Naperville's New Streetscape Plan Draws Inspiration From Europe

NAPERVILLE, IL -- Naperville recently unveiled its new streetscape recommendations after a three-year study and the new vision draws inspiration from European street designs and Dutch concepts. The city's last streetscape standards plan was approved in 2003 and the new proposals expand on the green, pedestrian-friendly vibe that's already in place throughout the city's downtown area.

The 100-plus page streetscape study notes that currently "[m]any areas throughout the downtown do not provide a comfortable pedestrian experience due to narrow sidewalk widths, a lack of streetscape improvements, or deteriorating conditions of past streetscape installations."

Much of the new downtown streetscape standards in Naperville focus on the European idea of "Woonerf." The Dutch term refers to a "living street" of sorts, which accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers in a space that aims to increase socialization.

To this end, part of Jackson Avenue would "[redistribute] some space from vehicular

traffic and [provide] more comfortable and usable space for pedestrians. Added amenities that include lighted archways that would bookend each end of Jackson Avenue and a "mid-block crossing," the streetscape standards outline.

Benches, colored pavers, planters, and other aesthetic features would serve to separate foot traffic and vehicle traffic on Jackson. This larger pedestrian space would be facilitated by shifting the angled parking spaces on Jackson Avenue to parallel parking space.

Designers envision this segment of Jackson Avenue between Main and Eagle Streets becoming a place that would be ideal to host outdoor festivals throughout the year. This would include the addition of outdoor furniture, removable bollards, and outlets on the north side of Jackson Avenue.

The overall streetscape standards call for additional "street furniture" and parallel parking on other main thoroughfares to make downtown Naperville more amenable to pedestrians. Over the past three years, some of the design concepts were presented to residents for feedback.

The comments shared in the design standards document range from residents complimenting the concept as "tastefully futuristic" to residents saying they "hate" the idea of shifting to more parallel parking spaces.

The streetscape design standards draft has been endorsed by the Downtown Naperville Advisory Committee and will next be presented to the City Council for approval.

Do you think downtown Naperville needs a streetscape overhaul? Let us know in the comments.