Case Studies
Project: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hotel
Location: 2600 Lake Cook Road, Riverwoods, IL
Highlights:
Acquired, zoned and master planned a seven-acre two-lot commercial subdivision next to Discover Services World Headquarters and CCH (Commerce Clearing House).
Developed a 115-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hotel.
Challenges:
The land was owned by a nonprofit organization, since Lake Cook Road was a dirt road ending at the Des Plaines River. As corporate office campus development occurred, this parcel was designated office/research with restrictive zoning provisions.
As surrounding development occurred, no provisions were provided for reciprocal access to neighboring corporate drives, or for storm water easements.
The Riverwoods Village Trustees wanted a project that would fit the context of a corporate campus, but were looking for a well-defined plan.
The Riverwoods mayor, an architect, and the building trustee, who was the retired head of construction for Allstate Insurance, required high-quality construction standards.
Solutions:
Worked with the Riverwoods Village Planning Commission and Village Master Planning Consultant to evaluate a series of designs beginning with a three-lot commercial subdivision that included two freestanding restaurants and one extended-stay hotel. As different designs were considered with the Plan Commission and trustee guidance, the plan evolved into a two-hotel design. One hotel was a limited-service hotel and the second a full-service hotel with restaurant attached.
Drainage easements, conservation buffer yards and landscaping were provided to satisfy the very discerning corporate neighbors. The detention pond was designed on either side of the main entrance drive, giving the appearance of a bridge entranceway to the hotel property.
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