City of Chicago

Lori E. Lightfoot, Mayor

Design Excellence
Neighborhood Design Guidelines
Department of Planning and Development
Maurice D. Cox, Commissioner
City Hall Room 1000
121 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60602 DRAFT September 11, 2020
Design Excellence: Neighborhood Design Guidelines DRAFT September 11, 2020

Forward
The concept of “design excellence” represents the City of Chicago’s
commitment to a high-quality built environment that celebrates and
enhances the City’s unique architectural and urban design legacy.
This responsibility extends from downtown and throughout local
neighborhoods.

The Chicago Department of Planning and Development engaged a

Design Excellence Working Group to answer the question:

How do we engender a culture that values

design excellence in everyday life?

From this question, several thematic principles emerged that

collectively aspire to achieve design excellence for Chicago
residents, businesses, and other local stakeholders.

The principles include commitments to:

» Equity & Inclusion

Achieving fair treatment, targeted support, and prosperity for
all citizens

» Innovation
Implementing creative approaches to design and problem-
solving

» Sense of Place
Celebrating and strengthening the culture of our
communities

» Sustainability
Committing to environmental, cultural, and financial
longevity

» Communication
Fostering design appreciation and responding to community
needs

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Table of Contents
NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN GUIDELINES ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8
A Commitment to Excellence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Application and Implementation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SUSTAINABILITY ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 14
Site Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Adaptability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Design Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Sustainable Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Best Practices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
PROGRAM ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 20
Use Mix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Context. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SITE DESIGN �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24
Orientation and Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Open Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Parking and Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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PUBLIC REALM ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 30

Public Right-of-Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Landscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Accessibility and Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
MASSING �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 36
Height. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Access to Light and Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Street Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
FAÇADE ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 42
Windows and Doors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Ground Floor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Signage and Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 46
Design Excellence Working Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
DPD Work Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

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Introduction
Department of Planning and Development 7
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Neighborhood Design
Guidelines
A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
Developed under Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot by the Department of
Planning and Development (DPD), the Neighborhood Design
Guidelines provide specific recommendations to enhance the
planning, review, and impact of development along the city’s
commercial corridors.

As a complement to other City design resources and regulations,

the guidelines are adaptable to the unique context of individual
neighborhoods, corridors, and blocks.

The guidelines are organized across six categories:

» Sustainability
Features that have long-term environmental, sociocultural,
and human health impacts

» Program
Targeted uses that complement a property’s surrounding
context

» Site Design
Building orientation, layout, open space, parking, and service

» Public Realm
Improvements within and near the public right-of-way
adjacent to the site

» Massing
Bulk, height, and form of a building

» Façade
Architectural expression of a building’s exterior, including
entrances and windows

Other City design resources and regulations that may apply to new
development projects include the Zoning Ordinance, Landscape
Ordinance, and the Complete Street Guide, among others.

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APPLICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

The Neighborhood Design Guidelines are intended to be used for
all public and private projects located along Chicago’s commercial
corridors. Projects that require the City’s review and oversight
should substantially correspond to their parameters, especially
Planned Developments, Lakefront Protection Ordinance projects,
and projects that receive City grants, funding, or other incentives.

In addition to facilitating formal City review processes and

promoting successful project completions, the Neighborhood
Design Guidelines are intended to promote design excellence,
community pride, and enhancing the sense of place in local
neighborhoods.

The Neighborhood Design Guidelines provide baseline guidance

and reference for property owners, developers, designers,
community groups, public agencies, and individuals. Construction
projects must still adhere to any applicable City of Chicago, State of
Illinois, or federal requirements, standards, and policies.

The Department of Planning and Development intends to gather

feedback from property owners, developers, designers, and
community members to continue to refine the guidelines’ scope
and content. Comments may be directed to
[email protected].

Ultimately, the guidelines are expected to be presented to the

Chicago Plan Commission for formal adoption.

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12 City of Chicago
DRAFT September 11, 2020 Sustainability

Sustainability
Chicago has been a global leader in urban sustainability, which
has emphasized the importance of designing and constructing
healthier and more sustainable environments that use fewer
resources, are more durable and efficient to maintain and operate,
promote equity, and protect the environment and human health.
The next generation of development must advance this continual
improvement in a comprehensive and place-based way. Projects
are expected to seek opportunities at all phases of development to
optimize sustainability, resilience, environmental health, and human
well-being. Note that these goals are addressed throughout the
guidelines, not only in this section.

