Indian Hill Business District Streetscape
Streetscape Concept – Public Open House
On February 15, the Villages of Winnetka and Kenilworth held an in-person open house to give Winnetka community members an opportunity to provide input on a draft design concept for streetscape improvements for Green Bay Road as it runs through the Indian Hill Business District.
Given the excess traffic capacity of this section of Green Bay Road (e.g., this section has similar traffic counts as portions of Sheridan Road to the east), one of the major design concepts is to improve pedestrian experience and safety in the area, by converting the lanes of traffic from four through lanes (two in each direction) to two through lanes (one in each direction) and one shared turn lane. By doing this, we can widen the sidewalk in front of the businesses on the west side of the street and provide a sidewalk on the east side for motorist parking on the east side of the street, as well as in the adjacent parking lot.
Materials that were shared at the open house can be accessed using the following links:
1. Corridor Character & Existing Conditions
2. Plan View – Green Bay Road in Winnetka
3. Plan View – Green Bay Road in Kenilworth
4. Typical Roadway Sections – Existing & Proposed
5. Streetscape Furnishing Options
About this project
The Village has commenced a streetscape planning effort for the Indian Hill Business District and is planning to make streetscape improvements within the Green Bay Road right-of-way in the business district, similar to those streetscape improvements made in the Elm Street Business District.
The planning effort is a joint project with the Village of Kenilworth, as the project area is along Green Bay Road between Winnetka Avenue in Winnetka and Kenilworth Avenue in Kenilworth. The effort includes a study of the utilization of the Green Bay Road roadway, parkway, and sidewalks. 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.
Project Area Within Winnetka: Green Bay Road from Winnetka Avenue to southern corporate limits
The planning process is designed to offer 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 will result in an Green Bay Road Streetscape Concept Design Plan report that will include streetscape concept designs for Green Bay Road to help guide future Village discussions and decision-making about specific streetscape improvements in the district.
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 current streetscape planning efforts are focused on concept-level planning and public engagement. This spring 2024, we will work with the community to develop a streetscape concept plan. We then anticipate it taking 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
How can I get involved and receive project updates?
Community input is welcome throughout the planning process. Please subscribe to Winnetka’s weekly email newsletter to receive project updates and to participate in upcoming activities.