Planning Programs and Projects

This page allows users to search for projects from the RTA’s Planning Programs. Users can search for projects by name or keyword from the Search bar or the Filter pulldown menus. 

Table results display summary information about each project. To view more details for a project, select the + icon to expand the view for additional information.

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This search filters based on details within the Planning Project. The search box below allows users to search by Planning Project name.

Year Sort descending Project Title Program Project Type Project Partner Budget Funding Source(s) Status
+ Northwest Corridor Study Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan Northwest Municipal Conference $1,129,461
  • RTA
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description
The Northwest Corridor, centered on the I-90 Northwest Tollway, includes a substantial share of the region's activity centers and travel destinations, including O'Hare International Airport, the Schaumburg/Woodfield area and the Elk Grove Industrial Park. The Northwest Corridor Transit Feasibility Study identified and compared options for improving mobility, and facilitated a locally-preferred choice for new transit development. Concurrently, the Northwest Municipal Conference-directed RTAP Study developed transit supportive land use policies and identified potential local financing sources. Of the three transit options proposed by CTA, Metra and Pace, local officials representing communities in the Northwest Corridor selected Metra's commuter rail option- the STAR Line.
Current Activities
This project was completed in December 2004. After completing an Alternatives Analysis for the STAR Line in 2012, Metra chose not to continue to pursue the project due to a variety of factors.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $346,487
Local $298,974
Federal $484,000

Last Updated 10.30.2018

+ Tinley Park Station Area Plans Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Tinley Park $40,000
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description

This project developed plans for two commuter rail station areas in the Village of Tinley Park, the Oak Park Avenue Station located in the downtown and the 80th Avenue station located southwest of the downtown. For the Oak Park Avenue Station, the project identified mixed-use redevelopment opportunities to revitalize the commercial core surrounding the station. The 80th Avenue Station scope of work focused on civic uses, expanded parking, and improved access to the station. The study was completed in September 1998.

Current Activities

A new station was rebuilt between 2002-2005 at the Oak Park Avenue stop on the Rock Island Line that includes a café and a clock tower with 360° views of the station area. Additionally, a new station at the 80th Avenue stop opened in the Spring of 2012.

The Village was selected for inclusion in the 2014 Community Planning Program of Projects for a Developer / Financial Advisory Panel. The Panel convened on October 14th, 2014 and a summary report of the discussion can be found below under "Related Studies".

Among the short-term goals is to expand Zabrocki Plaza, immediately east of the Oak Park Avenue Metra station, to increase space for activities that draw people into the downtown, and at the same time to showcase the downtown's amenities to people from outside Tinley Park. Because any expansion would impact parking spaces in the Metra lot, the village would have to make up for those lost spaces elsewhere near the station, and discussions with Metra about that have been ongoing.

'The Boulevard' - a mixed use project consisting of 165 units and 29,853 sq. ft of commercial space at South St and 67th Ave, was approved for construction in September 2018 and completed in 2021.

The Village of Tinley Park recently announced it is partnering with a developer that has acquired the final parcel of property needed to move forward with construction of Harmony Square, a new multi-use plaza that will be located at the corner of Oak Park Avenue and North Street in Downtown Tinley.

The Village also secured funding for a new traffic light at 80th Avenue and Timber Drive to help control traffic in the Metra station area.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $40,000

Last Updated 02.13.2024

+ Kane County Transit Opportunity Assessment Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan Kane County $43,736
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
The Kane County Transit Opportunity Assessment evaluated the existing and potential transit market in the County. The study includes recommendations for further assessing opportunities for transit service in five sub-regions or markets of the County as identified by the study. Two corridors are also identified as candidates for transit services and transit supportive land use planning.
Current Activities

This study was completed in September 2002. In 2009 the RTA funded an update to this study; please visit https://rtams.org/projects/planning/2745 for more information.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $16,736
Federal $27,000

Last Updated 02.13.2024

+ Blue Island Transit-Oriented Development Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Blue Island $22,200
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description
The City of Blue Island Transit-Oriented Development study recommended improving the pedestrian environment between the Metra Electric and Rock Island District stations that are located within 500 feet of each other and where significant passenger transferring between the stations occur. The study also recommended providing streetscaping and guidance signage enhancements from the two stations to downtown Blue Island and Saint Francis Hospital, which was renamed to MetroSouth Medical Center in 2008.
Current Activities