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Sustainability
Site Selection
1
Choosing a site is a major factor for the
sustainability and resilience of a particular
development and neighborhood as a whole. It is
important to provide sustainable development
while also being mindful about how to do so
using existing resources.

1» Consider opportunities for re-purposing

Revive Architecture LLC
existing buildings, rather than building Windy City RE
new. This strategy often results in
Former Triangle Motors automobile showroom
interesting design solutions, bolstering the
neighborhood character and preserving
historic structures. 1
2» When new construction is necessary,
prioritize infill and transit-oriented sites
to promote density, urban activity, and
efficient mobility.

905 West Fulton Market

Hartshorne Plunkard
Adaptive reuse integrates two original building facades
into the new mixed use development.

Milwaukee Beldon Transit Oriented Development

Wheeler Kearns Architects, Tom Rossiter Photography
Transit proximity increases density, decreases parking, and
promotes walkability, vibrancy, and street activity.
14 City of Chicago
DRAFT September 11, 2020 Sustainability

Adaptability
1
Buildings contain considerable embodied energy
accumulated through the production, transport,
and installation of building materials. Demolishing
and replacing a building to accommodate a
new use, while an extremely popular strategy,
releases this embodied energy, detracting from a
neighborhood’s long-term sustainability.

1» Design buildings with a flexible approach Marz Brewing

Via Architects + Diseñadores
to infrastructure delivery and interior
High ceiling heights allowed this vault to be repurposed for
systems (e.g. furniture, ceiling systems, a temperature controlled room for barrel aging.
and partitions), allowing the building to
support multiple uses and users over time. 1
For example, parking garages should be
designed with ceiling heights, level floor
plates, and other elements to allow for
future conversion to other uses when
parking demand decreases.

Northwestern University, The Garage

Gensler
Flat floors and floor-to-floor heights allowed this parking
garage to be repurposed as an incubator space.

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Design Expression
1
Sustainable design elements can be celebrated
through architectural expression, landscape
features, and interpretive strategies.

1» Celebrate sustainable landscape design

through native plantings, stormwater
features, and urban agriculture.

2» When education or public engagement are Mercy Housing, Margot and Harold Schiff Residences
central to the development program, create Murphy/Jahn Architects, Terry Guen Design Associates
opportunities to highlight sustainable Sustainable landscape with adaptive, drought-tolerant
plants, which reduce irrigation and manage stormwater
development features visibly and
experientially through design expression.
1
2

Gary Comer Youth Center Green Roof

Hoerr Schaudt Landscape, John Ronan Architects
Scott Shigley Photography
In addition to ecological benefits, educational garden can
teach students to grow their own organic produce.

1
2

Farm on Ogden
Booth Hansen, Drone Media Chicago Photography
Urban agriculture activities indoors and outdoors made
visible along the street
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Sustainable » Health

Design » Energy
Best Practices » Stormwater

» Landscapes
Chicago’s Sustainable Development Policy
has advanced sustainable and resilient
design throughout the city. It includes
a variety of categories and choices of
methods to meet the requirements. » Green Roofs
While certain projects receiving City
assistance are required to comply with
this policy, all projects should consider
» Water
and address each of these categories at

» Transportation
each step of the design and development
process.

Please refer to the Sustainable

Development Policy for guidance on each
of the topics listed here.
» Solid Waste

» Work Force

» Wildlife

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DRAFT September 11, 2020 Program

Program
Program suggests how a community will interact with, occupy, and
use space. Indoor and outdoor programming should reinforce one
another to improve the day-to-day life of both residents and the
wider community.

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Program
Use Mix
1
The uses within a development should
2
complement those on the surrounding block and
neighborhood, either by clustering predominant
uses or filling gaps in the existing use mix. Uses
within a single building can also be mixed to
further contribute to neighborhood vitality.

1» Along significant neighborhood corridors,

developments should contribute to a mix Harper Court
Hartshorne Plunkard
of uses on the block (e.g. housing, food
A mix of commercial, hotel, and office uses brought
service, retail, community services, open needed neighborhood amenities as well as customers.
space, etc.).
1
2» Along commercial corridors, the ground
floor of buildings should contain active 2
uses such as retail, food service, and
social spaces. Providing residential space
on upper floors to create mixed-use
buildings is also a good way to promote an
active street throughout the day and week.

