DOWNTOWN

WOODSTOCK

DEVELOPMENT

PLAN

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Downtown Woodstock stands among America’s

central business districts as a distinctive place.

Building upon the legacy of past planning eff orts, and

with particular emphasis on aligning the

community’s vision, the Downtown Woodstock

Development Plan formulates a place-based strategy

for enhancing the character, heart, diversity and

strength of Downtown Woodstock.

PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

A VISION FOR DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

THE CENTRAL TENETS OF THIS PLAN

PRESERVING

THE HISTORIC

CHARACTER

INCREASED

RESIDENTIAL

DENSITY

DEVELOP THE

CIVIC HEART OF THE

COMMUNITY

STRENGTHEN

THE CENTRAL

BUSINESS DISTRICT

A decade ago, the City Council adopted this vision for Woodstock: “By the year 2020… visitors and investors will see Woodstock as a premier destination, the overall economy will be sound and vital, and our downtown Square will be known as a national treasure that continues to off er magical experiences.”

In support of that vision, we off er this Development Plan for Downtown Woodstock, Illinois. The plan will guide the direction of change and growth of Downtown Woodstock over the next 10-15 years.

To fully encourage the growth of downtown, the community must focus on the three-tiered approach:

Greater permanent residential population

Robust tourist visitation and spending

A strong group of employers in the downtown.

123

PROCESS:STUDY AREAS

The Downtown Woodstock Development Plan focuses on the area shown at right. This boundary roughly coincides with the boundaries of the current downtown commercial and multi-family zoning districts and refl ects the current and planned extent of commercial development within Downtown Woodstock.

This area is the commercial, civic and cultural center of Woodstock and McHenry County. Within its boundaries are classic historic buildings, cultural institutions, shopping and dining destinations, offi ce buildings, parks and a variety of residential properties.

Sub-Areas of FocusThe Development Plan is further divided into sub-areas to assess their unique character, function, and recommended land uses. Four areas have been identifi ed, as follows:

• The Woodstock Square, including the area immediately adjacent to the Park in the Square, as well as Main and Benton Streets.

• The West Side Transition Area: Throop Street and the corridors of Washington (IL 120), W. Jackson, South, and Dean Streets.

• North of the Tracks Transition Area: The Woodstock Station development site and the corridors of McHenry Avenue (IL 120) and E. Judd Streets.

• Southeast Gateway Transition Area: Including the corridors of Lake Avenue and E. Calhoun Street.

STRENGTHS

• Downtown Woodstock’s walkability, historic character and mix of businesses and restaurants make it a desirable destination for residents and visitors.

• The Park in the Square is a premier public gathering place.

• Various City Commissions have already prepared excellent community plans with clear goals that are carefully followed, such as the Transportation Plan, the Park Plan, the Environmental Plan and the Bicycle Master Plan.

• A strong Historic Preservation Commission has preserved the integrity of the core downtown district.

• The community has established the pattern and expectation of adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

• The Woodstock Farmer’s Market has developed into one of the best farmers’ markets in the country with a focus on growers.

• Uniform building setbacks on the square and consistently well-preserved buildings present a pleasing pedestrian walking atmosphere.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Extend the Downtown character and pedestrian traffi c beyond the blocks outside the Square and Main Street.

• Increase Metra service for an expanded schedule to Chicago and other destinations.

• Designate bicycle paths and associated parking to enhance the potential volume of non-motorized travel to the Downtown.

• Rear entrances to downtown businesses can be reconfi gured for use as public entrances, with a focus on beautifi cation, lighting, façade improvement, landscaping and seating areas.

• A unifi ed, business-driven Downtown leadership group should be created to guide revitalization and business retention eff orts.

The following lists some of the strengths and opportunities

as described during the input process:

During the summer of 2017, over two dozen public meetings were held to engage hundreds of citizens and businesses in the process of defi ning their vision for the development of Downtown Woodstock. Most of these meetings were topical meetings, held in conjunction with one of the City’s various boards and commissions, such as the Plan Commission, Transportation Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and so forth.

Public Engagement also included dozens of interviews conducted with key stakeholders to identify recommendations for key development sites as well as recommendations for public facilities and open spaces.

