Title
RFP-25-055 - Recommendation of Consultant Firm for preparing Sub-area Plans
History
Over the past several months, staff has taken a close look at four areas that are especially important to Orland Park’s long-term vitality. These areas were selected because they each face unique challenges, but also offer tremendous development opportunity. The goal of this project is to develop plans that are actionable, fiscally grounded, and shaped through meaningful stakeholder engagement.
In October 2025, Development Services issued a Request for Proposals on BidNet to create sub-area plans for the following four districts:
• The Old Orland Historic District
• The Gateway to LaGrange District
• The Harlem Avenue Corridor
• And the I-80 Employment Corridor
Each of these areas presents its own set of challenges.
In the Old Orland Historic District, issues include context-sensitive infill, strengthening economic vitality, reinforcing cultural identity, and improving parking and mobility.
The Gateway to LaGrange District faces corridor traffic concerns, redevelopment of under-utilized sites, and the need to stay competitive within the regional economy.
Along the Harlem Avenue Corridor, issues include fragmented land uses, strong competition from neighboring communities, and aesthetic deficiencies that limit the corridor’s potential.
In the I-80 Employment Corridor, the challenges are more regional in scale - including market competition, freight and transportation mobility, utility capacity, and aligning workforce skills with employer needs
In November 2025, six planning firms submitted proposals ranging from $219K - $555K. After rigorous evaluation of all the proposals, staff invited three firms - Houseal Lavigne, Lamar Johnson Collaborative and McKenna, for in-person interviews.
Following the interviews and a deeper review of each firm’s approach, qualifications, and references, staff is recommending Houseal Lavigne for the project, for the following reasons:
• Most qualified consultant from, with best fit for the project
• Winner of 2024 Daniel Burnham Planning Award for Downers Grove’s Comprehensive Plan
• Exceptional graphic communication skills - to convey ideas to a diverse group of stakeholders
• Robust Public Engagement Process
• Glowing references from previous municipal clients
• Best value for $$ spent (dedicating 42% more staff hours to the project, while costing only 25% more than the next-best proposal)
Houseal Lavigne's subconsultants include Baxter & Woodman (for transportation, utility assessments), Hitchcock Design Group (for sustainable placemaking) and Meech Group (for economic analysis). Once awarded, the project is slated to be completed in 12 months.
Financial Impact
Sufficient funds are available to cover the cost of this project.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the waiver of the competitive bid process in favor of solicitation of competitive proposals and authorize the execution of a Professional Services Agreement between the Village of Orland Park and Houseal Lavigne, as the most qualified responsive proposal for RFP #25-055 - Sub Area Plans for Comprehensive Plan Update, for a cost of $364,815, plus a contingency of $25,000 for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $389,815.00;
AND
Authorize the Village Manager to execute all related contracts, subject to Village Attorney review;
AND
Authorize the Village Manager to execute all related change orders within the approved amount, subject to Village Attorney review.