An appearance code for commercial North Chicago areas, enhancing the goals in the city’s comprehensive plan enacted in 2024, is now under construction.
Consultants Kimly-Horn & Associates are crafting a plan to be ready for City Council approval in late spring that officials hope will maintain neighborhood characteristics and make changes to places like downtown, Sheridan Crossing when it is developed and other locations.
Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. recognizes that not all areas are the same. He said the new code is needed in North Chicago so new projects bring the benefits of economic development while not drastically changing existing neighborhoods. It fits with the city’s recent rebranding, he said.
“This is another piece of the puzzle,” Rockingham said. “It is needed in North Chicago. It’s how we help to strengthen our community. We have our different commercial areas and streets. Each one should have its own feel to it.”
Areas like Sheridan Road downtown, where buildings are at the sidewalks, will retain the look. So will areas like Green Bay Road, where parking is in front of the buildings, off the roadway.
A group of residents, developers and business owners met with city officials and the consultants on Thursday at City Hall to offer their ideas and vision to guide Kimly-Horn in its work.
“This is a set of rules designed to protect property values, support development and enhance the city’s image,” Greg Jackson, Rockingham’s chief of staff, said after the meeting. “We want people to drive through North Chicago, not around it.”
Jackson said the six commercial areas are 10th Street dividing Waukegan and North Chicago, Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Audrey Nixon Boulevard, Green Bay Road, Sheridan Road downtown and Skokie Highway.
Taylor Wegrzyn, the city’s director of economic and community development, said the appearance code will apply to projects in commercial areas only. It will not impact residential neighborhoods.
All new construction or any renovation project that deals with 50% or more of a building will have to meet the requirements of the appearance code, Jackson said. Creating an attractive appearance is important.
During the meeting, Wegrzyn said a desire was expressed for synergy between new and existing buildings. Some structures, particularly downtown, have frosted windows and security grills around windows and doors. Seeing less of the style is a goal for some.
“They want to see increased transparency,” Wegrzyn said. “They want to be able to see through the windows and inside the building. Frosted windows and window covers block the views. They want to see a more exciting style. They want to see more creativity in the design.”
Wegrzyn said on places like 10th Street, the “urban fabric” will remain. Green Bay Road, Skokie Highway and Martin Luther King Boulevard are geared toward people getting around by car rather than by foot or public transportation. The vibe is different and will remain so. Some standards apply to all.
“We want there to be a balance between making developments affordable, flexible and uplifting,” Wegrzyn said. “We want high quality.”