Hubbard Woods Business District Streetscape

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 is 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 will result 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 is participating 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 current streetscape planning efforts are focused on concept-level planning and public engagement. This fall and in 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

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 via the community poll, or by contacting Community Development Director David Schoon. Please subscribe to Winnetka’s weekly email newsletter to receive project updates and to participate in upcoming activities. 

Where can I review Winnetka’s past plans that relate to this study?
The Hubbard Woods Streetscape Plan builds upon recent planning efforts by the Village of Winnetka. Links to relevant past efforts follows below:

• Downtown Master Streetscape and Signage Plan (June 2018)
• Downtown Master Plan (November 2016)