page8

the workplace:

creating connections to communities

Guiding principles for OFFICE Development:

Plan employment closer to and more accessible to housing, services and retail stores;

Redevelop commercial centers
utilizing existing infrastructure;

Allow for greater access to commercial districts via public transportation; and

Maximize use of open land and natural landscaping in building office parks- make them true amenities for workers and near-by communities and reduce landscape maintenance costs.

Commercial office development typically is far removed from residential districts. Zoning separated these uses decades ago to protect residents from pollution and hazards created by heavy industry. TodayÕs workplaces - mostly offices and light industry - do not create these negative side effects, but their locations are still separated from other uses.
Corporations move to suburban office parks to find a supply of skilled workers, low cost land, relatively low property taxes, large floor plans and ample parking. Modern architecture has too often resulted in rigid designs and sparse environments.
    There are three challenges: (1) to improve the design of the workplace to be compatible with the larger community, (2) to make business locations more accessible to workers, and (3) to encourage reinvestment in existing communities close to where people already live.

Modern office parks should include mixed uses and be more accessible to workers. Several corporate developments have used natural landscaping as a way to create a unique, marketable setting. Corporate developments with these amenities have been able to charge higher rents than nearby competitors.

provides a large, mixed-use environment with offices, hotel and restaurants, close to the Rosemont El stop and suburban bus hub

solves these challenges by providing mixed use districts around their downtown. Housing is allowed to be converted to offices and stores, and the character of the community has not been lost in the process.