Plan Features

Historic Millwork District
The success of the revitalization of the Historic Millwork District stems from the convenient location, historic charm, space to expand, vibrant creative community, untapped residential market, and mutually beneficial public-private partnerships. The revitalization project includes several features and a sustainability plan.

Plan Features:

  • Complete streets:

     Rebuild District streets with high-quality streetscapes, modern utilities, on-street parking, artistic elements, and stormwater management features.
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    New development blocks:

     Realign Elm and Pine Streets to create three new blocks for development, open space, and stormwater management.
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    Improved connections between the District, the Port, and Downtown:

     Create pedestrian-friendly conditions along 10th and 7th Streets, the streets connecting Downtown, the District, and the riverfront.

  • Reprogram to two-way or calm one-way streets:

     Work with IDOT to examine how Central, White, 9th, and 11th Streets can become calmer urban streets.

  • A signature public open space:

     Build a multi-use, flexible plaza and park in the heart of the District to use for performances, concerts, markets, and to showcase sustainable practices, technologies, and artistic elements.

  • A coordinated parking strategy:

     Maximize on-street parking and build two medium-scaled garages when required.

  • A mix of uses:

     Accommodate rental and ownership housing, small and large businesses, and arts and entertainment venues in the over one million square feet already available in the District.

  • Throughout:

     Showcase the visual and performing arts, implement sustainable technologies and management solutions.

A Sustainable Model

Existing building space in the Millwork District provides green opportunities for revitalization. The Historic Millwork District Master Plan recommends maximizing community, environmental, and economic benefits through cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The sustainability model aims to create space that is livable, viable, and equitable.
  
Five infrastructure systems, or layers, provide a framework for understanding and implementing a healthy and sustainable plan that meets this criteria.

Infrastructure layers

Infrastructure Layers for a Sustainable Millwork District

Blue Infrastructure

addresses water use and treatment approaches that contribute to better water quality.
 

Orange Infrastructure

includes efficient electrical, heating, and cooling systems that minimize the District's carbon footprint.
 

Gray Infrastructure

includes buildings, parking, streets, and other redevelopment that is essential to establishing a viable mixed-use neighborhood.

Green Infrastructure

includes vegetation, parks, and open space that contributes to a healthy ecosystem, better air and water quality, and improved public life.

Red Infrastructure

includes arts and cultural spaces, amenities, and expressions that reinforce the identity of an area.