Downtown Highland Park has been changing and evolving for 140 years! Take a look back at some of the recent plans–both realized and proposed–for downtown.
[2000s]
Download the most recent Central Business District plan, from May 2001.
[1990s]
In preparation for the last update of the City of Highland Park Master Plan, the City Council engaged in a comprehensive review and development of new goals and objectives. These goals and objectives were based on an assessment of the community’s values and principals. Review the overarching 1997 Goals and Objectives and see whether these remain meaningful and applicable. The highlighted text is most pertinent to the current planning effort for the Central District.
[1980s]
Ever wonder about the unique streetscaping – the benches, lighting, trash cans and more – in Highland Park? The current downtown streetscape was designed by the world famous Sasaki Associates. Read the 1986 Guide Plan, and see the 1988 Streetscape Guidelines for their renderings.
[1960s]
A marvelous mid-century plan for a “Downtown Plaza” (1965) prepared by Tec-Search of Evanston, to occupy the pocket parks at the SW corner of St. Johns and Central and the SE corner of First and Central. To the best of our knowledge none of the plaza elements were installed. Note: local architect Arthur Dubin chaired the Civic Beautification Commission at the time.
[1900s-1920s]
See what Downtown Highland Park looked like at the start of the last century with these fire insurance maps: 1900 - 1907 - 1912 - 1918