Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

top of the mind for the village. Key commercial and residential development is also high on the village agenda with several significant projects in the works. Villa Park is currently updating its Comprehensive Plan which signals the reality that the village is open for business and taking steps to meet future residents’ housing needs. This is all part of careful planning efforts which include updating the Strategic Plan for the next three to five years of village operations, while the Comprehensive Plan encompasses key areas like the Metra Train station area, and the St. Charles Road corridor, and includes land use, development, transportation, and upgrades to other public facilities for the next 15-20 years. The village will concentrate its efforts on a wide range of developments aimed at turning Villa Park into a promising hub of activity with a particular focus on the revitalization of the St. Charles corridor. The vision includes mixed-use spaces, fostering a vibrant atmosphere for businesses, residents, and visitors. One of the biggest developments involves the construction of a community gem, the $20 million Lions Park Recreation Center. Work has already begun with the pouring of the foundation, providing the infrastructure for more work to be completed through April 2024. As Harline points out, this will represent a fully equipped recreation center that will be a transformational community facility. Another significant investment in Villa Park is The Union. This mixed-use apartment building will include 8,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space as well as a two-level parking garage. This project by Catalyst Partners and the Maquette Companies will provide a key amenity to facilitate the anticipated commercial and residential 245 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01 VI LLA PARK , I LL INOIS