uiuc allerton park master plan

University of Illinois Allerton Park Master Plan

Prepared for the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois by the University Office of Capital Programs and Real Estate Services and RATIO April 2015

Prepared by

RATIO Architects (Champaign, IL)

University Office of Capital Programs and Real Estate Services

For the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Governor Bruce Rauner, ex officio Christopher G. Kennedy

Hannah Cave, UIS Student Trustee Timothy Koritz

Ricardo Estrada Danielle M. Leibowitz, UIC Student Trustee

Patrick J. Fitzgerald Edward L. McMillan

Lucas N. Frye, UIUC Student Trustee James D. Montgomery, Sr.

Karen Hasara Pam Stroebel

Patricia Brown Holmes

The Master Plan would like to acknowledge the contributions of Illinois State officials, University staff and affiliates, community members, as well as the Allerton Park Board, Committees, staff and volunteers. The Master Plan has been enriched through the sharing of their memories, ideas, and passion for Allerton Park.

Acknowledgements

Allerton Park and Retreat Center is a unique resource for the University of Illinois providing a secluded and pastoral setting for conferences and meetings, a unique collection of outdoor artwork and formal gardens, and 1500 acres of unsurpassed natural woodlands and prairies. The park was donated to the University in 1946 by Robert Allerton and has remained largely unchanged since that time. Many faculty, staff, and friends of Allerton Park have worked tirelessly to maintain the Park over the 69 years it has been a part of the University of Illinois.

The Park has never had a comprehensive master plan to serve as a guide for improvement and expansion of this unique facility. For Allerton Park to become a more integral part of the University of Illinois requires investment and expansion. Academic conferences, departmental and college retreats, research, and teaching activities would benefit from increased capacity and facilities. The master plan developed by Ratio Architects in consultation with University of Illinois administrators, staff, and faculty; Allerton Park Advisory Board members; Allerton Park Staff; and stakeholders from Monticello, Champaign-Urbana, and surrounding

communities presents a long-term strategy to significantly enhance the park to better serve the University of Illinois and the citizens of East Central Illinois.

The plan is bold, visionary, and long-term. It will require a significant investment to implement the many changes and enhancements presented in this document. Allerton Park is not a museum, but a canvas that Robert Allerton used, and continually modified, to create his vision of a pastoral estate on the prairies of Illinois. It is in the spirit of Robert Allerton that this plan was developed to make Allerton Park a more vital, integral piece of this great University.

Bruce Branham

Director

I. Executive Summary ......................................................2

II. Introduction ...................................................................8 A. Historical Summary .................................................. 13 B. Stakeholder Input Summary .................................... 19 C. Master Plan Tenets .................................................. 15

III. Inventory and Analysis ..............................................17 A. Context ..................................................................... 19 B. Site Analysis ............................................................ 21 C. Precedent Research Summary ................................. 27

IV. Master Plan Recommendations ..............................31 A. Natural Areas ........................................................... 33 B. Structures ................................................................ 37 C. Infrastructure ........................................................... 53 D. Gardens .................................................................... 63

V. Phasing Plans .............................................................71

VI. Appendix .....................................................................97

SECTION I

Executive Summary

3Allerton Park Master Plan University of Illinois

Executive Summary

ProcessIn June of 2014 RATIO Architects was retained by the University of Illinois to assist the master planning effort for Allerton Park. RATIOs role in the process was to conduct an exhaustive inventory of existing conditions and documentation, analyse that data, formulate a variety of conceptual planning alternatives for consideration, and develop a final master plan based upon feedback of those alternatives. The University Office of Capital Programs and Real Estate Services coordinated the master planning efforts, working closely with the Allerton Park Advisory Board.

Inventory and AnalysisThe initial planning effort of gathering, inventorying, and analysing relative information about the Park consisted of five distinct tasks: generate and adopt a list of tenets to guide the development of the master plan; review previous written reports and documents made available by the UI; conduct reconnaissance on-site visits; conduct interviews of key stakeholders (individuals and groups); and research applicable national precedent facilities.

Preliminary Concept Plan AlternativesFollowing the Inventory and Analysis, with an accurate inventory, program understanding and initial stakeholder feedback in hand, initial recommendations for physical character and function were generated. Those recommendations were organized into groupings as directed by the University: Natural Areas, Gardens, Structures, and Infrastructure.

Preliminary concept plan alternatives were developed for the park. Each plan included elements that illustrated program directives for the next 25 years.

The Preliminary Concept Plan Alternatives were presented for input and feedback to the Building Committee of the Allerton Advisory Board. With that input, the preferred preliminary plan was refined. The Building Committee approved the revised preferred plan and it was presented to the Advisory Board.

Of note, a number of ideas were presented and discussed during this phase. Those that were not selected for development are included in the Appendix for the record.

Master PlanWith input from the Building Committee and Advisory Board, as well as from the public through several Public Meetings, final master plan recommendations were developed. The Master Plan recommendations are organized into two groups. The first is a collection of three phases of work that build upon one another sequentially and can be undertaken as funding becomes available. The second group is work that is more independent and can be selected and implemented on more of an individual project basis, as funding becomes available. This last groups independence should provide flexibility in appealing to a particular donors interest.A time line of construction duration is included for reach Phase.

Phase 1Phase 1 allows Allerton Park to show immediate improvement through a procession of relatively small, yet high profile projects. The first step is to improve the main Park entrance as a show that the University is serious about improving the Park. That statement is made at a location seen by everyone who visits the Park.

The next step is to showcase the mansion through the establishment of a new entrance that will route most visitors down a new entrance road, an allee, which presents the house in much the same way Robert Allertons many guests approached it. Of note, along with this provision of new vehicular access to the Mansion, several other improvements are necessary. First comes the need to formalize accessible parking near the mansion entrance. This is accomplished by improving the small pull-out lot occasionally utilized for accessible parking now. Second, the existing service drive west of the Main Parking lot can be eliminated and a new pedestrian path from parking to the mansion will need to be designed and constructed.

The next step is to relocate the administrative office space within the Regency into Evergreen Lodge and renovate the existing buildings to improve the Visitor Center and to establish an Art and Education Village. This will be where Allerton

Section I: Executive Summary

4University of Illinois Allerton Park Master Plan

Park expands its identity by establishing a place where both art education and art production can take place, supported by gallery and retail opportunities. The existing caf near the Visitor Center is improved in support of both the Village and the Visitor Center. To complete the village, a new maintenance building is constructed and the existing maintenance operations along Old Timber Road are relocated. Those former maintenance buildings are re-purposed into art education, production, gallery, and retail space as necessary to support the new program. The village feel is supported by new streetscape treatments to help establish scale and character and to emphasize a more pedestrian experience. A new parking lot of permeable pavement is constructed to serve this expanded program.

Complimentary utility improvements are made as construction occurs in a particular area and/or in support of changing capacity needs.

Finally, improvements are made to the Mansion to enhance the recreational opportunities and to provide a modest (2 room) increase in bed count. These hospitality improvements are made in the most publically accessible areas of the Mansion to further promote the Parks renaissance.

A construction duration of approximately 18 months is estimated for the work above.

Phase2Phase 2 is about positioning the Allerton Park Retreat Center to better meet current and emerging market demands. By increasing its room count making the Retreat Center accessible, and improving its capability as a conferencing/wedding venue, Allerton Park Retreat Center becomes better able to satisfy market needs. Additionally, Garden improvements complimentary to construction are implemented.

Implementing these recommendations should provide the Allerton Park Retreat Center the opportunity to contribute positively toward increasing overall Park revenue.

Phase 2 will begin with the relocation of the Herb Garden, returning it to its original location outside the Kitchen wing of the Mansion. Its relocation will allow for the construction of a 20,000 square foot addition to the Mansion, east of the Carriage

House. The addition will contain, hospitality/service spaces, ballroom and meeting spaces, dining, prefunctions space, an additional 10 guest rooms, and new kitchen facilities on the same floor as the primary meeting spaces. Consideration for the accommodation of a future restaurant on the first floor will be included. With the recommended improvements and addition to the Mansion, the Retreat Center will be able to generate additional revenues that benefit Allerton Park as a whole. The ability to contribute to an increase in revenue is crucial.