The Mayor and City Council hosted a walking input session and tour of the

Downtown. This gave citizens and business owners a chance to give feedback from a pedestrian perspective. Dozens of participants walked together, in small groups, to discuss the opportunities and challenges that are faced in Downtown Woodstock.

PROCESS: PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

GOAL 1: WOODSTOCK’S

DOWNTOWN WILL BE

RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE TOP

DOWNTOWNS IN THE MIDWEST.

As a community anchor, Downtown will be the center of

the community and drive commercial, residential and

tourist growth. Entrepreneurs will move to Woodstock

to leverage the innovative and independent spirit.

We will have experienced

a 10% increase in

available commercial

space in each of the main

categories.

Downtown Woodstock boasts 927,000 square feet of commercial space 1n 2018 – a 10% increase would mean an additional:

10,000 SF of Restaurant Space10,000 SF of Entertainment Space20,000 SF of Retail/Service Space30,000 SF of Offi ce Space

We will have leveraged

the City’s fi ber network

to provide powerful

infrastructure for digital

entrepreneurs.

More than 10% of the Downtown offi ce space will be using the network to support operations.

A new TIF District is

recommended, allowing

high-priority sites to

receive development

assistance.

An existing Downtown Woodstock TIF District will be retired in 2020, allowing the accumulated tax value to return to the participating taxing bodies.

Aurora University will

have expanded their

physical presence,

becoming a key

educational partner

for Woodstock citizens

of all ages.

Educational facilities attract creative and intellectual interests, adding new energy and ideas to Woodstock’s downtown vibe.

Library

Old Courthouse

Opera House

Clay Academy

Public Works

Rec Center

PoliceStation

Dean School

Woodstock High School

City Hall

Arts, culture and community events will be promoted,

continuing to attract visitors and increase spending in

the community, contributing greatly to its identity as a

thriving arts center.

GOAL 2: WITH THE HISTORIC

SQUARE AS THE CENTERPIECE

OF WOODSTOCK, TOURISM

WILL BRING MORE VISITORS

TO THE AREA, MAKING

WOODSTOCK ONE OF THE

STATE’S MOST VISITED AND

CELEBRATED PLACES.

Emmy Award winner and accomplished musician Jeff Daniels takes the historic Woodstock Opera House stage for a night of music on Friday, October 27 at 8:00 PM. Described by The New York Times as “a transcendental picture of American wanderlust,” Jeff and his son’s band, the Ben Daniels Band, will perform an unforgettable evening of folk Americana music. For tickets and info, visit WoodstockOperaHouse.com.

JEFF DANIELS AND THE BEN DANIELS BAND • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 8PM • WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE

Mexican Independence Mexican Independence

Day CelebrationDay Celebration

Downtown Trick or TreatDowntown Trick or TreatWoodstock Farmer’s MarketWoodstock Farmer’s Market

Woodstock on the Woodstock on the

Square Car ShowSquare Car Show

This can partially be measured by the Net Promoter Score which was measured in 2017 at an outstanding +45 (on a range of -100 to +100) for out-of-town guests visiting Downtown Woodstock.

Woodstock will continue

to enjoy a strong

reputation regionally

and nationally as a

tourist destination.

The Old Courthouse and

Sheriff ’s House will

be fully renovated

and serve as anchors

for the Downtown,

making a strong

contribution to the

sense of place.

The Woodstock Opera House will continue to

be the center of the community’s commitment to

the arts, with expanded programming designed

for diverse audiences.

How likely is it that you would

recommend visiting Downtown

Woodstock to a friend?

By 2030, the number of

residential units within a

quarter mile of the train

depot will double from

500 to 1,000.

“Vision 2020” calls for balanced lifecycle hous-ing, a solid mix of owner-occupied and rental housing at a variety of price points, and devel-opment which is environmentally sustainable. The Comprehensive Plan calls for the City to

“encourage the availability of a diverse housing stock that is safe, environmentally sound, andeconomically and socially open with a variety of housing styles and types.”

2018 / RESIDENTIAL DENSITY 2030 / RESIDENTIAL DENSITY

GOAL 3: DOWNTOWN WILL

EXPERIENCE RESIDENTIAL

GROWTH.

No residential units Fewer than 5 units per acre Between 5 and 10 units per acre More than 10 residential units per acre

Every new development will be designed to contribute to the strength of the

Downtown as a valuable public space. Downtown apartments will be highly

desired and amenity-rich, leading to higher rents and stability.

