Redevelopment, Expansions and New Businesses Spur Economic Growth in Downtown Elgin

40 DuPage Court
Mixed Use Redevelopment

One of the largest redevelopment projects in recent downtown history, The Courtyard at 40 DuPage, reimagines a 5-story historic office building in the heart of Downtown Elgin into 4 floors of market-rate residential units with ground floor retail spaces. The building, located on a public plaza, walking distance from the river front and Metra commuter rail, complete with dining options and a landscaped fountain, was the first steel frame “ skyscraper” built in Elgin in the late 1800s. This redevelopment project utilizes state and federal historic preservation tax credits due to its location in a rivers-edge redevelopment zone and local TIF funding. A dedicated project team, the WT Group and Legend Partners, worked closely with the Downtown Neighborhood Association and the City of Elgin to make this project possible.

13 & 15 N. Grove Avenue
Former Gasthaus

A City TIF grant of $97,617 helped with the cost of restoring the building’s historic facade and installing a three-story fire sprinkler system compliant with residential use. The second floor consists of five loft apartments with modern features and the ground floor space is 5,000 square feet of restaurant and bar space with enhanced vintage elements. The entire renovation project is estimated near $900,000. Interested food and beverage vendors please contact the DNA.

Before

151 N. Spring Street
Martin Auto Service

This project included a major facade restoration to removing a 1960’s substitute facade and reveal the original 1934 decorative brickwork. Over $300,000 is being invested which also includes the expansion of service bays to accommodate larger modern vehicles and service trucks and a full interior renovation with a high-end lounge for Martin Auto Service guests to enjoy while waiting for their vehicles.

Before

109 E. Highland
Restaurant Space

This space was previously occupied by Andersen’s Engraving and Artistic Framing & Supplies who both relocated to 55 Douglas. The rehab of this space created a new restaurant space now home to Red Poppy Bistro, featuring a large kitchen and two dining rooms, one of which can be closed off for private events. The new interior footprint allows for at least 48 seats and 16 tables. as well as outdoor sidewalk seating wrapping the corner building location.

There are many opportunities to get involved in Downtown Elgin as a property owner or developer.

Locating a business in Downtown Elgin provides you with business services and a support system from the Downtown Neighborhood Association that you will not find in other cities.

80 S. Grove Avenue
Vern’s Tavern & Light Lounge

Outdated office spaces originally in prime store front space was converted into a sleek and modern new bar space adjacent to Festival Park. Multiple first floor offices were blown out and reconfigured into the bar and lounge. The project included preserving many historically sensitive elements such as refinishing original terrazzo flooring, decorative, support columns, lighting and plumbing fixtures. A new HVAC,sound system, and upscale decor elements such as decorative tin ceilings, chandeliers and decorative lighting were added. Inspired by Vintage Elgin bars of the past and named after the owner’s Grandfather, Vern’s Tavern offers a curated mix of craft cocktails and leasable space for events.

Elgin Civic Center
Plaza Redesign

The municipal center consists of Elgin City Hall, the Hemmens Cultural Center and the Illinois Second District Appellate Court. The large concrete area between the three buildings came to be called the Civic Center Plaza, originally built in the 1960s. This $2.05 million project includes improvements such as new concrete walkways, improved site drainage, new raised planting beds, site lighting, accent lighting, landscape irrigation and renovated public art.

61-65 S. Grove Avenue
Redevelopment Multi-Vendor/Restaurant

Renovation work is in the early phases of engineering work on this building. Future plans call for multiple food and entertainment establishments in this redeveloped building. The redevelopment of this prime property, with front facing facades on S. Grove Avenue and Spring Street will continue to enhance the heart of downtown already home to popular restaurants and bars, retail establishments and residential development.