In the Carriage House, moving the kitchen and dining out will allow renovation of its first floor into the lobby and orientation space for Mansion visitors and Retreat guests. That floor will include a complimentary food/drink venue as well as a gallery/shop space.

The Mansion will see significant work as an elevator is installed to provide accessible access to upper floors.

Guest room remodelling will occur in three structures: upper levels of the Carriage House, the Gate House, and Mansion guest rooms untouched by Phase 1. Guest Room work will provide modern room layouts and en suite baths. All told, the capacity of the Retreat Center should increase by approximately 10 rooms.

To support the work above, the main parking lot will be renovated and utility work, consistent with the increase in capacity, will occur.

The area around the Gate House will see the establishment of a new Childrens Garden with access to the Brick Wall Garden to the west through a new opening and access to the extended Vine Walk to the east.


Phase 3Phase 3 allows Allerton Park to become even more competitive in the conferencing/wedding market by increasing the guest room count by an additional 30 rooms. By further expanding the Retreat Center to the east, additional outdoor venues are created adjacent to the mansion to supplement program needs.


6University of Illinois Allerton Park Master Plan

Utility work, consistent with the increase in capacity, will occur.


At the conclusion of these three phases, all Retreat Centers rooms will have en-suite accommodations and the number of rooms will increase from 39 to approximately 75.

Beyond the recommended work included in the three Phases, additional recommended work throughout the Park remains. Much of this work is in the Gardens, where individual projects, more independent than the work described can be undertaken as funding or fundraising allows. The scopes for this additional work are listed in the master plan and included in that listing is the priority value assigned by the Allerton Building Committee.

SustainabilityIn recognition of Allerton Parks serious commitment toward establishing itself as a working demonstration of sustainability and environmental conservation with the adoption of the Allerton Climate Action Plan for Robert Allerton Park and Conference Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana--Champaign in October 2013, a compendium of concepts relating to Sustainability and Energy/Carbon Reduction was developed. As individual projects are undertaken, these concepts should be considered.

How to use this planThe Allerton Park and Retreat Center Master Plan provides the first step toward developing a guide for anticipated future renovation, restoration and development to meet identified program needs. This master plan establishes a decision-making framework in order to guide development of physical changes over time, allowing current decisions to be linked to long-term planning. The intent of the document is to study and analyse the Parks historical data (what happened to the Park and in the Park since the Gift in 1946) and develop a long-range, strategic plan (master plan) that takes that analysis into account. In order to keep this plan relevant and effective, it is recommended it be updated periodically to insure the various planning assumptions maintain their relevance to what is being experienced.

In the context of how to use this document, its important to note what the master plan is not. The master plan clearly identifies three distinct phases of work in addition to many other individual work projects. These individual projects, presented in the primary park components (Natural Areas, Gardens, Structures, and Infrastructure), can be implemented in an ala carte fashion. For many of the workinitiatives identified either within a Phase or individually, the master plan assumes implementation would be preceded by some level of financial study that clearly shows the cost benefit of that action. This may require a detailed market analysis of a particular initiative be undertaken or a financial plan authored or updated. That level of financial consideration was not a part of this master plan.

ScheduleOverall, the planning process was completed as follows:

JUN 2014 Contract Consultant

JUL 2014 Meet with stakeholders to collect data

JUL 2014 Collect data at Public Meeting #1

AUG 2014 Review alternative concepts/program

OCT 2014 Collect data at Public Meeting #2

SEP 2014 Review draft concept plans with Allerton Advisory Board

NOV 2014 Review draft Master Plan with Allerton Advisory Board

DEC 2014 Present final draft Master Plan to Allerton Advisory Board, Public Meeting #3, and President/Chancellor

JAN 2015 Present final draft Master Plan to Board of Trustees

APR 2015 Final Master Plan document


SECTION I I

Introduction


Introduction

ProcessIn June of 2014 RATIO Architects was retained by the University of Illinois to assist the master planning effort for Allerton Park. RATIOs role in the process was to conduct an exhaustive inventory of existing conditions and documentation, analyse that data, formulate a variety of conceptual planning alternatives for consideration, and develop a final master plan based upon feedback of those alternatives. The University Office of Capital Programs and Real Estate Services coordinated the master planning efforts, working closely with the Allerton Park Advisory Board.

Prior to undertaking the master planning process, it was critical to understand the physical condition, social pressures and specific context of the Park in question. The investigation phase was dedicated to laying this groundwork that would serve to help the planning staff and the design team understand the opportunities and constraints of the existing assets.

Inventory and AnalysisThe initial planning effort of gathering, inventorying, and analysing relative information about the Park consisted of five distinct tasks: generate and adopt a list of tenets to guide the development of the master plan; review previous written reports and documents made available by the UI; conduct reconnaissance on-site visits; conduct interviews of key stakeholders (individuals and groups); and research applicable national precedent facilities. The purpose of these tasks was to:

Develop tenets/core beliefs as a means of evaluating ideas/recommendations

Assess the condition of existing facilities and resources

Identify utility concerns that required further investigation and/or initial investment that might affect the future development of the property

Locate rights of way, easements and other site limitations

Document pedestrian and vehicular circulation needs and patterns

Document the functions of the existing edges

Assess the organization of the Parks elements

Develop an understanding of the existing Park and Retreat Center program

Identify existing improvements and plantings that will need to be retained

Document character, impressions and sense of place of the Park

Identify issues of accessibility, and any physical / visual barriers to Park enjoyment

Evaluate the capitalization of current appropriateness of assets, programs and practices of the Park

Review the historic development of the site

Experience the visitor friendliness of the Park

Develop a database of precedent facilities, noting similarities and differences of program offering, management structure, marketing strategy, etc.

Preliminary Concept Plan AlternativesFollowing the Inventory and Analysis, with an accurate inventory, program understanding and initial stakeholder feedback in hand, initial recommendations for physical character and function were generated. Those recommendations were organized into groupings as directed by the University: Natural Areas, Gardens, Structures, and Infrastructure.

Preliminary concept plan alternatives were developed for the park. Each plan included elements that illustrated program directives for the next 25 years:

Illustrative master plans showing existing buildings, building preservation/expansion, building demolition, circulation and parking (pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular), formal gardens preservation and expansion, existing trails preservation and expansion, natural areas preservation and expansion, and existing feature areas preservation and expansion

Drawings, sketches, and plans of specific key ideas and features

Section II: Introduction

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High level proposed phasing recommendations

High level proposed cost estimates by phase

High level energy and water use evaluation of each alternative

The Preliminary Concept Plan Alternatives were presented for input and feedback to the Building Committee of the Allerton Advisory Board. With that input, the preferred preliminary plan was refined. The Building Committee of the Allerton Advisory Board. With that input, the preferred preliminary plan was refined. The Building Committee approved the revised preferred plan and it was presented to the Advisory Board.

Of note, a number of ideas were presented/discussed during this phase. Those that werent selected for future development are included in this master plan for the record.

Master PlanWith input from the Building Committee and Advisory Board, as well as from the public through several Public Meetings, final master plan recommendations were developed. The Master Plan recommendations are organized into two groups. The first is a collection of three phases of work that build upon one another sequentially and can be undertaken as funding becomes available. The second group is work that is more independent and can be selected and implemented on more of an individual project basis, as funding becomes available. This last groups independence should provide flexibility in appealing to a particular donors interest. A time line of construction duration is included for reach Phase.

In addition to the work described, remaining recommended work was identified, described, and organized into one of the four main groups of Park components - Natural Areas, Infrastructure, Structures, and Gardens. This additional work can be implemented individually or combined to appeal to a donors particular interest.

In recognition of the Parks serious commitment toward establishing itself as a working demonstration of sustainability and environmental conservation with the adoption of the Allerton Climate Action Plan for Robert Allerton Park and Conference Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana--Champaign in October 2013, a compendium of concepts relating to Sustainability and Energy/Carbon Reduction was developed. As individual projects are undertaken, these concepts should be considered.