Vue 53
Valerio Dewalt Train
Active ground floor, easy resident access to upper floors,
and hidden parking make complementary uses work.

Independence Library and Apartments

John Ronan Architects
Retail isn’t the only way to create active uses - this library
fronts the street with affordable housing above.
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Context
1
The selection, organization, and expression of
building and open space uses should contribute
to the overall neighborhood program composition
by promoting desirable uses and reducing the
impact of undesirable uses.

1» Proposed uses should reflect and enhance

existing desirable neighborhood uses and
previous plan recommendations. This The Promontory
Range Design
may include either introducing a needed
Adding a bar and event space created social activities and
use (e.g. grocery store or open space) that nightlife in a commercial corridor lacking those amenities.
does not yet exist in the area or clustering
like uses together (e.g. retail or food 2
service) to bolster existing program.

2» Identify opportunities to provide spaces to

support the larger community’s needs and
a diverse range of users. An example that
would serve fledgling entrepreneurs would
be to provide a small, flexible space for a
“pop-up” retail, food, or events.
Boxville
Urban Juncture
Small, inexpensive storefronts have created new business
opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

1
2

Xquina
Design Bridge
Cafe, incubator, and office space create opportunities for
entrepreneurship within historically marginalized areas.
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Site Design
Site design describes the organization of buildings, open space,
parking, and other related site uses. Good site design respects
existing site features and responds to surrounding conditions such
as adjacent properties, streets, and local climate.

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Site Design
Orientation and Access
2
Sites should provide clear access points for
various users, prioritizing pedestrian access and
locating vehicular access in the rear of the site
whenever possible.

1» Where possible, orient buildings so that

the longest side with glazing faces south
to take advantage of energy and lighting
Casa Queretaro
efficiency. Designbridge

2» Consider adjacent land uses and views A single-loaded corridor along the adjacent railroad shields
residents from noise and provides views of the courtyard.
when orienting buildings. Positive views
to adjacent features should be preserved
while visually buffering detracting adjacent 3
uses.

3» Primary pedestrian site access should be

prioritized from the main street frontage.
On corner sites, access should respond
to both streets wherever possible. Public-
facing uses should be accessed from
major streets, while private uses (e.g. Oso Apartments
residential entries) should be accessed Canopy Architectures + Design
from side streets. Setting back building entrances at corner sites address
both the primary street and the side street.
4» Pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular conflicts
should be minimized or eliminated, with 4
vehicular site access provided via alleys
whenever possible. In addition, parking
and loading access should be combined
to minimize driveways and allow adequate
room for other site programming such as
open space.

5» On large sites, encourage physical City Gardens

Landon Bone Baker Architects
and visible porosity by breaking up & McKay Landscape Architects
development and encouraging through-site Separating pedestrian and vehicular entrances with quality
pedestrian routes. planting helps demarcate space and avoid conflicts.
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Open Space
1
Open space is critical to the enjoyment of
Chicago’s neighborhoods and comes in many
forms - from private yards to public parks.
Whether open space is public or private, it should
serve its users well by providing pleasant and
usable space for recreation, gathering, and
outdoor enjoyment.

1» Even when not required, open spaces that

Chicago Center for Arts and Technology
McKay Landscape Architects
are accessible and inviting to the public
Enlarged entry plazas can be inviting both to building users
should be created whenever possible. and the broader public.

2» Open space should be located to leverage

interior building uses and blend interior 2
and exterior spaces where active ground-
level program such as retail, community
space, or food service can expand the
indoor uses outdoors in pleasant weather.

3» Open spaces should include elements

such as inviting places to sit, plantings,
protection from inclement elements, Tied House
access to sunlight, quality lighting, and art. Gensler
Well-placed open spaces take advantage of building
4» Provide visual buffers between on-site glazing to blur the line between interior and exterior.
open spaces and adjacent incompatible
land uses and/or views. 3

Norwetta Row
Site Design Group
The creation of outdoor “rooms” through planting and
paving design provide a variety of places to site and gather.
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Parking and Service

1
Parking and service areas, such as utility,
trash, and delivery areas, are necessary to Parking Access

the operations of a building and need to be

thoughtfully integrated into the overall site design Service

without detracting from programmatic spaces.