The mix of owner-

occupied and renter-

occupied units within 1/4

mile of the train depot is

approximately 50/50. This

ratio will continue within

the context of increased

density.

A diverse range of new multi-family and mixed-use housing will be carefully added within Downtown Woodstock. It will follow a central tenet of Vision 2020 and be sustain-able in terms of design. Locating mid-to-up-scale condominium development and seniorhousing within walking distance of retailestablishments and the Metra station can positively increase density and support localbusinesses.

“Woodstock’s historic downtown is akey community asset, one that canbe enhanced by carefully increased housing density.”

HOMES FOR A CHANGING REGION

Interior: Emmerson Lofts

Woodstock will be

known as the center of

Entrepreneurship in

McHenry County.

Despite the poor success rate nationally, Woodstock continues to be an ideal place to start a small business, especially Downtown.Of the 42 new brick-and-mortar businesses that opened during 2016 and 2017, only tenhave closed by the spring of 2018; a 75% suc-

cess rate. The statistics of households andincome within a certain radius have kept many national chains from locating in Wood-stock, leaving plenty of room in the marketfor local businesses to thrive. This identity should be enhanced and leadership should develop a campaign to brand the Downtown as the center of Entrepreneurship in McHen-ry County.

To support the goal of a permanent employer presence in the Downtown,partners must work to develop a robust professional offi ce culture within the walkable downtown. The recently installedfi ber network will be an important asset.Initially, this network was developed for useby the City, County and schools. Future use should be expanded to the private sector, cultivating the development of high-techuses. Alternative shared offi ce facilitiesshould be encouraged, including co-working. This idea has gained some traction in the county, in both Woodstock and Crystal Lake. Parking enhancements can be created toaccommodate downtown employers.

GOAL 4: DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

WILL BE A CULTURAL CAPITAL

ATTRACTING AND PROMOTING

ENTREPRENEURS.

Off-street bike paths

A new, off-street bike trail will be constructed, leading from IL Route 47 at Country Club Road, through Raintree Park, then northwest along the railroad tracks through Sesquicentennial Park and the Woodstock Station site, to Wicker Street.

The Metra train resource is a strong asset for Woodstock. The experience must be enhanced to better attract and serve riders. The current train depot is a contributing structure to Woodstock’s National Register Historic District and needs to be preserved. Its use by a café tenant is beneficial to both commuters and the community.

The Depot is located on the south/west side of the tracks, but morning commuters embarking for Chicago wait on the opposite side of the tracks. There is a need for a modernized warming shelter offering warmth and security for a growing number of passengers, on the north/east side of the rails.

GOAL 5: INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ALL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION WILL IMPROVE, MAKING DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK MOBILITY AND PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY.A new Metra station or warming shelter will be constructed on the north/east side of the railroad tracks, across from the historic depot.

Downtown will be more

accessible by bicycle,

with new on-street and

off -street bike lanes and

additional bicycle parking

available.

The Transportation Commission has developed an excellent Bike Master Plan. This plan outlines various phases of development by which bike lanes can be added to the City street network. As the Downtown Plan is implemented, and some of our opportunity sites are redeveloped, bicycle parking and bicycle lanes should be incorporated into all future residential development projects downtown.

Downtown

Woodstock will

continue to be a

strong walkable

environment for

residents.

The Square is a supremelywalkable space. The websiteWalkscore.com gives Downtown Woodstock a score of 85 out of 100, noting:- This location is Very Walkable

so most errands can be accomplished on foot.

- Downtown Woodstock isa three minute walk from

the UP-NW Union Pacifi c Northwest at theWoodstock stop.- Nearby parks include Woodstock Square

Historic District, Raintree Park and Ryders Wood Park.

The Walk Score is determined by evaluatingthe walking distance from residential areasto dining, groceries, shopping, errands, parks,schools, culture and entertainment. TheWalk Score for Downtown Woodstock is higher than any other Downtown in McHenry County. The overall Walk Score for the City of Woodstock is only 30, indicating a car-dependent city. The heat map above shows the walkability in diff erent parts of thecommunity, with the most walkable sectionbeing downtown.

Passenger train

traffi c will be doubled,

accommodating at least

600 daily riders by 2030.

