Frankfort Seeks Public Vision for Downtown Urban Design

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | February 17, 2026

Article Summary: Mayor Keith Ogle announced an upcoming open house for residents and business owners to provide input on the future design of downtown Frankfort. The village has engaged the Lakota Group to conduct a planning study to guide development in the historic district.

Downtown Planning Key Points:

• Event Details: An open house will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Trail’s Edge Brewing Company.

• Purpose: The event is designed to gather feedback from residents and business owners regarding urban design and planning.

• Consultants: The study is being conducted by the Lakota Group.

• Significance: Mayor Ogle emphasized that the downtown is the “jewel of the south suburbs” and the process should not be rushed.

The Frankfort Village Board on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, encouraged the community to participate in shaping the future of the village’s downtown area.

Mayor Keith Ogle announced that an open house regarding the Downtown Urban Design and Planning Study will take place on Wednesday, February 25. The event will be held in the lower level of Trail’s Edge Brewing Company at 20 Kansas Street.

The village has partnered with the Lakota Group to conduct the study. Mayor Ogle stressed that the event is not a formal presentation or meeting, but an interactive opportunity for stakeholders to share their views.

“Our downtown is considered one of the most important assets in Frankfort,” Ogle said. “We want to make sure that the design process of this… everyone has input and that we don’t rush through this.”

Trustee Jessica Petrow also encouraged attendance, noting the quality of the consultants.

“I’ve been really impressed with this group already, and I think they’re going to help us kind of put the finishing touches on our downtown area,” Petrow said.