Joliet City Council Unveils Comprehensive Downtown Development Plan for Gateway Transportation Center

The City of Joliet's Pre-Council Meeting on July 14, 2025, focused on significant developments surrounding the Gateway Transportation Center and the Lions Lumberyard site. City officials discussed a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing transit-oriented development and diversifying housing options in the downtown area.

The meeting highlighted the city's long-term commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, which began in the 2010s with the acquisition of parcels for the Gateway Transportation Center. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to facilitate future high-speed rail access through Joliet. In 2015, the Downtown Joliet plan identified the Lions Lumberyard site as a key area for potential development, emphasizing the need for varied housing options.

In late 2022, the city applied for a grant from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to evaluate development opportunities around the Gateway Transportation Center. The RTA approved the grant, which required an assessment of a quarter to half-mile radius around the center. The city collaborated with Hausea Levine to create a conceptual development plan, which began in early 2024. This plan aims to increase housing diversity, preserve affordable options, boost transit ridership, and enhance the economic and cultural vitality of the downtown area.

Community engagement played a crucial role in shaping the plan, with multiple meetings, surveys, and open houses conducted to gather public feedback. The plan consists of eight chapters, detailing the study area's profile, land use, urban design, and transportation initiatives. Notably, it identifies 17 potential development sites, focusing on three "catalyst sites" that could significantly transform the downtown landscape: City Hall, the BMO Harris Bank site, and the Lions Lumberyard site.

The proposed developments include mixed-use buildings with residential and commercial spaces, as well as improved connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods. The plan also outlines 73 recommended action steps for implementation, which will require updates to zoning regulations. The city has secured additional funding from the RTA to assist with these zoning changes.

Overall, the meeting underscored Joliet's commitment to revitalizing its downtown area and enhancing transportation options, setting the stage for future growth and development in the city.