1» Parking and service (e.g. mechanical

systems, trash, and loading areas) should
be located at the rear of the site whenever Taylor Street Apartments
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
possible and should be accessed via alleys
Parking and service in the rear, accessed via a side street,
or side streets when possible. prevents conflicts and preserves the street wall.

2» New public alleys should be provided

(dedicated) on larger sites. Sites with 3
multiple distinct buildings should centrally
locate shared parking with minimal
driveway entrances.

3» Structured parking and service should be

screened from public view. Screening for
surface parking and services should, at
minimum, meet the requirements of the University of Chicago - Drexel Mixed-use Building
Landscape Ordinance. Wrapping parking Ross Barney Architects
and service uses with more active building Wrapping structured parking with program (e.g. offices)
shields unpleasant views and expands usable space.
uses, especially at the ground floor, is
usually preferred.
4
4» Where concealing parking and loading with
active building program is not appropriate,
utilize landscape buffers and vegetative
screening.

Multi-layered landscape buffer provides visual screening

from parking and promotes a more pleasant streetscape
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Public Realm
The impact of new development does not stop at the property
line. Improvements to the adjacent public realm as outlined below
should be addressed whenever possible with the goal of promoting
safe, comfortable, functional, and vibrant neighborhoods.

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Public Realm
Public Right-of-Way
1
Improvements to the public right-of-way may be
necessary to accommodate changes in mobility
needs, improve safety, and contribute to the
identity of a development.

1» Any modifications to the public right-of-

way must be approved by the Chicago
Department of Transportation (CDOT)
and should follow their guidelines and Broadway Streetscape Uptown
Transystems and Altamanu
regulations. Several City resources are
Complete street system with generous pedestrian space,
available to help identify strategies to plantings, site furniture, and public art
improve streetscape sustainability and
promote active transportation modes 2
through the creation of complete streets.

2» Where existing sidewalks are too narrow

to adequately support site uses (e.g.
restaurant outdoor seating), identify ways
to set the building back from the property
line and expand pedestrian pavement
within the site boundary, especially for
Maria’s Bar
projects that span a large portion of a Silvestro Design Operations
block. Be mindful of impacts to the block’s Expanded public realm space for outdoor seating under
street wall in the process. building canopy, sheltered from the elements

3» When designing existing or additional 3

public realm space, consider options for
activation and programming to promote
vibrancy in the neighborhood.

Lakeview Parklet
Latent Design
Expanded public space into a parking stall (i.e. parklet)
provides outdoor seating where sidewalks are narrow
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Landscape
1
Comprehensive and well maintained landscape
areas contribute to the sense of place and
experience of the neighborhood. Vegetation,
including trees, planting beds, and raised
planters soften the hard edges of buildings and
walkways while providing a cooling effect through
shade and reduced solar gain. High-quality and
coordinated landscape elements such as seating, C.H. Robinson Midwest Headquarters
lighting, and other site furnishings contribute to SOM and Site Design Group
the sense of place and improve human comfort. Generous parkway plantings to promote a more
pleasant pedestrian environment
1» Plant a diverse selection of street trees
within the parkway according to the 2
Landscape Ordinance. Provide generous
soil volumes for planting areas to allow for
expanded root growth and improved tree
health.

2» Where space allows, soften building

edges with front yard plantings. Consider
native plant palettes that go beyond lawns
1330 West Fulton
and hedges to include flowering shrubs, Site Design Group
perennials, and groundcovers to provide Native planting design for the building’s entry courtyard
multi-seasonal interest and habitat for create a welcoming transition from the street
migrating birds and pollinators.
3
3» Install pedestrian amenities such as
seating, lighting, wind blocks, overhead
canopies, and receptacles where there is
high pedestrian traffic or active gathering
areas. These elements should be located
either within site boundaries or within the
parkway and should not impede pedestrian
travel.
The Wave
dSPACE Studio
Sculptural amenities not only provide seating, but also
invites people to use the elements creatively
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Accessibility and Safety

1
Making public-facing spaces accessible
2
to people of all abilities and identities is
critical to promoting an equitable, safe, and
comfortable neighborhood. In addition to
accessibility requirements, include the following
considerations as well.