Previous StudiesThe plan takes into account the numerous previous studies that have been conducted since the Allerton gift in 1946. Generally, these previous efforts were studied during the Inventory and Analysis Phase and helped establish the context for understanding to the how the park develop into the park it is today.

The breadth of the planning studies included a detailed conservation report for the Sun Singer sculpture to the declaration of the Parks commitment toward carbon neutrality, and everything in between. It was valuable to understand what things were studied and how those studies influence the Park today. Was a particular recommendation successful or not, and why? What recommendations were not implemented and why? The list of those studies is contained in the Appendix.

How to use this planThe Allerton Park and Retreat Center Master Plan provides the first step toward developing a guide for anticipated future renovation, restoration and development to meet identified program needs. This master plan establishes a decision-making framework in order to guide development of physical changes over time, allowing current decisions to be linked to long-term planning. The intent of the document is to study and analyse the Parks historical data (what happened to the Park and in the Park since the Gift in 1946) and develop a long-range, strategic plan (master plan) that takes that analysis into account. In order to keep this plan relevant and effective, it is recommended it be update periodically to insure the various planning assumptions maintain their relevance to what is being experienced.

In the context of how to use this document, its important to note what the master plan is not. The master plan clearly identifies three distinct phases of work in addition to many other individual work projects. These individual projects, presented in the primary park components (Natural Areas, Gardens, Structures, and Infrastructure), can be implemented in an ala carte fashion. For many of the work initiatives identified either within a Phase or individual, the master plan assumes implementation would be preceded by some level of financial study that clearly shows the cost benefit of that action. This may require a detailed market analysis be undertaken or a financial plan authored/updated. That level of financial consideration wasnt part of this master plan.


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Allerton Park Master Plan University of Illinois


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Historical Summary

In 1863, Samuel Allerton began adding Central Illinois farmland in to his agricultural property holdings. As these holding grew to over 75,000 acres in five states, his fo-cus shifted to the development of innovative agricultural practices. This interest was shared by his son Robert who, upon return form his study of art in Europe in 1897, expressed interest in agriculture and farm management. With 280 acres of land in Piatt County, Robert Allerton began his career managing the Allerton land holdings in central Illinois.

In 1898 Robert Allerton and his architect John Borie travelled Europe visiting country houses and landscaped gardens. The construction of the Georgian/Colonial Revival house and grounds began upon their return and was completed in 1900. Continued development of the property known as The Farms resulted in a core area left to natural reclamation combined with a series of formal gardens. Further garden devel-opment flourished in the 1920s and 30s following frequent travel abroad.

In 1919 Robert Allerton was asked to serve on the University of Illinois Campus Plan Commission, starting the development of a close relationship with the University and its Architecture Department.

In 1946, Robert Allerton gifted approximately 5,000 acres of land near Monticello to the University of Illinois. The gift had two parts 3,500 acres to be farmed, the income from which would be used for the maintenance of the 1,500 acre estate. In 1950, the University established a retreat center at the park and has been operating it continuously since. A significant numbers of studies have been undertaken to both record and interpret the history of the estate and to help the University understand how it can best maintain the park as a viable retreat center.

In 2014, the University hired RATIO Architects to conduct a master planning effort to serve as a guide for anticipated future renovation, restoration and development to meet identified program need. It will serve to establish a decision-making framework in order to guide development of physical changes over time, allowing current deci-sions to be linked to long-term planning.


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A variety of tools were employed during the public meetings to collect input, including a query Have we missed anything and a dot voting exercise to gauge interest and consensus.


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In the initial phase of the master planning process, a number of interviews and workshops were held to solicit input. Feedback was received from two key groups:

1. In a series of meetings: Allerton Park Advisory Board, University Administrators and Faculty, local governmental officials, Allerton friends

2. In three public meetings held at Allerton: Representatives from each of the above local Monticello and Allerton-area residents, and state government officials

A variety of tools were employed during the public meetings to collect input, including a query Have we missed anything and a dot voting exercise to gauge interest and consensus.

Below is a summary of some of the more important key ideas from those meetings

1. There is a lack of awareness of the Park within the UI

2. UI Administration doesnt regard Allerton Park as a resource (.the gift that keeps on taking..)

Some of the key issues thought to be keeping Allerton Park from being more successful:

Make the Mansion more accessible as a means of increasing its prominence and promoting ownership. The Mansion is the key economic engine for the Park

Gift indentures covenants are sacrosanct

Celebrating art throughout the Park could be improved

Circulation and arrival sequence is problematic

Wayfinding throughout the Park is poor

Fundraising is made more difficult because there are no Allerton Alumni. Create meaningful experiences

Recognize and promote the parks green initiatives. Respect the Parks Climate Action Plan

Promote fundraising - combat the perception that Allerton is totally funded by UI

Parking is too far from the Mansion

Lack of event continuity (e.g. Sunday Brunches, camps of various interests)

Remoteness (although this was viewed as both a positive and a negative)

Allerton Parks identity is unclear, not well formed. What is it trying to be successful at?

Diversify Parks appeal to a broad audience

Lack of educational collaboration UIUC, Monticello, local schools, camps, etc.

Lack of modern amenities to compete in the conference/retreat market

Lack of transportation connectedness is problematic

Size/Layout of rooms within Mansion is limiting

Stakeholder Input Summary


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Master Plan Tenets

One of the outcomes of our Stakeholder interviews was the formation of a list of Master Plan tenets. These were statements of principle that would serve as the foundation of the planning work going forward. Each recommendation generated during the master planning process should be traceable back to one of these core beliefs.

The following is the final list of tenets approved by the Allerton Park Advisory board. They are the result of several discussions, where a list of ten original tenets were compressed into the five shown.

ConnectThere shall be a strong connection between the UI and the Park and the property shall be developed consistent with the UI Mission and Vision Statements. There shall be a strong connection between the local community and the Park.

ConformThe use of the park shall conform to the indenture agreement from Robert Allerton according to his wishes.

CreateArt shall remain an integral part of the identity and operation of the park.

EngageThe property shall be developed to appeal to a diverse audience and encourage public use.

SustainDevelopment of the property shall have Net Zero energy, carbon emission & pollution impact and shall have minimal adverse environmental impact. The Park shall be financially self-sustaining.


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University of Illinois VisionTo create a brilliant future for the University of Illinois in which the students, faculty and staff thrive and the citizens of Illinois, the nation and the world benefit, a future in which the University of Illinois is the recognized leader among public research universities in: - Teaching, scholarship and service - Arts and culture - Engagement and public service - Global reach - Economic development - Athletics

Allerton Park and Retreat Center MissionSustain and promote the legacy of Robert Allerton Park as a unique Midwestern setting to engage and enrich the University of Illinois community, the citizens of Illinois and the region in nature, arts, and landscape ecology.


SECTION I I I

Inventory and AnalysisThe initial step in the planning process was to record and analyse the existing park and its op-erations. This included, among other things, its operations, its governance, its history, and the parks physical composition. This was accomplished through three primary actions: conducting workshops and interviews of key individual (see the Stakeholder Input Summary earlier in this document), reviewing existing written reports and documentation (a compendium of this information is included in the Appendix), and by conducting a series of on-site visits.

These on-site visits occurred throughout the planning process, as information gathered through interviews and workshops or through review of previous studies, often suggested additional items that required verification. What follows is the summary of our evaluation and analysis of Allerton Parks physical attributes.

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60 minute drive

Allerton Park is located in east central Illinois, approximately 30 miles from the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Allerton is approximately 160 miles south of Chicago, 70 miles east of Springfield and the University of Illinois there, and approximately 150 northeast of St. Louis. It is within a 90 minute drive of approximately one million people.

Regional Context

Section III: Inventory and Analysis

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72

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Allerton Park is a ten minute drive from downtown Monticello and Interstate 72. It is being connected by bike path to the Monticello Bike Path System, connects, via the Sangamon River, to Lodge Park to the northeast, and serves as part of the western terminus of the bottomlands of the Sangamon being assembled by the Land Conservation Foundation.

