Case Studies
Heritage Property Group, Inc., is a community-focused developer of select retail, service and commercial properties. Heritage is committed to the economic development and prosperity of the communities where it invests.
Since 1992, Heritage has developed projects that require extra concern for the interests of community stakeholders. Heritage has developed “high profile” properties that required managing sensitive environmental concerns including floodway re-mapping, flood plain engineering, EPA remediation strategies, and access design concerns.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel
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 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. The plan evolved to a limited-service hotel and an office use (developed by others).
Drainage easements, conservation buffer yards and landscaping were provided to satisfy the very discerning corporate neighbors. A detention pond was designed on either side of the main entrance drive, giving the appearance of a bridge entranceway to the hotel property.