I have given some thought to whether I should comment on the proposed tower planned for the rear of the Boulevard Arcade building on South Boulevard (The Boulevard Arcade Homes).
My hesitation is that my wife and I moved from Oak Park last year after 38 years. We still love the village, maintain many friendships there, and continue to visit frequently. However, I recognize that decisions about its future belong primarily to current residents and their elected officials.
For context, I served as an architectural design consultant to the village for 20 years, helping provide design guidance on many development projects. Some of those projects were surely liked by some residents and disliked by others — that is the nature of civic development.
My concern with the Boulevard proposal is primarily one of scale and location. Zoning regulations governing height and density exist to balance different types of development and to soften transitions between larger buildings and nearby single-family homes. Taller buildings can be appropriate in certain locations, but they are typically stepped down as they approach lower-density neighborhoods.
Developers naturally seek to maximize the value of their projects, which is entirely reasonable. But successful developments usually balance financial goals with compatibility for neighboring properties and the broader community.
A building of this size, located across a narrow 20-foot alley from single-family homes seems difficult to reconcile with that balance. I just think it is wrong.
If Oak Park wishes to continue allowing projects that exceed existing zoning parameters, it may be worthwhile for the village to undertake a comprehensive review of its zoning framework with broad community input. Clear, updated guidelines applied consistently could help provide both predictability for developers and reassurance for residents.
Oak Park will always hold a special place for me and my family. It remains a vibrant and remarkable community, and I wish the village continued success in balancing growth with the qualities that make it unique.
Floyd Anderson, AIA, NCARB
Elmwood Park