Vision

1. 2013 IDA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD SUBMISSION: PLANNING CATEGORY 2025 Vision A POLICY PLAN FOR NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE AND THE SURROUNDING DISTRICT

2. WHAT IS VISION 2025? • Vision 2025 is a policy plan addressing both the present and the future of North Michigan Avenue and the surrounding District • An evolving organic document that responds to changing Markets and Demographics • Embraces technological advancements • Expands the focus from a compact retail corridor to a thriving interactive District • Sets a framework for GNMAA members to actively participate in the community development process

3. DEFINING A DISTRICT • The Greater North Michigan Avenue District is more than a shopping district. The service area embraces seven distinct neighborhoods including a wide variety of uses (Hotels, Office, Retail, Museums, Academic Institutions, and a thriving Medical District) • The District is surrounded by distinct physical features (a lakefront, a river edge, and regional open spaces)

4. HOW INCLUSIVE WAS THE PROCESS? Planning & Advocacy Board of Directors • GNMAA Volunteer members formed the 21st Century Planning Committee to develop ‘Vision 2025’ • Over 50 stakeholder interviews were conducted • Surveys were sent out to all GNMAA members • Workshops, charrettes, and brainstorming sessions were held • Open communication with government officials and other civic organizations Vision 2025 Committee Executive Committee GNMAA Leadership Businesses + Residents Service Entities VISION 2025 Key Institutions Property Owners Membership Community Civic Groups Business Owners Government Volunteers

5. WHY VISION 2025? Vision 2025 is a policy plan to guide the GNMAA mission and enhance the physical, economic and social environments of the Greater North Michigan Avenue service area • ACKNOWLEDGING THE PAST • Building on a 100-year legacy of GNMAA placemaking • ENHANCING THE PRESENT • Supporting the Michigan Avenue experience and economic vitality of Chicago • PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE • Creating a forward thinking District with new technology, innovative transportation access, and sustainable infrastructure

6. HOW POLICY DRIVES OUR VISION Vision 2025 establishes policies for issues that are not normally addressed in long-range district plans, but are extremely important for enriching the GNMAA District. 14 policies to enhance the physical context of the District, embracing green infrastructure, technology, sustainability and the human scaled public realm. Urban Design + Sustainability 6 marketing policies to foster and enhance the unique experience that has been the hallmark of the North Michigan Avenue District and foundation of its recognition as one of the “Great Avenues of the World.” Marketing + Experience 8 policies to increase and improve accessibility of District transportation systems including proactive parking policies, transportation management methods, encouraging alternative modes and enhancing the pedestrian experience. Transportation + Access

7. URBAN DESIGN + SUSTAINABILITY Policy Objectives • Require that new developments be planned and designed to the highest quality architecture with respect to the existing pattern of uses, urban context and transit connectivity. • Preserve and enhance the North Michigan Avenue character and the surrounding District’s architectural assets. • Advocate for sustainable growth throughout the District and sustainable measures in existing buildings and public-way landscapes. • Coordinate transit improvements with public space enhancements.

8. MARKETING + EXPERIENCE Policy Objectives • Encourage a diverse, sophisticated, lively environment that delights visitors, supports merchants and pleases property owners. • Enhance North Michigan Avenue as one of the Great Avenues of the World™ . • Provide a quality-driven marketing effort focused on a broad range of visitor experiences that foster a cosmopolitan, lively and fun environment. • Create a sophisticated public realm to support an incredible special events schedule. • Embrace technological innovation and advancements.

9. TRANSPORTATION + ACCESS Policy Objectives • Strengthen transportation connections. • Improve transit operations and service. • Embrace technology and provide real-time links to transportation information. • Implement proactive parking strategies to meet current and future needs. • Utilize traffic management to keep traffic flowing smoothly. • Encourage transportation alternatives to decrease the carbon footprint of the District.

10. HOW DO WE GAUGE SUCCESS? • Vision 2025 is already a referenced document and policy source for the following: • Historic preservation and landmark decisions • Streetscape enhancement and design review • Installation of bike lanes and a bike-share program • Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) alignment discussion • Signage guidelines

11. REPLICATION: SETTING A PRECEDENT Vision 2025 is a planning and policy reference for other downtowns across the globe. Our Toolbox includes policy that supports: • A dense, economically and environmentally sustainable mixed-use community with a unique combination of commercial, residential, and institutional neighborhoods forming one of the world’s most vital and attractive urban Districts. • A thriving regional economic engine that creates a framework for investment, real estate development, and international tourism. • An exceptional experience for shoppers, diners, tourists, and residents. • A livable, pedestrian-friendly District. • A showcase for world-class design in which architectural assets are preserved and celebrated and new ideas are embraced.

12. HOW IS VISION 2025 INNOVATIVE? Vision 2025 is a: • Proactive vision – embracing today’s issues and anticipating future challenges and opportunities • Collaborative consensus driven policy plan • Innovative mechanism for setting policy and advocacy for change • Reliable reference for City decision making • Plans beyond the physical environment to embrace marketing strategies • Easy document for diverse stakeholders to use and implement For more information, please visit: GNMAA.COM