1» Design welcoming and equitable

entrances, such as integrating accessible Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative
Landon Bone Baker Architects and Site Design Group
routes artfully into main entries. Take care
Ramps to the accessible entrance integrated into the
to use surface materials that are both landscape and lead to the main entry to the building
accessible (e.g. navigable and durable
materials, high contrast at thresholds, 1
etc.) as well as thoughtfully woven into the
2
overall design from the beginning.

2» Allow for an open visual field within

the public realm for both safety and
accessibility. Avoid posts or other physical
elements within pedestrian passageways
such as plazas or sidewalks. Avoid walls,
University of Chicago 58th Street Streetscape
panels, or dense eye-level vegetation that Site Design Group
obstruct view from other areas of the site, Elimination of vertical separation at the ground plane and
street, or building. open, framed view along the path for ease of navigation

1
2

Green Line Performing Arts Center

Morris Architects Planners, Hall+Merrick Photography
Accessible building entrance on the ground level with
ability to connect indoor and outdoor space seamlessly
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3» Protect the public realm and open spaces

4
from sound pollution, which requires
locating venting and noisy equipment
away from occupied outdoor spaces.

4» In areas with high pedestrian activity

and potential conflicts with program in
the public realm (e.g. outdoor seating),
take care to refrain from impeding
pedestrian movement. Door swings Promontory Restaurant
Range Design + Architecture
and other obstacles should be avoided
in the pedestrian way. Opportunities to Planter box separates pedestrians and outdoor dining to
keep the narrow walkway clear
clearly delineate the walkway may include
carefully placed planters, furniture, and
5
light fencing. Take care not to block visual
access to the space.

5» Feelings of comfort and safety are unique

to each neighborhood and should be
considered within that specific context.
Identify what types of elements are
required or discouraged to promote the
wellbeing of neighbors occupying and Pedestrian Lighting at Lakeshore East Park
Site Design Group
moving through the public realm.
Lighting illuminates pathways, reduces dark niches, and
contributes artful design to the public realm

Fiesta Boricua Mural, Humboldt Park

Gamaliel Ramirez
Integrating community-driven art into the public realm
demonstrates the space is cared for and watched over
Department of Planning and Development 33
Design Excellence: Neighborhood Design Guidelines DRAFT September 11, 2020

34 City of Chicago
DRAFT September 11, 2020 Massing

Massing
Massing refers to the height, bulk, and apparent density of a
building. While baseline density standards are set by the underlying
zoning, the guidelines presented here serve to promote consistency
with the adjacent context by reinforcing desirable urban features
from the neighborhood.

Department of Planning and Development 35

Design Excellence: Neighborhood Design Guidelines DRAFT September 11, 2020

Massing
Height
1
Building height is often the first concern for
neighbors of new development. While zoning
addresses overall height limits, the guidelines
presented here provide recommendations
for ensuring new development responds to
surrounding conditions and existing buildings.

1» Determine street-facing building height

based on adjacent and surrounding Ace Hotel
GREC Architects and Commune Design, Tom Harris
building heights to provide variety and
The hotel is massed to read as three buildings, one
visual interest within a unified street incorporates an historic brick face.
character.

2» Where a building is taller than surrounding

2
developments, building height should
transition by stepping down to better relate
to adjacent buildings.

Edge on Broadway
Built Form
The tallest portion of the building transitions on each side
to respond to the neighboring two story buildings.

Black Ensemble Theater

Morris Architects Planners
Building height varies to invite pedestrian access.

36 City of Chicago
DRAFT September 11, 2020 Massing

Access to Light and Air

2
Access to light and air are important for wellness,
dignity, and energy efficiency, especially for
residential and office uses. Building massing
should be arranged to support maximizing light
and air for building occupants and neighbors.

1» Conduct shadow studies of massing

options to determine if proposed
structures will create significant changes Chinatown Public Library
Wight & Company,Jon Miller © Hedrich
to surrounding spaces and examine
Sun and Shadow Studies
alternatives if they are negatively
impacted.

2» When creating massing options, 2

investigate several variations that
maximize natural light and determine if
elements of these can be integrated into
the final design.

