From Streets to Spaces: Shaping a Downtown Where People Belong

The Downtown Modernization & Beautification Project is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it's about creating a downtown where people can connect, gather, and thrive. This transformative effort to improve safety, accessibility, infrastructure, and streetscape design has entered the public input phase, and the City is inviting the community to help shape what comes next.

First announced in August 2025, the project focuses on Main Street (Washington Street to Wilson Avenue) and Turner Court (Washington Street to Main Street). Planned improvements include safety and accessibility upgrades, replacement of aging infrastructure, and new streetscape and placemaking features.

Project Website Now Live

A new bilingual website is available with project details, updates, and resources in English and Spanish: WeGoDowntownModernization.org.

On the site, visitors can:

• Learn about the project overview and scope
• Review the project boundaries
• Explore the project timeline
• Find FAQs and project updates

Share Your Thoughts

The City is seeking community feedback to help guide project priorities and design elements.

• Take the online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wegodowntown (available in English and Español)

• Sign up for updates or send comments: [email protected]

Community members will also have the chance to share input in person at the Downtown Trick-or-Treating event on Saturday, October 25, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Look for the City Tent on Main Street by the fountain to learn more about the project and provide feedback.

Your input will help shape decisions around crosswalks, sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, and other features that contribute to a safer, more vibrant, and welcoming downtown.

Building on the City's Strategic Vision

The project is supported in part by a $2 million Rebuild Downtowns & Main Streets (RDMS) grant from the State of Illinois and guided by the West Chicago Forward Comprehensive Plan and the Central-Main Street Revitalization Plan Update.

Together with other downtown initiatives, including new grant programs and redevelopment planning, this project contributes to a more active and engaging downtown, where residents, businesses, and visitors can gather and thrive.