Local Context


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Site Analysis01. StructuresThere several different categories of structures with Allerton Park, however the most prominent is the Mansion and those most closely associated with it, the Carriage House and the Gate House as well as the more recent Evergreen Lodge. All are located fairly proximate to one another and each is of the Colonial Revival architectural style with Georgian influences. While these structures have all been relatively well maintained, they continue to accumulate significant deferred maintenance issues. Care must be taken when considering any additions to the Mansion and/or Carriage House.

Supporting structures exist throughout the park, many associated with the operations of the Allerton farming enterprise. Of note, within the area defined as the Core there the original greenhouse has been converted into park administration and visitor functions. The proximity of original shop structures to the greenhouse presents a uniquely scaled collection or assembly.

Other collections of buildings include the Diversified Farm near the northern entrance and the Music Barn complex near the southern entrance.

The sewage treatment plant dates from the 1950s and discharges to the stream that is the outflow of the 4H Lake.

Surrounding the park are higher concentrations of low density residential neighbors adjacent to both the northern and southern entrances. The 250 acre 4H Camp immediately to the north is certainly Allerton Parks most prominent neighbor. Sharing resources for much of the time since its establishment in 1947, there exist opportunities to continue to partner in addressing similar infrastructure needs.

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Site Analysis02. CirculationThere are two primary entry points into Allerton Park. The northern entry (Old Timber Road) provides the most direct connection from the Interstate and is accessed from County Farm Road. Shaded by a large canopy of trees, the road into the park from that entry is narrow and intimate. Historically, the primary entrance was from the south, where Old Levee Road intersects with Allerton Road, which connects directly to Monticello. The path into the park begins with a formal allee of Norway spruce which, when contrasted with the openness of the surrounding farmland, signals the importance of the entrance. The intersection of these two roads establishes the most formal park entrance, near the Parks core area. An informal (and less used) western entrance also exists.

Within the park, the paved roads generally owe their alignment to the Parks perimeter, while the extension of Old Timber Road to the Sunsinger is really the only formal internal road in the park. Bicycles share the Parks roads and no paved bicycle trails exist. Finally, access to the 4H camp is through the Park, primarily utilizing the northern entrance and Old Timber Road.

From a pedestrian point of view, the only paved walkways are within the Formal Gardens which include many unpaved pathways as well. The hiking trail system consists of seven trails with a total length of approximately 14 miles. The trails are natural (unpaved) and bicycles are not allowed.

Access to the Sangamon River is generally at the southern edge of Old Levee Road Bridge.

A formal parking lot (referred to as the Main parking Lot) is located near the Mansion, is paved, and has a capacity of approximately 185 spaces. A shuttle is often provided from this lot to events in the Formal Garden or in the Meadow. Gravel parking is available along Old Timber Road near the Visitors Center and at select trail heads. Less formal parking occurs along either side of Old Timber Road near the Mansion and in a clearing north of Old Timber Road and the Sunken Garden during overflow events.


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Site Analysis03. Hydrology / TopographyThe graphic to the left shows the area within Allerton Park influenced by a 100 year flood. The flood plain (represented in blue) shows, with the exception of the trails, little Park infrastructure and no park structures located within the broad river bottom.

The Mansion and Formal Gardens are all located safely north of the Sangamon river bottom and its flood waters, up the slope that defines the northern edge of the flood plain, approximately at the highpoint in the park. The sloping area east of the Mansion and Carriage House provides a good site for future expansion and the opportunity to open, or expose, lower levels to the south. The low point in Allerton Park is near where the Sangamon exits the park at the west edge. While trails on either side of the river are subject to wet conditions, their paths routing through floodplain forest is rare in Central Illinois and affords an unusual hiking experience.

The 4H Lake drains to the Sangamon through the Park and is utilized by Allerton Park as a point of discharge for their sewage treatment plant, permitted under NPDES permit (No. IL0053325).

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Site Analysis04. VegetationThe map on the left depicts the various types and densities of vegetation communities in the park. In general, the parks forested areas consist of two different types of natural community: old growth and old second growth upland and floodplain forest.

As noted in the Allerton Park & Retreat Center: Natural Areas Management Plan (2012), the park has long been recognized as one of Illinois most significant natural areas and contains outstanding examples of old-growth floodplain and upland forest.

The park is one of only three areas in central Illinois with over 500 acres of contiguous forest. The high diversity of natural communities and native species, especially forest trees and wildflowers, and the parks location along an unmodified reach of the Sangamon River also contribute to the high natural quality of the site. A portion of the site has been recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the U. S. Park Service.

The master plan calls for the continuation of the recommendations of the Natural Areas Management Plan.

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Site Analysis05. Axis and ViewsThere are two primary axes that influence the organization of Allerton Park. First is the Sangamon River, generally flowing from northeast to southwest. The Parks very layout is influenced by the river, which effectively divides the park into halves, the south of which is exclusively natural and the north a combination of natural and manmade features.

It is within these manmade features on the north side of the river that Robert Allerton imposed the fundamental organizational influence, the Formal Garden axis, stretching from the Centaur to the west all the way to the House of the Golden Buddhas to the east. This axial spine influenced the route of Old Timber Road from which the formal entry axis to the Mansion begins. A primary recommendation of this master plan will be to recognize the importance of that formal entry sequence (Allertons guests would have taken that path) and create a new entrance road from Old Timber Road up to the Mansion that follows the existing formal axis.

Not surprisingly, the Sangamon and the formal Gardens form the genesis for many of the primary views in the Park. Important views not on those axes include those to the Sunsinger, those along the Sangamon River from the Old Levee Road bridge - in both directions, those from the Meadow to the Mansion and vice versa, and the entry point into the Parks core area at the intersection of Old Timber and Old Levee Roads.

Finally, the view into the Park from the south entrance along Old Levee Road, through an allee of Norway spruce trees, was once spectacular. A recommendation of this master plan will be to continue replacing dying trees along that road to re-establish that allee.

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Garvan Gardens, AR

Stan Hywet, OH

New Harmony, INFredrik Meijer Gardens, MI

Shelburne Farms, VTFioli, CA

Longwood, PA

UW-Madison Arboretum, WI


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Precedent Research SummaryPrecedents from across the country were identified and researched that might suggest new directions for Allerton, as well as enhancements to the physical and program components already in place. Establishment of the Tenets led the consulting team to narrow and refine its search. Immediately below is a list of ideas and/or examples gleaned from precedent research believed to be most useful for Allerton in either the short-term or long-term.

Suggestions are grouped under the tenets to which they relate. In some cases a precedent may qualify for listing under more than one tenet.

Strengthening the UIUC / Allerton ConnectionSt. Louis Universitys Lay Center for Education and the Arts

Operated by the University, The Lay Center includes the McElwee Arts Residences where artists live and, through the Fine and Performing Arts Department, work with students and give lectures. During the summer the program offers one-day workshops. At the end of a residency the work of the artist is displayed both onsite and at the University Museum in St. Louis.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum

The arboretum was established in the early 1930s on farmland fields and pastures, when the university decided to re-establish natural landscapes upon the site. Its governance committee, the Arboretum Committee, includes faculty/staff who have a stake in its diverse programs and operations. The Committee advises

on procedures and policies regarding the use, management, and direction of Arboretum lands and facilities in order to facilitate the research, teaching, and education / outreach functions of the Arboretum in support of its mission to conserve / restore Arboretum lands, advance restoration ecology, and foster the land ethic.

Longwood Gardens Partnership with the University of Delaware

In partnership with the University of Delaware, Longwood offers the Longwood Graduate Program in Public Horticulture, designed for college graduates who wish to pursue mid-to-top level management and leadership positions with horticultural institutions. Internships for U.S. college students and 6-10 international students are available at Longwood Gardens.

New Harmony, Indiana and the University of Southern Indiana

Since 1985 USI has assumed management of the utopian historic town of New Harmony, encouraging cultural and educational programs while maintaining historic properties within the town. Undergraduate and Graduate Internships are available to students of History, Public Relations, Liberal Arts, Communications and Journalism, Speech, Computer Science, Marketing, Management, Education, Museum Studies and Business.