The study was completed in May 1999. The RTA recently completed a Phase II Transit Corridor Study which developed conceptual development programs for two parcels in the TOD area; one parcel is an under-utilized parking area Southeast of the Vermont Street Rock Island station and the other is adjacent to the station. Additionally, through an RTA Pilot Project providing implementation technical assistance, a new zoning district called the Uptown Transit-Oriented District was created and formally adopted into the City Zoning Ordinance on June 14, 2012. The new regulations can be found here

In 2012 Metra received a grant from the Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement (ICE) Program for improvements to the Blue Island, Vermont Street Interagency Transfer Station. This project includes additional interagency signage at multiple locations, including both Metra stations. Additionally, the RTA chose Blue Island as part of the 2013 Community Planning Program to work with ULI to assemble a developer discussion panel to provide input, guidance and advice to the City as they work to attract TOD investment on a City-owned parcel adjacent to the 119th Street Metra station. This discussion took place on August 12, 2013 and a summary of this discussion can be found in the Related Reports link. The City is currently working to implement the recommendations from this discussion.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $22,200

Last Updated 02.13.2024

+ Lake County Route 60 and Route 22 Corridor Shuttle Study Community Planning Transit Improvement Plan TMA of Lake Cook $45,000
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description
This study examined opportunities to improve mobility in the Route 60 and 22 corridors in Lake County by implementing shuttle bus connections to commuter rail service. The corridors include three Metra rail lines: the North Central Line, the Milwaukee District North Line, and the Union Pacific North Line. The study focused on patterning service after the successful "Shuttle Bug" routes serving Lake-Cook Road and Braeside. The partners included the RTA, the Transportation Management Association of Lake-Cook, Metra, Pace, and major employers from the corridors.
Current Activities
The study was completed in August 2000. Per recommendations in the plan, Lake Forest Shuttle Bug route #625 was implemented along Route 60 in 2001 to connect HSBC employees in Mettawa to the Lake Forest Metra Stations on the UP-N and Milwaukee North lines. Also, Shuttle Bug Route #622/12 was implemented in 2000 to service Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Leica Microsystems in Lake Forest and Bannockburn, respectively, to connect to the Milwaukee North line in Deerfield.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $45,000

Last Updated 02.28.2013

+ Evanston Transportation Center Planning Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Evanston $99,210
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
The Evanston Transportation Center Planning Study developed conceptual plans for access improvements within and between the Evanston Davis Street transit stations and the existing and planned development in downtown Evanston. Wayfinding and pedestrian access improvements were particularily emphasized as nearly half of commuters access the stations by walking. The study also recommended specific improvements at an existing bus transfer location and a review of existing bus services to assess whether it is meeting the needs of the current transit market.
Current Activities
The study was completed in August 2001. The City incorporated design recommendations from the study, including a pedestrian ramp to the Davis Station. Mixed-use development has also been built adjacent to the east and north of the Davis St. Station.

The City was selected as part of the 2015 RTA Community Planning Program to explore ways to create a TOD Parking Policy throughout the City.

In May 2020 the Evanston City Council approved an 18-story, 210,000 sq. ft. office project to be located less than 1,000 feet from both the 'L' and Metra rail service, the first high-rise office building to be constructed in the city in 20 years.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $69,447
Local $29,763

Last Updated 06.03.2020

+ Orland Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Orland Park $50,000
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
The Village of Orland Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study developed a conceptual plan to facilitate mixed-use development in the Metra 143rd Street station area. The plan thematically ties the station area to Orland Park's historic district, south of 143rd Street. Recommendations included a mix of land uses, including housing, shops and offices surrounding a new 143rd Street Metra station. The plan also included a recommendation for the relocation of the commuter rail station to the north and east of its current location to mitigate access and circulation problems at the original station site. The study was completed in November 2000.
Current Activities

Orland Park constructed and opened a new Metra station at 143rd Street in April 2007. Service was also doubled on the SW Service line at the same time and saw a 20% increase in ridership. The Village also updated their zoning ordinance to include transit-supportive regulations.

Ninety 7 Fifty on the Park, a 295-unit luxury apartment complex & commercial development built near the 143rd Street Metra station, broke ground in March 2012 and is now fully occupied. 

In October 2014 the Residences of Orland Park Crossing, a 231‐unit rental apartment, rowhome and townhome development broke ground across the street from the 143rd Metra station at 143rd and La Grange Road and the first residential units have been delivered for occupancy. A Mariano's grocery store has also opened in the commercial area adjacent to this site.

In 2014, the University of Chicago announced that they will be developing a 120,000SF outpatient medical facility at the northwest corner of 143rd Street and LaGrange Road which opened in December 2016. In conjunction with this project, the Village constructed a parking structure at the northeast corner of 143rd Street and Ravinia Avenue which opened in October 2016. This project adds 520+ spaces on roughly two acres of currently vacant municipal-owned land and includes a 12,000 square foot restaurant space.

