Whistler Crossing

Bookends to a Historic Development

Originally constructed in 1960, the Pacesetter Gardens Historic District restoration began in 2003 as an urban revitalization project by the Village of Riverdale, IL. The City’s effort for a new direction for the economically and physically distressed Pacesetter neighborhood resulted in the redevelopment of the historic Pacesetter townhomes and the design of two new mixed-use buildings, named Whistler Crossing. Between the two projects, over 80% of the units are designated affordable and 27% as fully accessible.

The project certified under the LEED Neighborhood Development rating system for the 90 townhomes and 2 mixed use buildings. Design strategies included siting the development on previously developed land, proximity to transit, reconnecting the city street grid for easier connections, stormwater management practices, and providing a safe pedestrian environment. This LEED ND project was the first phase in a total of 500-unit master plan to the east, which Farr Associates also contributed. Much of this project was never realized because of market capacity.

The buildings’ design features 26 solar thermal panels located on reflective building roofs that heat water, energy-efficient windows, R-19 walls and roof insulation, and “Dark Skies” outdoor lighting strategies minimize light pollution.