W.K. Kellogg Biological Station and Michigan State University

KBS is MSUs largest off-campus education complex and one of North Americas premier inland field stations. KBSs mission is focused on research and education in ecology and evolutionary biology and its application to sustainable agriculture and conservation. KBS fulfils many aspects of the land grant mission of MSU by integrating research, graduate and undergraduate education and outreach.


29


Art as an Integral Part of the Park IdentityFrederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park (Grand Rapids, MI)

This 139-acre park promotes the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment and the arts and generates 600,000 visitors annually.

Oxbow School of Art (Saugatuck, MI)

Operated by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), Ox-Bow offers one- and two-week intensive courses in a variety of art disciplines taught by faculty from SAIC as well as other renowned institutions from around the nation. Additionally, Ox-Bow hosts a series of prominent visiting artists, historians, and critics each summer. Visiting artists give lectures in the evening, and critiques with students throughout the day. Every summer, over 500 artists travel to the Ox-Bow campus to study, teach, and make art.

Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, PA)

With 20 outdoor gardens and 1,000,000 visitors annually, Longwood Gardens aspires to its vision To be recognized as a world apart, a great garden of the world. Its vision statement is that Longwood Gardens is one of the great gardens of the world. We strive for innovation in horticulture and display. We present the arts in an unparalleled setting to bring pleasure and inspire the imagination of our guests. We contribute to society through excellent and diverse educational programs, horticultural research, environmental stewardship, and cultural and community engagement. The legacy of Pierre du Pont, Longwood Gardens has 400 full-time employees and 800 volunteers.

Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford, IL)

In 1998, the 12-acre Japanese Gardens, designed by Hoichi Korisu, were donated by its founders, John and Linda Anderson, to the Rockford Rotary Charitable Association. Educational programs at the Anderson Gardens cover the language, arts, and culture of Japan, and the Gardens host formal tea ceremonies, ikebana and calligraphy demonstrations, bonsai displays, and feature programs for students and adults. Anderson Gardens hosts an annual Opening Day Celebration and Japanese Summer Festival, featuring celebrations of Japanese culture.

Filoli (Woodside, CA)

In addition to its 36,000 SF historic house, Filoli includes a 16-acre English Renaissance garden and a 6.8-acre Gentlemens Orchard with 600 heirloom varieties of fruit trees. The 654-acre estate south of San Francisco includes a Nature Preserve with more than seven miles of well-maintained trails crisscrossing six different types of native California habitat where hiking is encouraged. Over 1,000 volunteers provide support to all facets of Filolis operations, including an education program for thousands of school children and teachers each year through three curriculumbased programs. Extensive adult education programs cover such topics as history, horticulture, art, botanical art, decorative arts, floral design, nature and preservation.

Engage a Diverse Audience and Encourage Public UseAllerton already does a good job of addressing this tenet. None of these precedents provided an especially compelling model for Allerton but ideas for future outreach may be extrapolated from one or more of them.


30


Sustainability(Shelburne Farms; W. K. Kellogg Biological Station; University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum; Ryerson Woods-Lake County Forest Preserve; Sugar Grove Nature Center; and Ballard Nature Center)

University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum (Also listed above)

The Arboretum is a leader in restoration research and advances the discipline of restoration ecology to improve the practice of ecological restoration. The property includes Ecological Communities of Prairies & Savannas, Deciduous Forests, Conifer Forests, and Wetlands. The Horticultural Communities include the 50-acre Longenecker Gardens, Viburnum Gardens, and the Wisconsin Native Plant Garden.

W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (Also listed above)

Much of the habitat and species diversity that characterize the upper Midwest U.S. can be found within these 3200 acres. In addition, the spectrum of potential study sites ranges from relatively undisturbed ecosystems to intensively managed ones, and these ecosystems occur in a complex mosaic across the landscape, offering opportunities for studies of landscape-scale patterns and interactions. Habitats include wetlands, streams and rivers, lakes, forests and fields.

The site includes a Bird Sanctuary, the Long-Term Ecological Research Program, the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center Field Experiment Site, an Experimental Forest, and a Manor that was the W. K. Kellogg home.

Shelburne Farms

The Farm was created in 1886 with 3,800 acres. Beginning in 1910 the farm began to fail and over time the acreage was reduced in size until 1972 when the not-for-

profit organization was formed with the remaining 1400 acres. Shelburne Farms mission is to educate for a sustainable future. The calendar of education programs (at least two programs every day during the season) are tied to Shelburne Farms mission. Shelburne Farms collaborates with perhaps as many as 50 organizations and institutions to provide its programs, including the University of Vermont, Burlington Public Schools and 4-H. Of the food served at Shelburne Farms, 75% is sourced within the State of Vermont and 1/3 of the food has been grown at Shelburne Farms. The menus vary depending on the season.

In conclusion, there are several observations that can be made:

1. Many of the most successful establishments researched either charged an admission or had a membership program.

2. Most of the facilities relied on a program of volunteers that contributed significantly to their work force.

3. Many of the better established (and successful) facilities had a Foundation that provided crucial financial support and development assistance.

4. A common characteristic of the more successful establishments was their location within a significant population center.

The complete results of the Precedent research can be found in the Appendix.


SECTION IV

Master Plan RecommendationsThe recommendations that follow are organized by zone Natural Areas, Structures, Infrastructure, and Gardens. Various ideas were generated and then evaluated using the Master Plan Tenets developed earlier in the planning process as well as their ability to contribute positively towards the overall health of Allerton Park. The recommendations are then organized into phases, where implementation is considered.

33


Sun Singer

#2007 WestGardener's

Cottage

#2092NorthwestGardener's

Cottage

Centaur

House inthe Woods

Meadow

SunkenGarden

Mansion

Fu DogGarden

4HMemorial

Camp

Bridge

DemonstrationPrairie

Music BarnComplex

Lost Garden

#2018 SouthGardener's

Cottage

DiversifiedFarm

GoldfishPond

WastewaterPlant

Centaur

WaterTower

WESTENTRANCE

ALLERTON RD.ENTRANCE

OLD TIMBER RD.ENTRANCE

MAINENTRANCE

Old Timber Roa

d

E 1400 N Road CO R

D 45

0 E

Allerton Road

E 1300 N Road

E 1550 N Road

Old

Lev

ee R

oad

Sangamon River

0

N

1,600'800'

Meadow Boardwalk

Demonstration Prairie

Canoe/Kayak Portage

Natural Areas

Allerton Park is made up of approximately 1,600 acres of what was originally the 12,000 acre agricultural enterprise called The Farms. The Park is bisected horizontally by the Sangamon River, with the roughly 700 acres south of the river being designated as the Natural Areas of the Park. The Natural Areas include acres of forest as well as a 30 acre demonstration prairie.

Natural Areas / Overall Park

Section IV: Master Plan Recommendations

34


Red3.0 miles

Orange1.1 milesYellow

2.1 miles

Blue2.5 miles

Green2.2 miles

Brown2.6 miles

Purple0.8 miles

Buck Schroth Trail Head

Lost Garden Trail Head

Main Parking Lot Trail Head

Centaur Trail Head

The park contains 7 different well-established trails, totalling approximately 14 miles, affording ample opportunity to encounter both nature and art.Natural Areas / Trail


35


Forest

Natural Trail

Demonstration Prairie

Sangamon

Boardwalk

Buck Schroth Trail Head


36


Natural Areas

For the most part, the Natural Areas are designated to receive the least amount of capital improvements called for in the Master Plan. In addition to the overall management Goals of the 2012 Natural Areas Management Plan, outlined below are the improvements recommended for the various Natural Areas components.

Canoe / Kayak Portage:Develop a portage site south of Old Levee Road Bridge to facilitate canoe/kayak access for canoeists approaching from the east (Lodge Park). Connect access to the river with the Buck Schroth Trail. Coordinate with improvements to the Buck Schroth Trail see recommendations below.

Meadow Boardwalk:Supplement and expand the existing boardwalk as necessary for future needs. Coordinate with future Childrens Nature Play Area.

Demonstration Prairie:Continue maintenance and management of prairie.

