Design Phase
Timeline
The design process for the Highland Park Place of Remembrance is underway. Review the timeline below to see where we are in the process.
Phase 1: Ideation
March-April, 2026
Purpose
The Ideation Phase was an opportunity for the design team to get to know our community and to hear feedback on potential design elements. In this “idea” phase, the community was presented with mood boards and open-ended questions to help the team develop ideas and designs from your feedback.
Milestones
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On February 23, the design team hosted a listening session with City Councilto kick off the design engagement process.
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Throughout March and April, one-on-one and small-group listening sessions informed early concepting and the overall direction of the project.
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On March 9, the Highland Park City Council Committee of the Whole and the Historic Preservation Committee met to discuss the existing historic landmark at the Rose Garden. For a summary of that meeting, review the communication sent out on March 11, 2026.
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Through April 19, all community members were invited to complete an ideation survey to shape the design. The survey was made available in English and Spanish.
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Participants were asked to join on Thursday, April 16, at The Moraine (1201 Park Ave. W.) for a drop-in workshop featuring interactive stations where the community could share their perspectives on the design of the Place of Remembrance.
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At the end of April, All Together and SWA prepared a summary of the engagement process and outcomes for the Working Group and City Council.
Outcomes
The design team gathered feedback on high-level design features and on how the permanent Place of Remembrance should inform the concept designs during the initial design process.
Phase 2: Design Concepting
May-June, 2026
Purpose
During Design Concepting, the design team presented concept designs derived from listening sessions, surveys, and workshops conducted during the ideation engagement. Your feedback, along with engagement from the working group, Highland Park residents, and the City Council, helped the team refine multiple designs into a unified concept.
Milestones
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On May 7, the design team presented design concepts at an in-person public meeting of the Working Group.
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Throughout May, the Design Team invited to victims’ family members and people who were injured to participate in one-on-one and small group in-person listening sessions. During these sessions, the design team presented the concepts and asked for your feedback to help refine them.
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Throughout May, the design team invited the entire community to share perspectives on the concepts for the Highland Park Place of Remembrance through a community-wide survey.
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Hosted on May 9 and May 11, this drop-in workshop featured interactive stations where the community could share perspectives on concepts for the Place of Remembrance.
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On June 8, the design team presented a single, refined concept to the City Council for consideration and a summary of Phase 2 Engagement.
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After the City Council Presentation, the design team will present this concept to the Historic Preservation Commission on June 24 for a Certificate of Appropriateness consideration.
Outcomes
The design team used the feedback to refine the design concepts into a unified design to be presented for formal consideration by the City Council. Then, the design will be advanced to the Historic Preservation Commission for Certificate of Appropriateness consideration, which is anticipated to take place in the summer.
Once the meetings with City Council and the Historic Preservation Commission are scheduled, we will provide an update on the timelines for design refinements and approvals, as well as anticipated milestones for construction preparation.
Phase 3: Design Development
July-September, 2026
Purpose
During Design Development, the design team will provide an overall spatial layout, establish an initial anticipated budget, and begin to refine details such as specific materials and plantings.
Milestones
We will update this section with milestones once a design concept has been advanced by City Council.
Outcomes
The team will produce schematic drawings and provide an in-depth cost estimate.
Phase 4: Construction Documentation
September-December, 2026
Purpose & Outcomes
During Construction Documentation, the team will develop technical drawings and specifications for the construction of the project in coordination with a construction manager to ensure the design stays within budget. The Design Team will work closely with the City to obtain proper permits for construction.
Phase 5: Construction
January 2027-Completion
Purpose & Outcomes
When the project moves into Construction, we will break ground and begin work. The City and design team will work closely to ensure a smooth and efficient construction process.
Purpose & Outcomes
A construction timeline is anticipated during the fourth quarter of 2026.
ABOUT THE PROCESS
The Highland Park Place of Remembrance will be located at two sites in the heart of our community: a prominent, primary site at the Rose Garden and a subtle, secondary site at Port Clinton Plaza. Together, these spaces will create a meaningful, lasting place of remembrance.
This project is a partnership between SWA Group, All Together, and the City of Highland Park. Our team includes landscape architects, community engagement specialists, and City staff who are committed to honoring this process with care, transparency, and deep respect.
The design is still being shaped. Community voices — especially yours — will guide what this place looks and feels like, what it means, and how it serves you and future generations.