Consultants to Outline Ideas for Downtown Wheaton at Public Open House

Residents will have the chance to ask questions and hear city consultants' ideas for shaping the future of downtown Wheaton at a . 

The Design Workshop consultant team solicited initial input from the community last fall regarding the vision for downtown Wheaton and some general ideas for its improvement over the next 20 years.

The project team analyzed a number of factors, including traffic, infrastructure and the local market, to assist the City Council in reaching a consensus “vision” for the downtown’s future, and presented findings at a Jan. 28 planning session. 

Their "vision" for downtown Wheaton focuses on leveraging public improvements to elevate it in the suburban market and pursuing new development south of the train tracks.

The Feb. 28 presentation will outline ideas ranging from the creation of enhanced public gathering places and civic spaces, to improved streetscape ideas, to concepts for additional development and redevelopment of select areas within Downtown. The public can provide feedback concerning the various ideas shared through the use of keypad polling questions and by talking one-on-one with consultant team members, according to a press release from the City of Wheaton.

 The consultant team will also meet with stakeholder groups in downtown Wheaton, business owners and property owners to get feedback on their ideas.

Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk said last month that moving forward, council and staff will need to build consensus in the community. Councilman Phil Suess said at the Jan. 28 planning session that the result of the city's work with Design Workshop "needs to be a blueprint," and a strategy to implement it. 

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The open house will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 at City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St., Wheaton.

Related: 

• Consultants Recommend New Development to 'Polish the Apple' in Wheaton
• Market Study Compares Downtown Wheaton to Surrounding Downtown Districts