Metra is anticipated to

complete a new rail yard

on the UP Northwest

line west of Woodstock,

allowing for an expanded

schedule as compared

to 2018.

GOAL 6: DESIGN GUIDELINES WILL MAINTAIN THE

HISTORIC AND VIBRANT ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRITY

OF DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK. WE WILL CREATE A

STRONG SENSE OF PLACE THAT IS UNLIKE OTHER

DOWNTOWNS.

The cupola of the

Courthouse and the tower

of the Opera House will be

established as the maximum

allowable downtown

building height. This will

preserve these buildings as

the key visual features of

our City skyline.

Height

minimums

Height minimums will be established in diff erent areas of Downtown with the goal of increasing the overall usage density and eliminating one-story structures.

Community refuse

collection sites

At least three collaborative refuse collection sites will be established with complementary exteriors, allowing for a reduction in trash bins along downtown sidewalks.

Public

infrastructure

Crosswalks, benches, trees, landscaping and other public infrastructure will contribute to a unique downtown experience.

PRESERVING

THE HISTORIC

CHARACTER

INCREASED

RESIDENTIAL

DENSITY

DEVELOP THE

CIVIC HEART OF THE

COMMUNITY

STRENGTHEN

THE CENTRAL

BUSINESS DISTRICT

DOWNTOWN PLAN CENTRAL TENETS

CIVIC HEART

Woodstock will continue to enjoy a strong reputation regionally and nationally as a tourist destination.

Arts, culture and community events will continue to drive visitors and spending in the community, contributing greatly to the local economy.

Aurora University will

have expanded their

physical presence,

becoming a key

educational partner for

Woodstock citizens

of all ages.

The Woodstock Opera House will continue to be the center of the community’s commitment to the arts, with expanded programming designed for diverse audiences.

By 2030, the number of residential units within a quarter mile of the train depot will double from 500 to 1,000.

The Old Courthouse and Sheriff ’s House will be fully renovated and serve as anchors for the Downtown, contributing to the sense of place.

As a community

anchor, Downtown

will be the center of

the community and

drive commercial,

residential and

tourist growth.

Entrepreneurs will

move to Woodstock

to leverage the

innovative and

independent spirit.

DENSITY

The mix of owner-

occupied and

renter-occupied

units within 1/4 mile

of the train depot is

approximately

50/50. This ratio

will continue within

the context of

increased density.

Woodstock will be

known as the center

of Entrepreneurship

in McHenry County.

Every new

development will be

designed to contribute

to the strength of the

Downtown as a

valuable public space.

Downtown apartments

will be highly desired

and amenity-rich,

leading to higher rents

and stability.

STRENGTH

Downtown Woodstock will continue to be

a strong walkable environment for residents.

We will have experienced a 10% increase in available commercial space in each of the main categories.

A new Metra station or warming shelter will be constructed on the north/east side of the railroad tracks, across from the historic depot.

The anticipated

completion of the Metra

rail yard west

of Woodstock on the

UP Northwest line will

allow for a greatly

expanded schedule.

We will have leveraged the City’s fiber network to provide powerful infrastructure for digital entrepreneurs.

Passenger train traffi c will be doubled, accomodating at least 600 daily riders by 2030.

A new, off -street trail

will be constructed,

leading from IL Route

47 at Country Club

Road, through

Raintree Park, then

northwest along the

railroad tracks

through

Sesquicentennial Park

and the Woodstock

Station site, to Wicker

Street.

A new TIF District will be established, allowing high-priority sites to receive development assistance.

CHARACTER

The cupola of the Old Courthouse and the tower of the Opera House will be established as the maximum allowable downtown building height. This will preserve these buildings as the key visual features of our City skyline.

Height minimums will be

established in diff erent

areas of Downtown with

the goal of increasing

the overall usage

density and eliminating

one-story structures.

At least three collaborative refuse collection sites will be established with complementary exteriors, allowing a reduction in trash bins along downtown sidewalks.

Crosswalks, benches, trees, landscaping and other public infrastructure will contribute to a unique downtown experience.

Garrett Anderson

Economic Development Director

City of Woodstock

121 W. Calhoun Street, Woodstock, IL 60098

(815) 338-3176

ganderson@WoodstockIL.gov

WWW.WOODSTOCKIL.GOV

CONTACT