Cost-conscious station improves safety, offers more openness and amenities
A landscape-inspired replacement train station sparks a revitalization of downtown Clarendon Hills. The new station, part of a larger master plan, includes canopies, glass-enclosed warming shelters, and covered bicycle shelters at both the inbound and outbound Metra platforms.
The buildings were designed with the idea of “buildings as landscape.” The site is landscaped with prairie plantings native to Illinois to return to a more naturally historic appearance while providing interest in all seasons. The simple park pavilions rise out of the prairie landscape with grasses on the roofs swaying in the breeze. The ground covers and grasses planted on the train station and shelter roofs not only beautify the structures but also serve to help manage rainwater and reduce the urban heat island effect. Furthermore, a portion of the roof is covered by solar panels to capture the sun’s energy for use, while another portion of the roof is white to reflect the sun’s heat to further reduce the urban heat island effect. Additionally, bioswales and rain gardens manage stormwater onsite with limestone outcroppings and native wetland plantings to minimize erosion and maximize the absorption of rainwater onsite.
When people see this station, they’ll get a sense of what this community is about. And they might just think about moving here or opening a business in our community.