Natural Area Trails:Continue to maintain and stabilize existing trails. There is no demonstrated need nor desire to expand the trail system and, therefore, no recommendation for expanding trail system.

Trail Heads:At all trail heads, replace and improve trail head identifiers per Signage and Wayfinding plan currently being completed by Allerton. Provide composting restroom facilities selectively, as determined by the Park administration.

At Buck Schroth Trail Head, make trail and parking improvements necessary to service the Canoe/Kayak portage. Provide picnic facilities and composting toilets. Connect trail to future canoe/kayak portage.

Trail ID

Trail Head Signage Forest


37



38


Sun Singer


Cottage


Cottage

Centaur

House inthe Woods

Meadow

SunkenGarden

Mansion

Fu DogGarden

4HMemorial

Camp

Bridge


Music BarnComplex

Lost Garden


Cottage

DiversifiedFarm

GoldfishPond

WastewaterPlant

Centaur

WaterTower

WESTENTRANCE



MAINENTRANCE

Old Timber Roa

d

E 1400 N Road CO R

D 45

0 E

Allerton Road

E 1300 N Road

E 1550 N Road

Old

Lev

ee R

oad

Sangamon River

0

N

1,600'800'

Music Barn Complex & Brick Rental Property

Diversified Farms Complex

Northeast Gardeners Cottage

South Gardeners Cottage

House in the Woods

Park CoreWest Gardeners Cottage

Northwest Gardeners Cottage

The plan above locates the primary existing structures within the Park.Structures / Overall Park


39


PED

PED

PED

D.S.

D.S.

0

N

120' 240'

6

5

8L

10

4

2

3

1

7

9

11

13

12

14


7

89

1211 10

13

14

5

61

2

34

Mansion

4H Camp

Evergreen Lodge

Visitors Center

Gate House

Sangamon River

Meadow

Old Timber Road

40


PED

PED

PED

D.S.

D.S.

0

N

120' 240'

Structures / Park CoreThe plan to the left locates the various structures within the Core Area. The notes below give some historical context to those structures.

01. Lift Station: 1949; 15x10 brick on concrete foundation

02. Evergreen Lodge: 1956; 2,828 square feet, brick construction on concrete pad

03. Main Parking Lot Restrooms: 1965; 25x20, brick construction on concrete pad

04. Gate House: 1905; 3,200 square feet, brick construction, 3-story with partial basement

05. Mansion: 1899-1900, two stories with a basement and attic space, brick and limestone

06. Carriage House: rehabilitated 1914, three stories including basement, brick and limestone

07. Gazebo: 1910; 10 height, wooden lattice, semi-circular, with concrete foundation

08. Visitors Center & Greenhouse: 1902, rehabilitated 1977; approximately 6,000 square feet, concrete foundation, central wood frame, side gabled with steel and glazed greenhouse wings to the northeast and southwest.

09. Regency: 1910; 50x15, wood frame construction on concrete pad.

10. Wood Shop: 1917; 2,200 square feet, front gabled, wood framed construction with stucco covering, 2 stories with basement.

11. Car Shop: 1902; 2,500 square feet, front gabled, wood frame construction on concrete foundation.

12. Car Shop Extension: 1920; 75x15, wood frame construction with shed roof on concrete foundation.

13. Metal Shop: 1920; 2,890 square feet side gabled, wood frame construction on a concrete foundation.

14. Maintenance Structure

15. House of the Golden Buddhas: 1917 & 1924; 30h.x25d., 2-level wood frame on concrete foundation with concrete risers. In 1924, the cast iron upper structure was added.

Main Entry

15


15House of the Golden Buddhas

Main Entry

41


First-Conservatory

First-Pine Room

Basement

First-Library

Basement

First-Oak Room

First-Gallery

First-Carriage

Basement-Carriage First-Butternut RoomFirst-CarriageSecond

SecondSecond-Carriage

ThirdThird


42


Mansion & Carriage House:Constructed of brick and limestone in 1899-1900, the Robert Allerton Mansion is of the Colonial Revival architectural style with significant Georgian influences. The American country place movement of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries played a significant role in the design of the house and its setting, emphasizing main rooms open to terraces and lawns. Although the exterior of the building has continued to exhibit the Colonial/Georgian Revival style, the interior design changed to fit the needs and tastes of Robert Allerton.

The stable/carriage house initially built northeast of the mansion was rehabilitated into a garage/residential space and connected to the mansion in 1914. The design for the connecting hallway was the last project at the site by mansion architect John Borie. In 1948, the University of Illinois rehabilitated the carriage house area of the mansion into a lower level dining facility and upper level bedroom/office spaces to support conference center operations.

The mansion building is two stories with a basement and attic space. The primary living area of the building is a modified H-shaped Jacobean plan. A service wing, perpendicular to the northwest elevation, has a basement with three stories above. The former carriage house contains three levels; a basement, the dining facility and a partial residential/office spaces on southeast interior portion of the upper level. The carriage house is connected to the main house by a marble veneered hallway. (Steve Thompson-see source list)

RECOMMENDED WORK:Work within the Mansion is presented below by Phase.

Phase 1 - Move Kitchen wing offices into Evergreen Lodge and remodel the space to increase lodging capacity. Update all guestrooms within the Kitchen wing first floor and provide en suite baths. Enhance recreational opportunities in basement through remodelling for additional game/lounge functions.

Phase 2 Update all guestrooms within the Mansion and provide en suite baths. Provide elevator so that all upper floors of the Mansion are accessible. Remodel Carriage House to serve as the /lobby space for Mansion visitors and guests, including possible food/drink & gallery/shop functions. Move Kitchen from Carriage House basement to first floor of expansion. Convert previous basement kitchen space to storage. Build 20,000 Sf expansion to include 300 person Ballroom (divisible into smaller Classroom/Meeting spaces), guest rooms (10), new kitchen, hospitality/service areas, restrooms, prefunction space and possible restaurant space.

Phase 3 Construct additional expansion to provide Guest Rooms (30) and Meeting Space.

Main Entry

view from Meadow

First-EntryFirst

First


43


Proposed View

Proposed Alternate View


44


Phase 2 Phase 2

Kitchen Conference Space

M W

Circ. Prefunction

Guest Rooms

Guest Rooms

Guest Rooms Above,Receiving/Laundry/Storage/Mechanical/Hospitality Below

PHASE TWO PLAN

The additions to the Mansion create much needed interior program space, but also set up opportunities for exterior program space. Two options are portrayed at left; the image at top suggests a plein aire art class and the image at the bottom suggests a reception. As plans develop for the Mansion, special attention should be given to these exterior opportunities as well.

Phase 2-Mansion Expansion #1:Move Herb Garden back to its original location. Construct 20,000 SF addition - include new Kitchen, Laundry, divisible Ballroom, restrooms, pre-function space, ~10 new Guest Rooms, additional hospitality spaces, and mechanical space. Develop new exterior spaces in response to conferencing center program needs.

Phase 3-Mansion Expansion #2:Construct 20,000 SF addition - include approximately 30 new Guest Rooms, hospitality space, and mechanical space.

Phase 2 Phase 3

Kitchen Conference Space

M W

Circ. Prefunction

Guest Rooms

Guest Rooms

PHASE THREE PLAN

PED

PED

PED

D.S.

D.S.

0

N

120' 240'

Phase 2 Phase 3

Existing View


45


Gate House:1905; 3,200 square feet, 3-story with partial basement and rear wing. John Borie designed Colonial Revival style with asphalt shingle covered flat-topped hipped roof. The rear extension has a half-hipped roof. Side brick chimneys exist on the northwest and southeast elevation of the main house roof. Another brick chimney exists on the roof of the half-hipped wing. Wooden 8 over 8 sash windows with green wooden shutters are typical. Copper downspouts and scuppers painted white are present. Main entry door has an arched projecting eave above and fanlights above the inner and outer door. Decorative detailing includes raised brick quoins and an arched dormer in the northeast elevation roof. The house is connected to the limestone and brick columns, the entry to the mansion drive. The gate itself is constructed of wooden swing doors. Decorative concrete vases are at the top of each column.

