Madison Street Committee Presentation

WEST CENTRAL ASSOCIATION – CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FEBRUARY 23, 2017 LUNCHEON

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NEXT NETWORKING EVENT – MARCH 22, 2017

WCA DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS

Paige Hennessy Zack Cupkovic

Madison Street Initiative

Madison Street Initiative

• Derives from WCA-MPC plan • Strengthen main corridors• Activate and vitalize Madison street• Inspired by other streets such as Abbot Kinney(Venice Beach, CA),

Clark(Chicago), and others(examples to follow)• Inspired by vision to create a vibrant main street for the West Loop

with its own distinct character

Committee Members• Committee consists of:• Armando Chacon, Century 21 SGR – Chairman• Susan Rothman, Pure Barre – Co-Chairwoman• Meg Sahs, Monteverde• Andrea Granias, Design 21• Nick Andrews, Madison Street property owner• Tom Meador, Michigan Avenue Group• Steven Greenberg, Red Sky Capital• Craig Franzen, Imagination Children’s Academy

Committee Members• Kirstin Martin, Smitten Boutique• Linda Schmidt, Kat & Mouse• Harry Huzenis, JRG Capital• Steve Hartenstein, Stefani Group/Mad Social• Sean McGuire, Cone• Kevin Wright, Experimac• Jackson Briccutti, The John Buck Company• Van Tomares, Design 21

Identity of Madison StreetWhat do we want it to be? It all starts here:• A neighborhood feel • A place to go to, not just through• An enjoyable pedestrian experience: distinctive, lasting, and memorable• The daily conveniences a West Looper needs – and a unique draw for non-

West Loopers too • Shops, cafes, restaurants, conveniences, services, etc.

• Feel of retro/classic Chicago meets small town main street with laid back feel• Create a street we can be proud of

• i.e. Fulton Market, Greek Town, Mary Bartelme Park

How do we get there?• Encourage a healthy mix of businesses

• Define what and who we want to attract to the area

• Be selective on Nationals• Build a neighborhood brand that is easily

marketable to attract the businesses we want

• Improve continuity on the street

How do we get there?

• Provide a safe pedestrian and cycling experience• Repair sidewalks• Clearly marked cross walks and

pedestrian bumpouts• Overall streetscaping with focus

on safety and aesthetics

How do we get there?• Encourage a vibrant Madison experience

• Markers at entry, exit, or throughout the street• Maximize greenery with trees and planters• Micro parks• Interactive art/sculpture• Holiday decorations and tree lights• Embrace our history with historical markers• Be patio-friendly for businesses, especially restaurants,

along Madison• Host events that bring people out to the street i.e, parade,

markets, pop ups, etc.

Neighborhood Markers

Greenery: Trees and Planters

Microparks / Benches

Interactive Sculptures

Holiday Décor & Lights

Patio & Event-friendly

Business and Community Benefits1. Increased foot traffic

Good for businesses and residents2. Less turnover 3. Create neighborhood/street brand identity that can be leveraged to bring more businesses4. Continuity on the street5. Increased property values6. More conveniences for residents, office users, shoppers, and visitors7. Make Madison Street more of a destination

Preliminary Recommendations• Eliminate rush hour parking restrictions• More pay parking on artery streets• Improve pedestrian safety• Funding for streetscape improvements including archway• Way finding signage• Historical markers

Next Steps• Survey of businesses• Business rent roll• Present to Alderman Solis, Alderman Burnett, and Alderman Ervin• Present to the department of planning and development• Present to the department of transportation• Request streetscape assessment and markers• Present to community for more input• Finalize plan and recommendations

Asks• Feedback and participation• Call or email Susan, Rod, or Armando• Attend meetings• Bring your ideas for a slogan or branding ideas• Share your talents

• Help bring awareness to the street• Encourage others to make it Madison

Q & A