Island District: Securing Approval Through Visualization

Type

Commercial Entertainment District

Project date

2022

Location

Chicago, Illinois

Client name

Island District Community Investment

SCOPE

Exterior Renderings and Site Plan

From Vision to Approval: Securing City Backing for the Island District with Compelling Visualizations

Island District Community Investment sought city approval and funding for a transformative Chicago entertainment district. The challenge was effectively communicating the large-scale vision—including diverse housing, retail, and entertainment venues—to secure vital stakeholder buy-in.

We were commissioned to create high-impact exterior architectural renderings and a detailed site plan. These visual tools were specifically designed to bridge the gap between concept and reality, providing officials with a tangible, easy-to-understand representation of the proposed district and its significant potential. The goal was to make the vision undeniable and the approval process smoother.

The Process & Scope

Our team worked closely with Island District Community Investment to accurately translate their architectural plans and vision into photorealistic visuals. The scope included:

Detailed Exterior Renderings: Showcasing the aesthetic appeal and functional design of key areas, including the Entertainment Center (Skating Rink, Bowling Alley, Trampoline/Gaming, Playground), diverse housing options (single-family, multi-family), commercial spaces, and the theme park entrance.

Comprehensive Site Plan: Illustrating the overall layout, green spaces, traffic flow, parking facilities, and the integration of various elements within the 735 S. Laramie location.

The Results & Impact

The detailed renderings and site plan provided Island District Community Investment with essential, high-quality presentation materials. These visuals proved instrumental in:

Clearly Communicating the Vision: Enabling city aldermen and officials to fully grasp the project’s scope, design intent, and potential community impact.

Facilitating Decision-Making: Providing concrete visuals that moved the discussion beyond abstract plans, allowing for informed evaluation and discussion.

Building Enthusiasm and Support: Showcasing an attractive, well-planned development that resonated with stakeholders.

Streamlining the Approval Process: Serving as a powerful tool in the funding presentations, contributing directly to securing the necessary approvals to move the project forward.