once that decision is made, it will take some time to prepare construction documents. Once the construction documents are prepared, streetscape improvements could begin.

Project questions

What does “streetscape” mean and why is this plan necessary?
Streetscape refers to the public right-of-way associated with a roadway. This generally includes the roadway itself, sidewalks, parkways, and the open spaces in between. As Hubbard Woods continues to attract more visitors, maximizing the value of public right-of-way will support business access, vitality, and an overall sense of place in the district for community members.

What kinds of improvements can we expect to see after completing the plan?
This project includes planning for long-term infrastructure improvements, such as enhancements to public utilities (such as water and electric services), intersections, sidewalk connections, lighting, landscaping, and site furnishings. 

What do you mean by 'off-street parking enhancements'?
One of the Village’s parking goals for Hubbard Woods is to better connect and utilize the existing public parking garage to serve Hubbard Woods patrons and visitors who drive. 

How can I get involved and receive project updates?
Community input is welcome throughout the planning process. Feedback can be provided by contacting Community Development Director Scott Mangum. Please subscribe to Winnetka’s weekly email newsletter to receive project updates.