Firms Tout Experience, Vision As They Interview for North York Project

Written by Carol Kania Morency

Fixes for trouble areas and communication with residents were some of the issues raised by two firms trying out for the chance to lead the redevelopment of North York Road Monday.

The city received eight responses to its requests for proposals for an overall design framework for the North York tax increment financing district. Five candidates were interviewed, and two were asked to attend the Development, Planning and Zoning Committee meeting Monday night.

The North York TIF stretches from just south of North Avenue to Grand Avenue, and includes the new Mariano's Fresh Market, the old Steven's Steakhouse and parcels at Hahn and Addison streets, to name a few.

Both firms presented their credentials, introduced subcontractors in marketing, business development and other areas that would be working with them, gave examples of projects similar to Elmhurst and outlined their philosophies of planning and redevelopment.

Ginkgo Planning and Development's Ferhat Zerin gave a history of the groups' experience in the Chicago area, including developments in Tinley Park and the Uptown district in Park Ridge. Zerin, in her previous work with famed Chicago firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, led the planning of the redevelopment of State Street in the Loop.

The Gingko team noted some problem areas in the North York corridor and how they had handled similar situations in the past. For example, Interstate 290 cuts the zone in half and discourages foot traffic along York. Zerin referred to a project the group completed along the Chicago River under Lake Shore Drive and showed examples of how this uninviting area was made walkable.

Other transportation concerns the group recognized on York Road were the high number of curb cuts and the lack of crosswalks and bike-friendly features along the whole zone.

Aldermen asked about the group's experience with stormwater. Zerin said that while the team assembled for Elmhurst had no civil engineer on staff, they have in the past worked with Christopher Burke, the group that is assembling extensive stormwater data and recommendations for the city.

She also noted that many Gingko projects incorporate stormwater management as a property amenity, such as a water feature for a restaurant's outdoor patio.

Houseal Lavigne Associates has done work in Geneva and St. Charles, as well as in Traverse City, Mich. One of the subcontractors working with Houseal Lavigne is Conservation Design Forum, based in Elmhurst. CDF  focuses on ecological design, environmental science and civil resource engineering to construct efficient water conveyance systems, rainwater collection and reuse, and permeable parking areas and roadways.

Community outreach and participation is a key philosophy of Houseal Levigne. John Houseal said that over the years they have developed—and won awards for—many online tools for community engagement.

For example, Houseal Lavigne uses a mapping program that allows residents to tag and add comments about locations in their towns. Interactive project websites and social media are other ways Houseal Lavigne involves stakeholders.

But Houseal also said one-on-one meetings during the planning process are critical, including a special workshop for businesses.

The firm's experience across the country brings best practices to its projects, Houseal said

Both groups stressed the city needs a plan that is not only visionary but feasible.