3» Identify opportunities for outdoor space,

including porches, balconies, and roof
decks, that are designed in a way that is Solstice on the Park
consistent with surrounding buildings and Studio Gang
sensitive to the public realm, such as on Massing design maximizes sunlight throughout the year.
top of a stepback.

600 W. Chicago
Von Weise Associates,Steve Hall
Roof deck covered lounge space for residents to enjoy
away from the public realm
Department of Planning and Development 37
Design Excellence: Neighborhood Design Guidelines DRAFT September 11, 2020

Street Wall
1
The rhythm of building faces along an urban
corridor is known as the street wall. Continuity of
the street wall helps to define the public realm,
while large openings in the street wall caused
by vacant parcels, deep site setbacks, or single-
story buildings can detract from neighborhood
character.

1» Where a street wall exists, its continuity Wicker Park Commercial Corridor
must be reinforced with the new
Low first floor retail vacancy creates vibrant, walkable
development or other active use, such as commercial corridors
a vibrant plaza. Inactive gaps between
buildings interrupt the street wall. 1
2» Buildings located at major intersections
should reinforce the architectural definition
of the corners of the block by building to
the corner. Strategies for strengthening the
corner can include adding an architectural
feature, special façade treatment, primary
building entrance, or other variation in
Parlor Pizza Bar Outdoor Plaza
massing. CBD Architects
Outdoor seating for restaurant helps maintain active uses
along the street wall featuring planters and string lighting

Enlace Office
Canopy Architecture & Design
Operable glass panels provide natural light and integrate
with the brick to offer a defining feature at the corner
38 City of Chicago
DRAFT September 11, 2020 Massing

3» For buildings three stories and above,

provide clear differentiation between 3
the base, middle, and top of buildings
to promote legibility and interest in the
building’s form from the street. Use this
structure to promote continuity with the
surrounding buildings, public realm, and
open spaces at each level, with the highest
degree of continuity at the base.
Casa Norte
4» When creating buildings taller than three Landon Bone Baker Architects

floors, especially if taller than surrounding Building mass steps back into three different tiers that are
connected through the elevator shaft
buildings, set back the face of upper
floors several feet behind lower floors.
This encourages human-scaled design 3
by responding to adjacent building height, 4
street width, and pedestrian experience.
Leverage these tower setbacks to optimize
views and natural light.

Little Italy Branch Library and Taylor Street Apartments

SOM and Tom Harris
Dynamic building with a pedestrian-oriented base and
housing that pushes back for privacy and light

Chicago & Main TOD

GREC Architects
Bulk of building sets back along the lower density and
traffic street for enhanced pedestrian experience
Department of Planning and Development 39
Design Excellence: Neighborhood Design Guidelines DRAFT September 11, 2020

40 City of Chicago
DRAFT September 11, 2020 Façade

Façade
Façades are the exterior “faces” of a building. Primary façades
along active streets should contribute to a vibrant streetscape,
create visual interest, accentuate entrances, and reflect internal
uses. Secondary façades require less visual interest but should still
respect and contribute to the neighborhood character.

Department of Planning and Development 41

Design Excellence: Neighborhood Design Guidelines DRAFT September 11, 2020

Façade
Windows and Doors
1
Building openings (i.e. windows and doors) serve
3
as the interface between the exterior and interior
of a building, creating architectural rhythm and
expression.

1» Clearly identify building entrances as seen

from the street using elements such as
architectural details, awnings, or canopy
structures. Hello Baby Storefront
Perkins+Will, Steinkamp Photography

2» Arrange window openings to promote Storefront has a well integrated awning and playful
graphics along the transparent glass facade
design interest and employ strategies
such as pattern, shape, color, material, and
depth to reinforce the style of the building 2
and how it responds to the surrounding 3
context.

3» On ground floor frontages, introduce

transparency and visual interest to
contribute to the street’s vitality. For retail,
ground floor frontages should be primarily
clear, non-reflective windows that allow Wicker Park Mixed Use
views of indoor commercial space or Silvestro Design Operations
product display. Geometrical window details provide depth and visual
interest along the street wall
4» For spaces inviting the public indoors
(e.g. retail, restaurants, community uses, 3
etc.), identify opportunities to increase
permeability between the sidewalk and
the indoors. This may include strategies
such as doors that can stay open in nice
weather and making indoor activities
visible from outside.

