Evanston Downtown Master Plan

Evanston, Illinois

Lakota and Duncan Associates co-led the team that prepared a downtown master plan, development guidelines, and a sample form-based code for the City of Evanston. Located adjacent to Northwestern University, the downtown plan addresses land use, building heights, massing and design, site planning, streetscape amenities, and open space. Lakota targeted key redevelopment sites and generated 3D models and sketches illustrating potential urban form for this dense, transit-oriented downtown. Additionally, a strong emphasis was placed on enhancing Evanston’s streets and public spaces as vital components to downtown’s appeal.

The planning process included a week-long charrette in a downtown storefront, stakeholder focus groups, and numerous community workshops to engage the public.