Welcome to Glencoe's Downtown Tuneup, the project website and collaborative workspace for residents and stakeholders to interact, share ideas, and help make Downtown Glencoe even better.
BIG THANKS to everyone who came out to the Glencoe TuneUp Open Houses held this past Saturday, May 21st and Wednesday, May 25th. Both open houses, which were held at Village Hall, provided a solid foundation of feedback on major topic areas involving the future of Downtown Glencoe. Five activity stations were setup throughout the first floor of Village Hall, inviting open house goers to stroll, comment, share ideas and vote on priorities for the Downtown. Facilitators were positioned at each station to welcome and introduce residents to the activities and goals.
Activity Station Overview + Highlights
Station 1: Wayfinding | A large map of downtown Glencoe was put on display and
participants were asked to identify the following: What places and activities in Glencoe are important to highlight? What areas or assets are hidden or should be made more readily accessible? A repeat theme of this station was the Historical Society and garden being hidden gems; other comments are noted below. What do you think? Have other ideas? Click here to share.
“Signage at Sheridan and Park to direct people to the central business district.”
“Kiosk at Glencoe Beach, Library and Green Bay Trail.”
“People have phones, navigation signs aren’t necessary.”
“A sign at the Edens Expressway and Sheridan Road would be appropriate.”
Station 2: Tudor Court | At this station, participants were asked to review 6 large photo boards that showcased a variety of images (both local, throughout the US and overseas) of potential enhancements to Tudor Court — from landscape elements to public art and lighting. After reviewing the photos, participants used stickers to vote on their favorite images and elements of design.
Station 3: Wyman Green | “What would be great to do at Wyman Green?” An open ended question was posed, encouraging residents to think “outside the box and inside the green” and share their ideas via a large stickyboard. Many great thought bubbles were shared, from “Tai Chi in the Green” to “Pilates at the Park”. What would you like to see? How can we activate this great Village space? Or is it just right, as is?
“Community social events, family picnics, charitable events, more outdoor movies.”
“I love the green space as is but would love to have the farmers market back.”
“Dedicate an area with landscape of some kind for yoga / exercise classes or performances. Include lots of multi-use seating with tables and chair options (chess!).”
Station 4: Planning Guidelines South of Hazel | A large 3D model of downtown Glencoe was on display to engage open house goers in conversation about the area south of Hazel. Specifically, if the public works site or Temple Court parking lot were to be reused or redeveloped, what are the priority planning guidelines that should be put into place?
Station 5: Commissioners Chat Room | The last station provided the chance for residents to circle back and opine on any and all TuneUp topics of choice with Plan Commission members.
In the news: Chicago Tribune | 5/23/16 | Glencoe holds open house on Downtown Central Business District Enhancement
Charity Vitale, who has lived in Glencoe since 1987, was intrigued by the idea of additional arcades and alcoves throughout the central business district.”They encourage and support community, and make people feel restful and lower stress,” she said.