Descriptive interpretation of
a tour through Channahon Village Design:
You immediately sense a place of importance as
you enter into the village from the main entrance off of Route 6 at the
lower right hand corner of the plan. The tree-lined entrance is a theme
kept throughout the plan. The split main boulevard calms traffic and provides
a very pleasant view from the sidewalk or automobile. On your right you
see the post office and the village hall. Driving further down the main
boulevard the road angles off to the right past the town center promenade.
The town center promenade is a park-like setting that accommodates a band
shell and fountain. This area can be utilized for village festival activity
or just for relaxing and enjoying the view. Just across the street you
see the open-air market place. This provides an area for fresh produce
sales and has a large picnic area. The market is linked by-way-of footpath
to Arrowhead Park. As you veer to the right away from the Town Center Promenade,
you see the St. Ann Parish Complex. This block has senior housing, K-8
school, gymnasium and outdoor sporting fields. Continuing past the church
you enter into the residential quarter of the plan. Residential units are
integrated in such a way as to not create a monoculture but rather a mix
that produces diversity among the village and its residents. The placement
of the housing units is near the CBD, which is just a short distance from
the housing units. Neighborhood commercial stores are located in the community
and are very conveniently placed for the residents. As you round the corner
on the main boulevard to begin venturing back into the CBD, you see on
your right the entertainment and cultural districts. A library, theatre
and art center are located here. Passing the Town Center and stores you
turn to the right driving pass the medical center, day care, gymnasium,
church and more multiple-family dwellings.
You turn around and head back to the CBD and park
your automobile in a parking lot. Parking for the CBD is located in the
rear of the buildings, which brings focus to the storefronts and their
window displays and away from asphalt parking lots. Beautiful paths guide
you a short distance from your parking spot to the CBD. These tree and
bench lined paths are well lit and serve as a relaxing break from the everyday
stresses of the big city. Numerous path-side parks are great areas to take
a rest, have a picnic or just enjoy the fresh air. The atmosphere provides
a look and feel of an "old-time" village community. Pedestrian underpasses
allow you to travel with very little interruption to your ultimate destination.
To the west just outside the village you are able to access the I &
M Canal park area or to the east you can easily walk a short distance to
Arrowhead Park.
Getting back in your car and leaving Channahon
you feel that this is a great place and plan on returning very soon. You
think to yourself, maybe I'll even live in the village someday.
