Highland Park, Illinois Development News

Highland Park Council Debates Consultant Selection for Comprehensive Plan Update, Leaning Towards Interface Studios with Cost Negotiations

The City Council of Highland Park, Illinois, discussed the selection of a consultant for a comprehensive plan update. Two finalists, Interface Studios and House Design Lavine, were presented. Interface Studios' proposal was noted as being approximately 23.5% more costly but included 21% more labor hours, with significant travel costs. House Design Lavine's proposal was less expensive due to its local presence and a more 'do-it-yourself' approach for city staff. Council members debated the merits of each proposal, focusing on cost, community engagement depth, timeline, and strategic approach. The council expressed a desire to negotiate with Interface Studios to reduce costs, potentially by decreasing the scope of community engagement and travel, and to clarify the timeline, aiming for completion within two years instead of three.