WEST CENTRAL ASSOCIATION – CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FEBRUARY 23, 2017 LUNCHEON
OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
NETWORKING EVENT SPONSORS
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