When Daniel Burnham created his legendary master plan for Chicago in 1909, the only piece of lakefront property he did not address was the Illinois Central Railroad yard between what is now Cermak and Roosevelt roads. Burnham assumed the IC would control the land forever. As it turns out, "forever" lasted 80 years.

In 1989, Central Station Development Corporation, a partnership of Chicago-based Fogelson Properties and Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises, acquired the land. The developers then faced the challenge of finding the best use for 80 acres of prime lakefront property, in a manner that benefited both future residents and the city. To do this, Central Station picked up where its early predecessor, Burnham, left off - it created a master plan.

Master-planned communities are large new-home developments that typically feature additional uses such as parks, recreation and retail. They offer a variety of home styles and price levels to choose from, and are designed to grow in an orderly manner: economically, aesthetically and ecologically.

Residents of a master-planned community like Central Station, the largest in downtown Chicago, benefit from the pre-planned guidelines that control the area's density, views and open space, according to Gerald W. Fogelson, co-chairman of Central Station Development Corp.

Because of Central Station's size, visibility and importance to the downtown area, developers and city officials determined that there would have to be a master plan for the mixed-use property. These plans would eventually include $3 billion in new development, including housing, offices, retail space, senior living, hotels and parks.

"It's actually more like designing a small city than a neighborhood," said Fogelson. "Every last detail had to be considered, examined and approved to give residents the best possible quality of life, while beautifying the lakefront and the South Loop."

When desiging Central Station, planners had to follow strict density requirements, so as not to crowd residents or the lakefront with over-development. These requirements allow for easier on-street parking within Central Station versus other lakefront neighborhoods, and leave open spaces for recreation.

With parks and open land necessary to the success of a community, Central Station developers have donated more than six acres of the property to the city the Chicago Park District, said Fogelson. Dispersed throughout the development and along the lakefront, donated sites include a stretch of land to extend Grant Park, and a 44,000-square-foot park on the corner of 14th Street and Indiana Avenue.

In addition to density and open space requirements, stringent building guidelines control the placement and size of all buildings to protect the views of the lake and Grant Park. As a result of this detailed planning process, residents know exactly what to expect when they buy a home, and do not have to wonder about how future construction will affect them, said Fogelson.

Reducing auto traffic is another major concern for a new residential community, especially on so close to downtown Chicago. With this in mind, major streets such as Indiana Avenue were widened through the community to relieve traffic in the residential areas. Residential streets, on the other hand, wind through the community to control traffic speed.

The community's central location, along with the reduction of auto traffic, also makes biking and walking feasible means of commuting. Central Station is bordered by Grant Park, the Museum Campus, Michigan Avenue and the lakefront, with the Loop in walking distance.

While Central Station's zoning was established in advance, the master plan allows for modifications to fit the changing needs of the community. "This is a long-term project, and master planners need a considerable amount of flexibility to ensure long-term success," said Fogelson.

For more information about the homes available at Central Station, contact the following sales centers:

• Museum Park at Central Station: townhomes, lofts and high-rise condominiums by Enterprise Companies, 312-362-0200;
• Prairie House at Central Station and Prairie Tower at Central Station: condominiums by Bejco Development Corp., 312-945-3800;
• Prairie District Homes at Central Station: townhomes and high-rise condominiums by Legacy Development Group, 312-360-1818.