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We’re close to the finish line. On the evening of June 27, updated plans were presented to theWinnetka Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Design Review Board at a special joint meeting. David Trandel, representing the developer of One Winnetka, provided a detailed overview of plan revisions. Winnetka residents were offered the opportunity to speak on the record in support of the plans and/or voice concerns. Questions were recorded, provided to us and we are responding to each one.

It varies. In this case, we understand that it’s important for the community, Village officials and residents, to be confident that One Winnetka is a major plus for the Village. To that end, we have been very responsive to the Village over the last few years: answering questions, making necessary design revisions, and working with the community to review and improve plans.

In a nutshell, we eliminated two parking structures and consolidated the parking under the building. Then, due to the revised parking design, the development moved 40 feet east. Otherwise, the majority of our approved plan remains as is, and our $7.3 million in public benefit has not changed.

Bottom line: One Winnetka will replace the largest, most blighted portion of downtown with a vibrant residential, shopping, commercial and dining destination that will be an asset to village residents, as well as the entire North Shore community.

Just a few of the physical improvements for the Village include expanding commuter and employee permit parking facilities (with the Village receiving revenue from permit parking), upgrading its streetscape and landscape, and mitigating storm water runoff.

Moreover, One Winnetka will be answering an important need within the community. For many residents in Winnetka and throughout the North Shore, the time comes when they no longer want or have the need for a spacious home and yard, but would like to remain close to home. One Winnetka provides the perfect landing spot offering 22 for sale private residences and 36 luxury rental apartments.

One Winnetka will replace 40,000 square feet of dilapidated and non-commercial space, and that includes 32,000 feet of state-of-the-art Class A retail space.

They have changed and been improved. Big picture: Our proposed plan moves spaces underground for commuters and retail employees. That will significantly cut down area traffic.

Here are the details: The proposed plan calls for 164 total parking spaces: 131 spaces underground and 33 surface parking spaces for public use in the east parking area. By comparison, the original approved parking plan featured two structured garages totaling 172
total spaces.

And of importance to prospective residents, there will be 115 parking spaces for residential use
only.

We have thoroughly researched traffic patterns in order to minimize disruption and congestion during construction and for the life of the development.
We commissioned KLOA – a company that provides traffic, transportation, and parking consulting services for projects in the City of Chicago and the suburbs – to conduct an updated traffic impact study for our proposed plan. Their analysis determined that our revised parking plan is estimated to generate 162 to 405 fewer total in/out trips onto to Elm Street per day.

The natural beauty and heritage of Winnetka – including its neighborhoods, quaint homes, shops and businesses – was carefully considered when we designed One Winnetka.

Our architect – Lucien Lagrange – who has re-defined elegant housing with buildings such as Park Tower, 65 East Goethe, the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago – took great pains to learn the design and heritage of the village…its culture and personality.

Since we made our plans public, we’ve been very pleased with the feedback. Residents and retailers have commended the look and design…in terms of aesthetics and function.

From the beginning, we have been pleased with community acceptance of our plans. The majority of feedback, from residents and local officials, has been very positive – and that includes the Winnetka Chamber of Commerce. We understand a few people have concerns and we’ve listened to their opinions carefully. We will always be available to answer questions, provide additional details…and discuss why we believe One Winnetka will be good for this community.