In the interior, the rear wing has been altered from its original kitchen/dining area configuration to bedroom/bathroom space. The remainder of the interior has been altered to accommodate overnight guests at the conference center. (Steve Thompson - see Source List)

RECOMMENDED WORK:Remodel/renovate to enhance Lodging, providing en suite baths for all rooms. Consider use for Artists-in-Residence program when needed.

view from East

Entry view from West

view from South

view from North


46


Evergreen Lodge:1956; 2,828 square feet Colonial Revival style, bi-level, side gabled, brick construction with limestone details on concrete pad. Full width porch on northwest elevation. 8 over 8 wooden sash windows, shuttered on the gabled ends. Round wooden windows in the upper gable areas of the lower level. Brick chimney on southwest elevation. Best approximates mid to late 20th Century motel plan. (Steve Thompson-see Source List)

RECOMMENDED WORK:Renovate for use as an administrative center for Park Operations and offices.

View from service drive

interior interior

View from South View from West

View from parking


47


Visitors Center/Greenhouse :1902, rehabilitated in 1977; Approximately 6,000 square feet, concrete foundation, central wood frame, side gabled building (Robert Allerton Park Visitor Center) with steel and glazed greenhouse wings to the northeast and southwest. Extensive rehab of the southwest greenhouse in 1977 for park administrative space. (Steve Thompson-see Source List)

RECOMMENDED WORK:Upgrade Visitors Center. Add coffee and gift shop. Develop Education Center (Art, Nature, History, etc.). Develop pedestrian core/streetscape. Develop Arts related space - production, education, and retail. Possibly add modest Field Station.

Regency:1910; 50x15 center gabled with a cross gable on each end, wood frame construction on a concrete pad. 12-light wooden fixed sash windows, copper gutters/downspouts and wooden shingles. Originally used as a tool and pot shed for the formal gardens. (Steve Thompson-see source list).

Currently houses administrative offices.

RECOMMENDED WORK:Upgrade Regency. Add coffee and gift shop. Develop Education Center (Art, Nature, History, etc.). Develop pedestrian core/streetscape. Develop Arts related space - production, education, and retail. Possibly add modest Field Station.

View from Road

between VC & Regency

VC Info Room

VC Classroom

VC corridor Regency

View from Meadow


48


House in the Woods:1917; 35x35 3-story with basement Colonial Revival style designed by Joseph Llwellyn. Wood framed on concrete foundation with gray stucco covering. Pyramidal roof with hexagonal asphalt shingles, two chimneys on the southeast elevation and an arched dormer on the northwest elevation. 8 over 8 wooden sash windows with concrete sill and aluminum screen units. Concrete Tuscan columns below a triangular pediment surround northwest elevation entry door. Portico is reminiscent of the Classical Revival style. Interior spaces have been modified on the first floor for sleeping rooms. The site was extensively landscaped with coniferous trees when the house was constructed. On the front lawns are the 49 lead sculptures of the Shepherd and Shepherdess, which are believed to date to the early 19 Century. This building was constructed on the site of the livestock farm that supported the Allerton Mansion. Evidence of below ground features exists to the north of the building. Across the Old Timber Road from the House-in-the Woods are the foundation remains of a livestock barn. The 4-H Memorial Camp Boat House across the road was built on the site of the former Allerton Mansion Livestock Farm Dairy Barn. (Steve Thompson-see Source List)

RECOMMENDED WORK:Maintain and continue to rent for large group rentals. Consider adding amenities to exterior for guests.Corridor

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bathroom

View from West Entry

View from road


49


Maintenance Structures:

Wood Shop:1917; 2,200 square feet, 2-stories w/basement, front gabled, wood framed construction with stucco covering. Wood shingle roof covering. Pyramidal wooden ridge mounted monitor. Former root cellar and employee lounge. (Steve Thompson-see Source List)

RECOMMENDED WORK:Develop as an Arts related space- production, education, and retail.

Car Shop:1902; 2,500 square feet, front gabled, wood frame construction on concrete foundation. Wood shingle roof covering with pyramidal wooden roof monitor. Brick chimney side-mounted at the rear of the northeast elevation. Wooden overhead vehicle door with round wooden wind above on the southeast elevation. Possibly used as an icehouse and vehicle maintenance hoist house during the Robert Allerton era. (Steve Thompson-see source list)


Car Shop Extension:1920; 75x15 wood frame construction with shed roof on concrete foundation. (Steve Thompson-see Source List)


Metal Shop:1920; 2,890 square feet side gabled, wood frame construction on a concrete foundation. (Steve Thompson-see Source List)


Maintenance Structure:2005, approximately 3,000 square feet hay-bale construction 5 bay maintenance building with loft.

Car Shop Extension

Woodshop Car Shop

Solar Panels Burner

Maintenance Structure


50


Gardeners Cottages:

South Gardeners Cottage:1955; 20x13 wood frame construction on concrete pad foundation with asphalt shingle covered roof. Garage- 1930; 50x12 front gabled, wood frame construction on concrete foundation with asphalt shingle covered roof. (Steve Thompson-see Source List)

RECOMMENDED WORK:Maintain/continue to rent. Remove structures when they outlive safe/useful life.

Northwest Gardeners Cottage:1956; 25x25 front gabled, wood frame construction on concrete block foundation. Garage-1956; 25x40 front gabled, two bay, wood framed construction on concrete block foundation. (Steve Thompson-see Source List)


West Gardeners Cottage:1932; 40x30 2-stories with finished basement, front gabled with 3/4 porch, wood framed construction on concrete foundation. Asphalt shingled roof with side mounted brick chimney. Multi-light wooden windows on the porch, 3-light vertical upper sash over one light windows typical throughout the rest of the building. Decorative eave woodwork and a decorative (harp) vent in the front gable over the porch. Garage- 1932; 50x20 wood frame construction on concrete pad. Shed roof with asphalt shingle covering. Decorative detailing at eave. Wooden sliding doors. Fixed multi-light windows above sliding doors on west elevation. (Steve Thompson-see Source List)


Northeast Gardeners Cottage:RECOMMENDED WORK: Renovate for Artist in Residence lodging.

South

West

Northeast

Northeast

Northeast

Northwest


51


View from road

Plan

Diversified Farms Complex:

RECOMMENDED WORK:Develop as an Energy Farm per strategies found in the Allerton Park Climate Action Plan. Investigate lease option for complimentary agriculture programs. Minimize Park funding for maintenance of structures.


52


Music Barn Complex:

South Barn (Music Barn):1890; 63x50 wood frame construction on a concrete (originally brick) foundation. Gambrel roof with asphalt shingle covering over a Shawyer Truss system. Vertical wood siding. Wooden sliding doors on east and west elevation. 4-light, fixed sash wooden windows are typical. (Steve Thompson-see Source List)

Interior spaces have been modified to accommodate Robert Allerton Park programs. Modifications include restroom facilities and circulation improvements to the former 2nd tier hayloft area to permit performances.

Cottage Barn:1900; 36x30 post and beam construction on raised 3.5 concrete foundation. Typical Midwestern dairy barn. Front gabled roof with protruding lip on the east elevation covered with asphalt shingles. Dutch doors and 4-light wooden sash windows are typical. Vertical wood siding. (Steve Thompson-see Source List)

Brick Residence:1869; 52x42 2-story with basement, Georgian Revival style. House has been extensively remodelled since its original construction in 1869 as a National style farmhouse. Square plan with rectilinear kitchen addition on west elevation. Brick and concrete foundation, hipped roof, main section, and gabled roof, kitchen addition, covered in asphalt shingles. Brick chimney protruding from gable on kitchen addition. Aluminum gutters and downspouts. 6 over 6 sash windows with aluminum storm units. Decorative crown mouldings and fixed side lights on first floor parlour windows on the east elevation. Portico over east elevation entrance. Transom lights over entry door. Semi-circular gable window and concrete deck/loading dock on the west elevation. South elevation of the main plan includes sunrooms surrounded by wrought iron ornamentation at both the first and second floor levels. (Steve Thompson-see Source List)

RECOMMENDATIONS:Continue to accommodate music/performance program within the current Music Barn as long as necessary/practical. Reserve for Music Barn complex site for future natural-compatible use, including a possible future Field Station. Continue to maintain and rent brick house.

