City of Joliet and Village of Plainfield, IL
‘The Boulevard’ Planned Development
The plan established a shared framework for guiding development across two municipalities, helping transform The Boulevard into a more cohesive and pedestrian-friendly regional destination. By aligning design, circulation, and placemaking around a common vision, the project supports long-term investment and creates a stronger sense of place.
Client
55/30 Acquisitions, LLC
Type
Design Guideline
Population
45,700
Year Adopted
August 2019
Scale
Site
Service Line
Zoning, Design
Overview
A Cohesive Regional Destination.
The Boulevard Planned Development established a unified framework for transforming a 170-acre site at the intersection of I-55 and Route 30 into a cohesive regional destination. Working across the City of Joliet and Village of Plainfield, Houseal Lavigne prepared the site plan and design guidelines that aligned land use, architecture, signage, landscaping, parking, and open space around a shared vision. The result is a design-conscious and market-responsive framework that balances development requirements with placemaking to create a more walkable and memorable shopping and dining experience.
Key Ideas
- Unify development across jurisdictions. Establish a single framework that bridges municipal standards and creates a cohesive vision for a cross-jurisdictional site.
- Elevate the retail experience. Move beyond conventional commercial development to create a hybrid lifestyle destination with inviting storefronts, gathering spaces, and pedestrian amenities.
- Shape character through design. Use coordinated standards for architecture, signage, landscaping, and site design to create a distinct and visually cohesive identity.
- Support a park-once environment. Organize parking, circulation, and pedestrian connections to create a more convenient and walkable experience.
- Integrate landscape and open space. Treat planting, screening, and public spaces as essential elements that enhance the character and quality of the development.
