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A Resolution Approving A Professional Services Agreement with Planning Resources Incorporated for Landscape Architecture Services for Phase I And II Design Services for Chicago Avenue Projects in An Amount Not to Exceed $225,500, Authorizing Its Execution, and Waiving the Request for Proposal Process for this Agreement
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Introduction
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At the September 9, 2025 meeting the Village Board passed a motion approving the design concept for a Chicago Avenue Streetscape Honoring Dr. Percy Julian that was developed by Planning Resources Inc. (PRI). The Board also approved a Vision Zero Action Plan and an update to the Bike Plan that call for specific safety upgrades to the Chicago Avenue corridor. These improvements have been combined into a single project to most efficiently implement the overlapping recommendations. PRI was selected for Phase I/II Design Services to keep the design consistent with the one approved by the Board in 2025. Staff recommends awarding an agreement not to exceed $225,500 based on their proposed staff, qualifications and experience.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior actions:
• At the September 9, 2025 Village Board meeting, the Village Board approved the design concept and scope of the Chicago Avenue Streetscape Plan Honoring Dr. Percy Julian (MOT 25-220)
• At the July 22, 2025 Village Board meeting, the Village Board approved the Bike Plan Update as recommended by the Transportation Commission (RES 25-232)
• At the February 18, 2025 Village Board meeting, the Village Board approved the Oak Park Vision Zero Action Plan (RES 25-145)
Background
In 2025, the Village completed a Vision Zero Action Plan, an update to the Bike Plan, and a preliminary design study for a streetscape on Chicago Avenue honoring Dr. Percy Julian. These three plans identified specific improvements along Chicago Avenue from Marion to Austin. The streetscape design was developed by Planning Resources Incorporated (PRI), a landscape architecture firm. Due to their previous experience on the project and satisfactory completion of the design concept, staff elected to move forward with PRI as the landscape architect and planner for the streetscape project and to pair them with a civil engineering firm selected through the RFQ process. This team of Terra Engineering, Ltd. and PRI will design the improvements and the accompanying public outreach in an efficient and consistent manner. A phasing plan will be developed to implement the improvements over multiple years and include underground infrastructure improvements prior to installing surface elements to ensure long-term cost efficiency.
Based on the anticipated timelines associated with the design and public engagement, the preliminary schedule for work on Chicago Avenue is for the safety improvement project generally west of Ridgeland to be constructed in 2027, with the streetscaping, safety improvements, and underground utility work east of Ridgeland planned for 2028 construction.
Design of the streetscaping project will be completed during 2026 and 2027. The 2026 work will include the preliminary design and cost estimate work for the streetscaping project, so budgets can be defined. This equates to about 60% of the design effort. The 2027 design work will finalize the streetscaping design so the project can be bid in late 2027 for 2028 construction.
Timing Considerations
Adoption of the Resolution at this time will allow for the consultant to begin data collection, public outreach as well as design and permitting work to prepare construction documents so the first phase can begin construction in 2027.
Financial Impact
The FY2026 Budget includes $1,160,000 for the design of the Chicago Avenue projects, with $930,000 in the Capital Improvement Fund, Public Works - Engineering, Project Engineering account no. 3095-43780.101.570955 and $230,000 for design of water main improvements in the Water and Sewer Fund, Sewer Collection, Capital Improvements account no. 5040.4370.777.570707.
The total cost for the design of the projects is $1,453,857, which includes $1,228,357 for the engineering and public engagement work and $225,500 for the landscape architecture work for the streetscaping project. The total cost for the designs exceeds the 2026 Budget amount by $293,857. The additional $293,857 needed for the overall project’s design will be budgeted for in 2027 since the design work will extend into 2027, especially for the streetscape project.
There is $930,000 available to fund the $175,500 needed for this landscape architecture work with PRI in the FY26 Budget in the Capital Improvement Fund, Public Works - Engineering, Project Engineering account no. 3095-43780.101.570955. The remaining $50,000 needed for this work will be included in the FY27 Budget.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item. Community input will be gathered during the design process for the streetscape and safety improvement projects.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution, which will allow for the work to start for the Chicago Avenue Projects
Advantages:
• This agreement will allow for the procurement of needed services.
Disadvantages:
• This agreement requires the expenditure of $225,5000 in funds.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can delay action to gain additional information.
Advantages:
• Board Members would be presented with the additional information they requested.
Disadvantages:
• The timing of the eventual Board action could impact the desired implementation schedule.
Alternative 2:
The Board can vote down the item.
Advantages:
• Potential cost savings of $225,500.
Disadvantages:
• Work identified for the streetscaping project honoring Dr. Percy Julian will be delayed.
Anticipated Future Actions
There is separate Board agenda item at tonight’s meeting for an agreement with Terra Engineering, Ltd. for the civil engineering and public engagement scope of the projects on Chicago Avenue.
Prepared By: Bill McKenna, Village Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director
Reviewed By: Rob Sproule, Public Works Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Agreement
3. Proposal