RTA Joint Development Study

Working alongside SB Friedman in support of the RTA Joint Development Program, Latent provided urban design and development analysis to advance equitable transit-supportive growth across transit agency-owned land. Conducted in collaboration with CTA, Metra, and Pace, the study established a regional inventory of service board properties throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and identified opportunities to strengthen connections between transit, housing, and community investment. The study creates a framework to leverage transit land to catalyze investment, accelerate affordable housing, and unlock development in areas facing greater barriers to growth. 
 

Our role focused on zoning and land use analysis across 91 candidate sites - representing 310 acres and the potential to support approximately 8,500 housing units. Building from this analysis, Latent developed site planning strategies and concept massing studies for 8 test sites to explore context responsive development scenarios. 
 

These concepts translate policy and land-use potential into place-based strategies across diverse market conditions. Together, these strategies align growth with community priorities and regional mobility goals. Through design, analysis, and strategic visioning, this work establishes a foundation for more connected, vibrant, and inclusive communities across the region.