1. Commercial Core. The commercial core area is intended to be the densest area within the urban village with the highest concentration of employment and housing. These areas are likely to have direct access to transit and a wide range of supportive land uses such as retail, office, recreation, public facilities and plazas. The pedestrian environment is emphasized in this area. Ground floor commercial is required along Meridian Street (between Broadway and W. Illinois Street).

2. Commercial Transition. The commercial transition areas are intended to allow commercial uses similar to the core area, but those with less noise and vehicular impacts on abutting residential areas. Height limits and building square footages are lowered to lessen the impact on the adjacent residential areas, discourage demolition of buildings with historic integrity and encourage adaptive reuse of structures by providing additional flexibility of use. Buildings with residential only uses are permitted in this area.

3. Residential Transition. The residential transition areas are immediately adjacent to existing single-family neighborhoods. A mix of residential housing types as outlined in Chapter 20.28 BMC, Infill Housing, is encouraged to support the abutting commercial areas and provide housing choices for people of various incomes and ages. These areas are regulated under the standards established for single-family and infill housing types.