KLEO Art Residences

Juan Moreno Gabriel Architects
Glass garage doors allow for transparency and easy
access into art and community spaces
42 City of Chicago
DRAFT September 11, 2020 Façade

Materials
1
High-quality building materials promote pride of
place and respond to neighborhood character.
Appropriate materials balance aesthetics with
functional qualities such as durability, cost-
effectiveness, and sustainability.

1» All façades that are visible to the public

should be treated with materials, finishes,
and architectural details that are of high- Loyola Flex Lab
Smith Group
quality, durable, and appropriate for use on
The facade utilizes glass and brick materials native to the
the primary street-facing façade. surrounding neighborhood in a modern way

Hotel EMC2
KOO LLC

Stainless Steel in three colors are used to create a

colorful,sculptural, and inviting entrance

Carter G. Woodson Library,Washington Heights

EXP Architects
New terra cotta rainscreen curtain wall replaced a
hazardous uninsulated brick facade that was falling apart
Department of Planning and Development 43
Design Excellence: Neighborhood Design Guidelines DRAFT September 11, 2020

Ground Floor
1
Active and interesting building ground floors
add vibrancy to the public realm when properly
expressed through the design of a building’s
façade.

1» Provide street-level spaces within buildings

that are designed to accommodate active
uses visible to pedestrians.
South Shore Brew
2» Use transparent materials, lighting, Triad Consortium
and other design elements such as art Welcoming atmosphere in a corner cafe across
from a train stop
to create human-scale visual interest,
especially along sidewalks and open
spaces. 2

3» Long façades should be broken up with

vertical elements and articulation of the
street wall as well as proportioned to
enhance existing patterns along the street.

Blu Dot Furniture

John Ronan Architects
Custom Screen Made of Aluminum Tubing transforms a
dull strip mall into a unique retail space

LINKT
BKL
Undulating facade was designed to reduce glare from
oncoming traffic for a better resident experience
44 City of Chicago
DRAFT September 11, 2020 Façade

Signage and Security

1
Building signage is a critical form of
communication for building occupants, but
care must be taken to ensure that signage is
integrated into the overall building design and
reflects neighborhood character.

In addition, security features should continue to

serve their primary function while integrating with
the overall façade design. Eyeconic Storefront
Perkins+Will, Tom Harris Photography

1» Commercial developments should avoid Mounted signage is easy to read, clean, and unobstructive to
permeable retail space
sign clutter, especially when it obstructs
views of interior spaces and activities.
Signage should be used to contribute to 1
the neighborhood character and identity
by using color, style, and architectural
integration appropriate to the context.

2» Security gate and shutter visibility should

be minimized, and whenever possible, be
interior-mounted and integrated into the
storefront design. Currency Exchange Cafe Storefront
Theaster Gates Studio
Window Emblems allow for branding that does not impact
transparency and light

Commercial Door Company Incorporated

Interior mounted collapsible security gates are a discrete
way to secure retail space
Department of Planning and Development 45
Design Excellence: Neighborhood Design Guidelines DRAFT September 11, 2020

Acknowledgments

DESIGN EXCELLENCE WORKING GROUP

The Department of Planning and Development wants to thank
the following individuals for their guidance, support, review, and
contributions to these guidelines and other Design Excellence
initiatives:

» Andre Brumfield, Gensler

» Kim Dowdell, HOK

» Casey Jones, Perkins + Will

» Reed Kroloff, Illinois Institute of Technology

» Juan Moreno, JGMA

» Lynn Osmond, Chicago Architecture Center

» Emmanuel Pratt, Sweet Water Foundation

» Domenic Salpietra, HOK

» Jaime Torres Carmona, Canopy Architecture and Design

» Ann Thompson, Related Midwest

» Doug Voigt, SOM

» Ernest Wong, Site Design Group

46 City of Chicago
DRAFT September 11, 2020 Façade

DPD WORK GROUP

The Department of Planning and Development’s internal team who
produced these guidelines included:

» Eleanor Gorkski, First Deputy Commissioner

» Jim Harbin, Deputy Commissioner

» Gerardo Garcia, Design Review Lead

» Jasmine Gunn

» Katharyn Hurd

» Ethan Lassiter

» Carmen Martinez

» Luke Mich

Department of Planning and Development 47