Our work in the communities continued this summer as we, in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), conducted a Development Dialogue in Richmond, IL to help the Village leadership analyze and prioritize development opportunities.

Richmond has nearly 2,000 residents and is located along US Highway 12 in McHenry County, IL near the Wisconsin State Line. Lake Geneva, a popular resort town in Wisconsin, is only a short drive away. People choose to live in Richmond attracted by its small-town character, picturesque downtown and easy access to McHenry’s county extensive nature trails and preserves. There are also large areas of privately owned agricultural and undeveloped land within the Village, and the Village leadership is interested in exploring opportunities for growth on these properties.

The ULI panel recommended that Richmond start by strengthening its downtown, which is a key community asset. By encouraging new restaurants and businesses, and implementing a branding/ marketing plan that includes wayfinding, downtown Richmond can become a bigger destination for not just area residents, but also visitors headed to Lake Geneva and other festivals/events around Richmond. Recognizing that the Village is limited in its ability to drive change on privately-held land, ULI panelists encouraged the Village leadership to maintain a strong relationship with property owners and work with them on a development vision consistent with the Village’s priorities. A report outlining the panel’s recommendations will be released in the coming weeks.

A big thank you to our volunteer panelists:

• Chris Coleman, Vice President of Development, Wingspan Development Group, LLC
• Anastacia Fratto, President, ResElevate
• Jon Talty, Chairman and CEO, OKW Architects
• Diane Williams, Director, Business Districts, Inc.

An integral part of our Technical Assistance Services (TAS) program, Development Dialogues are half-day sessions where 3-4 ULI panelists come together to assist communities/ neighborhoods in their efforts to jump-start (re)development. Learn more about ULI Chicago’s Technical Assistance Services Program.