Indoor Music Venue:Construct a new building to replace the Music Barn as a performance venue, with a seating capacity of up to 300-500 patrons. Locate near the existing main parking lot and expand the parking to the east as necessary.

Cottage Barn

Music Barn

Music Barn

Music Barn

Cottage Shed Brick Residence

Plan


53



54


Sun Singer


Cottage


Cottage

Centaur

House inthe Woods

Meadow

SunkenGarden

Mansion

Fu DogGarden

4HMemorial

Camp

Bridge


Music BarnComplex

Lost Garden


Cottage

DiversifiedFarm

GoldfishPond

WastewaterPlant

Centaur

WaterTower

WESTENTRANCE



MAINENTRANCE

Old Timber Roa

d

E 1400 N Road CO R

D 45

0 E

Allerton Road

E 1300 N Road

E 1550 N Road

Old

Lev

ee R

oad

Sangamon River

0

N

1,600'800'

Water Supply

Wastewater Treatment Plant

Main Entry

North Entry

South Entry

West Entry

Parking Expansion

Main Parking Lot

Sangamon Footbridge

Campground

The map above serves to locate the various Infrastructure elements within the Park. Detailed discussions of each element follow.Please note the map shows both existing and proposed elements.Infrastructure / Overall Park


55


InfrastructureUtilities-Wastewater Treatment Plant: The existing plant was built in 1949, consists of antiquated technology (lmhoff tanks and a trickling filter), and has the capacity of 56,000 Gallons per Day design average flow and 140,000 GPD design maximum flow. Historically, monthly aver-age flow has been within those limits.

The Master Plan recommends continued use of the existing system as long as practical. Assuming success in increasing the visitor count to Allerton Park, several initiatives will should be considered in order to ensure continued use:Decrease flow to the plant by replacing existing toilets with low flow models. All new plumbing fixtures should be low flow. Investigate and repair infrastructure by confirming separation of storm and sanitary and by repairing/replacing pipe and manholes to reduce infiltration. Evaluate the use of treated wastewater for Park irrigation use. Consider inclusion of a Living Machine as a part of future Park development. Monitor and make any repairs necessary to ensure Discharge Quality by addressing component issues as they arise. If the existing system ever war-rants replacement, consider algae treatment with the potential to utilize research currently being performed at the Illini Algae lab at UIUC.

Utilities-Water Supply to Mansion: The water reservoir (steel elevated tank, 90 height, with 30,000 gallon capacity) was built in 1964 and has been relatively well maintained. There is an existing issue with providing adequate water pressure to supply a fire suppression system within the Mansion.

The master plan recommends modifying the existing water system by increasing the size of the supply line to the Mansion in order to provide required pressure for existing fire suppression system at the Mansion and for any planned expansions. The supply line increase should be coordinated with other site work in and around the Mansion.

Wastewater

Water Supply Water Supply

Wastewater

Wastewater


56


Automobile Circulation:The master plan calls for the continued maintenance of the roadway system at its current width, as it contributes to the intimacy of the Park experience. An increase in visitor numbers may trigger a re-evaluation of this recommendation. There are three major components of the Parks roadway system that merit specific recommendations: (Vehicular Drop Off for Mansion, Art Village, 4H Access,)

Vehicular Drop Off for Mansion:The master plans call for the creation of a grand boulevard entrance/exit from Old Timber Road, east of Gatehouse. This will present all visitors with the opportunity to view of the Mansion in much the same way as Robert Allertons guests would have. Envisioned as a vehicular path adjacent to the existing walk, paving alignment, plantings, lighting, and banners would create an entry sequence more in keeping with the Mansions grandeur. The new entrance boulevard would connect to existing main parking lot. Of note, along with this provision of new vehicular access to the Mansion, several other improvements are recommended. First, the need to formalize accessible parking near the mansion entrance, accomplished by improving the small existing pull-out lot occasionally utilized for accessible parking today. Second, as the existing service drive west of the Main Parking Lot can be eliminated, a new pedestrian path from parking to the Mansion will need to be designed and constructed.

PED

PED

PED

D.S.

D.S.

0

N

120' 240'

OLD TIMBER RO

AD

Vehicle Drop Off Plan

Proposed View towards Mansion


57


Art Village:The master plan recommends consolidating the maintenance function off of Old Timber Road and creating an Art Village. In doing so, traffic on Old Timber Road should be reduced to support a more pedestrian experience between the north and south sides of the Village and road. To reinforce this new emphasis, streetscape designed to a more pedestrian scale will be employed, including a reduction in road width, paving and raised planters to direct pedestrian traffic (and to alert cars where pedestrians are expected), as well as lighting and signage to further reinforce that emphasis and establish the Art Village identity.

PED

D.S.

D.S.

0

N

40'20'

Existing view along Old Timber Art Village Plan

Art Village


58


4H Access:The master plan calls for continuing the cooperation and collaboration that has characterized the 4H/Allerton relationship and to look at alternate means of accommodating the 4H need for access with the Allerton desire to reduce traffic through the proposed Art Village. Additional discussion is warranted.

Sangamon Footbridge:Connect the trails systems between the north and south side of the Sangamon with a pedestrian footbridge. The ultimate location for the bridge will require further study, but its thought it would connect the Brown and Blue trails.

Proposed CampgroundStakeholder input included a preference for the establishment of a campground within the park. A number of locations were considered, with the conclusion that establishing a campground south of Diversified Farms, south of Old Timber Road to be the best. The campground should be coordinated with 4H, as there exists a possible sharing opportunity, in establishing a new Park attraction. Coordinate with Long-Term Artist-in-Residence housing as necessary.

PED

PED

PED

D.S.

D.S.

0

N

120' 240'

4H Access

Campground

Sangamon Footbridge


59


Parking Expansion:The master plan recommends the development of a permeable pavement parking lot to be located northwest of Visitors Center. Coordinate the lots size to serve the requirements of the Visitors Center, the Art Village, and the Gardens.

Main Parking Lot:The existing bituminous pavement lot of 185 spaces serves the needs of the Mansion and adjacent structures and attractions. The master plan recommends reconstructing the two exterior bays and access aisles with permeable pavement, with improvements to the interior bays only when paving replacement is warranted. Plan for an additional bay of parking to the east when warranted, probably when the final expansion of the Mansion (Phase 3) is implemented. Consider the opportunity to include solar photovoltaics to generate power (and net metering to the power grid), alternative fuel refuelling stations, and bioswales, all as a demonstration of the Parks commitment to its Net Zero Energy goal.

PED

PED

PED

D.S.

D.S.

0

N

120' 240'

PED

PED

PED

D.S.

D.S.

0

N

120' 240'

Turf Parking north of Sunken Garden

Parking Expansion

Permeable Pavement

Lighting

Existing Lot

Solar Carport

Main Parking Lot

Bioswale


60


Bike Circulation: The Master Plan recommends continuing the implementation of the 2013 Shared Use Path Plan with two differences:

1. Plan for an additional parking area at the Diversified Farms

2. Eliminate construction of dedicated bicycle paths. Cars and bicycles sharing internal Park roadways is possible and eliminates the need for parallel paths (Phases 2-4) to be constructed and maintained.

Old Timber Road Improvements: Continue the systematic removal of Osage Orange trees along the north entry road.

Old Levee Road Improvements:Continue the systematic replacement of Spruce trees along the south entry road.

Vehicular Entrances: At the intersection of Old Timber and Old Levee Roads, improve the entrance into the park by enhancing the plantings and signage. Included in the planting is an inclusion of understory planting to reinforce the importance of this entry. Improve the two primary vehicular entrances (the north entrance and the south entrance off of Allerton Road) with plantings and with signage/wayfinding per the Signage and Wayfinding Plan currently being completed by Allerton. Improve security at exist-ing West entrance and coordinate this with resolution of 4H access.

Main Entrance

Shared Use

North Entry

Shared Use

South Entry

Old Timber Road

We

uiuc allerton park master plan

Documents