“We were striving for a very warm, natural feel that respects the history and character of the community,” said Project Manager Marc Rohde, AIA, LEED AP, of Legat Architects in Oak Brook, IL. “[Originally], there was a little old train station of no significant character. It was just a dilapidated building that people avoided.”
The architect went on to explain that a master plan had already been designed to redevelop the entire downtown area -- including new restaurants, public spaces, mixed-use buildings and condominiums. “[Also], they had already done facade improvements on older buildings down there that were 80 to 100 years old,” he said. “The existing train station was somewhat of an eye sore.”