Design Phase
Timeline
The design process entails multiple phases over the next few months. Community engagement is vital during Phases 1 & 2, which are detailed below and include specific milestones and upcoming events. Milestones for subsequent phases will be updated after design and permitting is complete.
Phase 1: Ideation
March-April, 2026
Purpose
The Ideation Phase is an opportunity for the design team to get to know our community and to hear feedback on potential design elements. This is the “idea” phase, where you’ll be presented with mood boards and open-ended questions to help the team, who are actively developing ideas and designs from your feedback.
Milestones
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On February 23, the design team hosted a listening session with City Council to kick off the design engagement process.
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Throughout March and April, these one-on-one and small-group listening sessions will inform 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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On April 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., this drop-in workshop will feature interactive stations where the community can share their perspective on the design of the Place of Remembrance.
Join us on Thursday, April 16 at The Moraine (1201 Park Ave. W.); registration is appreciated but not required. Learn more about the workshop.
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At the end of April, as we move into the design phase, All Together and SWA will prepare a summary of the engagement process and outcomes for the Working Group and City Council. The summary will be posted to the website.
Outcomes
The design team will gather feedback on high-level design features and on how the permanent Place of Remembrance should feel to inform the concept designs during the initial design process.
Phase 2: Design Concepting
May-June, 2026
Purpose
During Design Concepting, the design team will present concept designs based on listening sessions, surveys, and workshops conducted during ideation engagement. Your feedback, along with engagement from the working group, Highland Park residents, and the City Council, will help the team refine multiple designs into a unified concept.
Milestones
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On May 7, the design team will present design concepts at an in-person public meeting of the Working Group.
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On May 8, you will be invited to participate in one-on-one and small group in-person listening sessions for victims’ family members and people who were injured. During these sessions, the design team will present the design concepts and request your feedback to assist in the refinement of the designs. Virtual sessions will also be available by request throughout May.
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Throughout May, the design team will invite 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 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., this drop-in workshop will feature interactive stations where the community can share perspectives on concepts for the Place of Remembrance.
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On June 8, the design team will present a single, refined concept to the City Council for consideration.
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After the City Council Presentation, the design team will present this concept to the Historic Preservation Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness consideration.
Outcomes
The design team will use 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.