By David A. F. Sweet
Given Lake Forest was incorporated more than 160 years ago, improvement projects are an important way to implement modern technology and enhance the quality of life today. Consider the recent Burr Oak Area Storm Sewer project that helped reduce flooding for homeowners and businesses after heavy rains, or the rehabilitation of Market Square a quarter century ago that engendered brick walkways, new trees, upgraded electrical systems and a restored fountain.
Consistent with the Lake Forest tradition of thoughtful planning, conversations about the Deerpath Streetscape Project began nearly a decade ago. The first sessions took place in 2016 during talks with the Civic Beautification Committee. Given the prominence and importance of the streetscape to the community, a Deerpath Streetscape Advisory Committee was launched five years ago. It was formed so representatives of various interest groups and the public could be involved in the discussion from the beginning. Chaired by then-Alderman Prue Beidler -- who had also been involved with the Civic Beautification Committee talks -- the final project is in large ways the result of the Deerpath Streetscape Advisory Committee’s recommendations.
A drawing of what part of Deerpath will look like after the work is completed. Courtesy of The Lakota Group.
Over the course of a year, the Committee met multiple times and held a public visioning session to gather community feedback. “Being involved in this project is especially exciting given the importance and prominence of this gateway to Lake Forest’s Historic District and the critical need for infrastructure updates,” said Marcy Kerr, who represented the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation on the Advisory Committee. “Throughout numerous discussions, the City worked with the community to ensure concerns were thoughtfully addressed, including the impact on sightlines to significant historic buildings.” Given that feedback, tree placement along the corridor is intentional in order to avoid obstructing views of historic buildings – including one designed by noted Lake Forest architect Stanley Anderson.
While the Committee ended up developing several recommendations for the project, the key priorities included:
• Improve pedestrian safety – enhance crosswalk safety, improve sightlines by removing a limited number of parking spaces, enhance the pedestrian experience, and incorporate traffic calming devices to slow traffic.
• Renew infrastructure – replace the 100-year-old water main, replace deteriorated sidewalks, and repave Deerpath within the project limits.
• Enhance beautification – plantings, trees, decorative elements, and hanging planter baskets.
“Deerpath is an important entry point to Lake Forest from the west. We want to make it look as nice as possible,” said Mayor Randy Tack about the project, which was approved by the City Council this year. “The Deerpath Streetscape Advisory Committee worked tirelessly to come up with the best plan for all, and we’re excited to implement it.”
Even though the City Council and others supported the recommendations from the start, there were challenges to overcome. The price tag would be high, and all agreed a grant would need to be procured to cover same of the cost. Previous tree plantings along Deerpath had not taken root, so landscape design experts would need to figure out how to make new plantings sustainable – especially for Lake Forest to live up to its designation as Tree City, USA.
“We have a high percentage of green here,” Beidler said. “It shows what the community values. You know the Lake Forest ethos when you see it.”
There are two phases to the 2025 Deerpath Streetscape Project. While the exact timing is still to be determined, the water main installation along Deerpath between Green Bay Road and Western Avenue is expected to begin in mid-January and be complete around the end of April. The eastbound lane of Deerpath is expected remain open and the westbound lane is expected to be closed during this phase. All parallel parking spaces on Deerpath will be unavailable.
The second phase involving streetscape enhancements is expected to kick off in May. Over six months, Deerpath will be redone and renovated. During this time, the road will be closed to vehicular traffic between Oakwood Avenue and Western Avenue, but open to pedestrians.
The intersection of Oakwood Avenue and Deerpath by City Hall will remain open to north-south traffic except for a two-week closure, as will the intersection of Western Avenue and Deerpath. Given that road closures are necessary to efficiently complete the project, signage, and maps will guide drivers and pedestrians to detours.
One important point: Businesses on Deerpath will remain open during the entire project. Where needed, secure ramps will provide access to merchants to both employees and customers when sidewalks are being redone.
“We are going to do everything possible to encourage people to visit stores during the project,” Public Works Director Michael Thomas said. “We want to make this as comfortable as possible for all involved and make sure the stores remain easily accessible.”
Thanks to a $2 million grant from IDOT, the $6.2 million cost of the Deerpath Streetscape Project will fall around $4.2 million. Seeking grant funding aligns with one top priority area in Lake Forest’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan: Fiscal Stewardship. In fact, the project also touches five of the six other priority areas of the five-year plan: Infrastructure and City Facilities, Public Safety, Community’s Visual Character and Development, Business and Economic Vitality and Community Engagement.
For Mayor Tack, knowing that Deerpath will soon reflect the best of the City brings happiness. “This project will put a crucially important downtown street in the best light,” he said. “For first-time visitors and long-time residents, Deerpath will be a compelling place to drive through, walk along, and shop.” Find the latest project information at cityoflakeforest.com/DeerpathStreetscape.