The historic downtown is arguably the strongest driver of real estate demand in Frankfort. To protect that asset, the Village partnered with The Lakota Group to conduct a comprehensive Downtown Urban Design and Planning Study. That study has now officially reached the master-plan stage, outlining potential changes to streets, public gathering areas, business spaces, and the overall future of the Historic District. As these recommendations move before the Village Board for review, here is what homeowners need to know about the planning process.
When buyers look at the southwest Chicago suburbs, Frankfort consistently commands a premium. A major reason for that premium is the walkable, vibrant, and fiercely protected Historic District. However, as the area's popularity grows—bringing in high-demand restaurants, boutiques, and regional foot traffic—the infrastructure supporting the downtown core must evolve to handle it.
Rather than allowing haphazard development to dictate the future of the village center, Frankfort took a proactive approach by initiating the Downtown Urban Design and Planning Study.
Reaching the Master-Plan Stage
Following months of data collection, community open houses, and resident surveys, the Village’s consultant for the project, The Lakota Group, has synthesized the feedback. The study has officially reached the master-plan stage.
This master plan is designed to be a comprehensive roadmap. It outlines potential changes to the streetscapes, parking logistics, public gathering areas, and commercial business spaces. While earlier discussions explored concepts like long-term outdoor dining solutions and enhanced connectivity to the Old Plank Road Trail, the master plan serves to formalize which of those concepts are actually viable and in the best interest of the community.
Why This Matters for Property Values
For Frankfort homeowners, municipal planning studies might sound like dry administrative work, but they are the exact mechanism that protects your property value.
A thriving downtown requires a delicate balance. If a village allows too much commercial density without upgrading parking and pedestrian flow, the area becomes congested and loses its charm. Conversely, if a village refuses to adapt to modern retail and dining trends, the downtown can stagnate. By utilizing a master plan, Frankfort ensures that any future growth—whether it is a new restaurant build-out or a streetscape redesign—aligns with the historic character that drew residents here in the first place.
- The Frankfort Downtown Urban Design and Planning Study, conducted by The Lakota Group, has reached the master-plan stage.
- The plan outlines potential updates to streets, public gathering areas, and business spaces within the Historic District.
- Formal findings and recommendations are scheduled to be presented to the Village’s Committee of the Whole in mid-July 2026.
- Proactive master planning is a primary reason Frankfort maintains its unique character and premium real estate values compared to neighboring suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Downtown Urban Design and Planning Study?
The study was commissioned by the Village of Frankfort to create a long-term vision for the Historic District. It evaluates current infrastructure, parking, pedestrian access, and commercial spaces to recommend improvements that support economic growth while preserving the village's historic charm.
Has the Village approved permanent outdoor dining on Kansas Street?
As of mid-2026, the specific, long-term recommendations regarding street configurations and permanent outdoor dining are part of the master plan review process. Any permanent structural or zoning changes will be evaluated by the Village Board following the presentation of the study's findings.
How can residents view the master plan recommendations?
The Lakota Group is scheduled to present their findings to the Village's Committee of the Whole. Following the public presentation, the documents and recommendations are typically made available for review through the Village of Frankfort's official website and community development portals.
Disclaimer: The development news and municipal planning updates provided in this guide are for informational purposes only and are based on Village reports available as of July 2026. Master plans are conceptual guiding documents, and specific project details are subject to change pending official Village Board approval. Please verify all updates directly with the Village of Frankfort. Raymond Kennedy is a licensed real estate broker in Illinois with eXp Realty and is sharing this community development news as a courtesy to southwest suburban residents.