Village of Bartlett has received the 2007 Community Vision Award for its Town Center development project. Sponsored jointly this year by ULI (Urban Land Institute) Chicago, the Metropolitan Planning Council, the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, the Community Vision Award was inaugurated in 2004 to recognize projects and communities that show excellence in applying sound land use principles and demonstrate best practices within the Chicago region.

Awards are given in both urban and suburban categories based on excellence in five key areas: location; density, design and diversity of uses; transportation/mobility/ accessibility; environment; and, community assets.

The Town Center development is at the heart of Bartlett’s recent downtown revitalization. The 10-acre mixed use project, located directly south of the community’s brand new METRA station, has brought an increase in residential, retail and dining uses, and an upgrading of public infrastructure to Bartlett’s Main Street. Complete with a beautifully landscaped town square and public fountain, the Town Center not only complements and enhances the Village’s existing downtown businesses, but provides residents with an active environment in which to live, shop, dine out and socialize.

“The Community Vision Award is not only a great honor for the Village, but it also gives much deserved recognition to the Village President and Board of Trustees, who had the foresight to envision this project,” said Community Development Director Jim Plonczynski. “It also reflects highly on the Village’s development advisor S.B. Friedman & Company and planning consultant Teska and Associates and affirms the diligence of the Plan Commissioners and Economic Development Commissioners, who reviewed the Town Center plans and helped select the very well-suited developer, New England Builders. Last but not least, it gives a positive nod to the Village administration and staff members, who continue to work hard to bring the Town Center to its full fruition.”

The award was presented to Bartlett Village President Catherine Melchert and Jim Plonczynski during the ULI Chicago-Community Vision Awards ceremony in downtown Chicago on February 14, 2008.