In March 2017 the next development for the station area was announced by the Village for the 1.6-acre, triangle-shaped property it owns just west of the Ninety 7 Fifty on the Park apartment building and south of the 143rd Street Metra station, which is a two story, 80,000 sq. ft. mixed used building. This newest development is anchored by a luxury cinema on the second floor with first floor specialty retail and restaurant tenants.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $30,000
Local $20,000

Last Updated 02.13.2024

+ Olympia Fields Town Center Development Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Olympia Fields $37,949
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project developed a concept plan for a new town center on a 54 acre green-field site adjacent to the Metra Electric station in Olympia Fields. The proposed town center includes a mix of civic, commercial, retail, and residential land uses adjacent to an expanded commuter rail facility.
Current Activities

The study was completed in October 2000 and in 2014 CMAP funded an update to this study with support from the RTA. 

Additionally, the RTA coordinated with ULI to assemble a panel of developers on June 12, 2013 to solicit guidance, advice and input from the development community on TOD opportunities near the 211th Street Metra Station. This discussion focused on property adjacent to the Metra station in both Park Forest and Olympia Fields. A summary of this discussion can be found here: 211th Street Station

The Village was selected by the RTA to complete a TOD zoning code update as part of the 2016 Community Planning program. Work on the zoning code is now complete and the updated zoning code and design guidelines were adopted by the Village Board in September 2018.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $37,949

Last Updated 02.13.2024

+ Elmhurst Downtown Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Elmhurst $7,500
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description
The Elmhurst Central Business District City Centre Planning Study was completed in March of 1999. The plan was directed by the Central Business District Special Service Area and was part of the RTAP program. The study applied transit-oriented development principles to downtown Elmhurst.
Current Activities

The original TOD study was updated by the City of Elmhurst in 2006 and continues to foster residential, commercial, and retail development in the downtown area. A six-story mixed use development is currently under construction at 100 N. Addison in downtown Elmhurst. This development has 11,000 square feet of first floor commercial space with 165 residential apartment units above the commercial spaces. This development is located adjacent to the Metra station in downtown Elmhurst. Completed in 2019. 

Elmhurst also secured grant funding to reconstruct its downtown Metra station. The work scope included reconstruction of the inbound and outbound platform, a new pedestrian tunnel at York Street and designated bus and vehicle drop-off lanes to reduce localized vehicular congestion. This $18 million project began in the summer of 2019.

In 2010, the City completed construction of a five-story, 253-space parking deck to serve downtown patrons and Metra commuters at First Street and Larch Avenue. In addition, a new parking deck with street-level commercial was built at Schiller Street and Palmer Drive as well as a traditional parking deck at Addison Road and Adelaide Street. 

In 2016 the City opened a 6-story, 690-space parking deck at Addison Avenue and 2nd Street with ground-floor retail, serving downtown customers and employees. Elmhurst 255, a 188-unit residential rental project was completed in 2016, amenities include 12,000SF ground level retail and a public event plaza.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $7,500

Last Updated 02.13.2024

+ Westmont Transit-Oriented Development Opportunity Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Westmont $40,000
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description

The Westmont Transit-Oriented Development Opportunity Study identified mixed-use redevelopment opportunities in the Metra station area. The study recommended the development of mid-rise medium density housing within the station area. In addition, the study addressed improved transit access to the station area and along Cass Avenue in the vicinity of the station.

Current Activities

The study was completed in September 2000. Over the past 10 years, Westmont has built a new Village Hall & Police and Fire Department facility, a new Library, updated their Metra Station and built a new community park and fountain. Additionally, the Village installed new decorative streetscapes and a community sound system which provides background music and community announcements to enhance the pedestrian friendliness of the area.

Westmont was chosen as part of the 2012 RTA Community Planning Program of Projects to update their zoning regulations their TOD study area to include transit-supportive regulations. Although the TOD regulations developed during the project have yet to be adopted, the Village Board did adopt a new zoning map on March 15, 2018. The proposed regulations developed during this project continue to be used as guidelines for downtown projects in the Village.

Quincy Station, a 5-story mixed use building was completed in spring of 2022.  Located at the intersection of South Cass Avenue and West Quincy Street, this mixed-use, multi-family residential building features 94 residential units and a ground floor retail/commercial space. 

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $20,000
Federal $20,000

Last Updated 02.13.2024