Streetscape work proceeds in Lake Villa business district
Years ago, a lumber yard, hardware store, car dealership, pharmacy and a library were among the offerings along Cedar Avenue in Lake Villa.
Similar to business districts in other small towns, businesses closed or moved and activity waned. The latest thrust to rekindle pedestrian and business interest began Monday, with a streetscape makeover on a portion of the commercial stretch between Grand and Lake avenues.
Work is progressing quickly on improvements that will stretch 440 lineal feet along the east side of Cedar Avenue from a village parking lot north to Railroad Avenue. They include: reconstruction of the parking lot to create 17 more spaces; new sidewalks with a decorative brick ribbon; burying utility lines that cross Cedar; decorative streetlights; new landscaping, including a bump out near the parking lot; and, installation of trees, benches and garbage containers.
"It's a lot in a little spot," said Glenn McCollum, public works director.
Village officials earlier this year awarded a $341,422 contract to Copenhaver Construction of Gilberts. The village received and will use about $200,000 in two community development block grants from Lake County for the parking lot and streetscape work.
"It leaves about 600 (lineal) feet for future projects," Village Administrator Karl Warwick said.
The current work is expected to be complete by Memorial Day.
The streetscape was to have been done last fall, but was deferred as staff and village engineers focused on the extension of Lake Michigan water.
Warwick said the streetscape will improve the business environment. There has been interest in the area from brew pub/restaurant type businesses, but nothing to announce, he added.
Located between the popular Lehman Park on Cedar Lake and the Metra commuter station, Cedar Avenue is considered a key if or when residential and other development occurs nearby.
Cedar Avenue is included in a special financing district designated last June, and an overlapping business district authorized last fall to raise funds to help pay for a range of development or redevelopment activities. The streetscape is a separate village project.
The street now is home to a smattering of offices, a dance studio, salon and two restaurants and a few other uses, including the village hall/police station. There also are glaring vacancies.
For 36 years, Mike Rahmani has owned and operated the Lake Villa Restaurant, a diner-type spot open for breakfast and lunch. He reflected on how the street has changed.
"There were more businesses downtown. Lately, really, not that many," he said at the end of a recent work day. Signs outside advise potential customers the restaurant is open during construction, which he hopes will attract businesses and people.
"I'm hoping for the best," he says. "I know it takes money and time."