Schaumburg steps up emphasis on economic development

From humble beginnings in 1956, the former farming community incorporated as the village of Schaumburg gradually grew into the second-largest center of economic activity in Illinois.

Then, in 2018, it got serious.

The village on Tuesday launched its new department of economic development headed by longtime Assistant Director of Community Development Matt Frank. While the redevelopment of the former Motorola Solutions campus and nearby properties will take up much of his attention, keeping the established commercial areas of Schaumburg vital will be just as important, Frank said.

"We'll be keeping tabs on changes in the market as this retail industry changes," he said.

Entertainment and hospitality will be key players in repurposing vacant big-box stores along Golf Road and elsewhere, Frank added.

One of the places where that philosophy also could be practiced is the empty Carson's store at Streets of Woodfield - a retail center where entertainment venues such as GameWorks, Legoland and the AMC Loews Theatres already are among the major draws.

While changes in retail are having an impact on the landscape of Schaumburg, high-end stores including clothing shops seem to be holding on as brick-and-mortar destinations. Frank believes large department stores will continue to anchor Woodfield Mall for the foreseeable future, even as other features like the forthcoming dining pavilion are contributing to the mall's appeal.

Continuing to serve as home to regional attractions like Ikea and Legoland also will maintain Schaumburg's standing as a commercial destination for the area, Frank said.

And as much as his work consists of finding the right balance between retail and restaurants, the importance of office space can't be overlooked.

"It is critical for us in Schaumburg," Frank said. "It's that daytime population that helps us sustain our economic development opportunities."

Senior Village Trustee George Dunham, who chairs Schaumburg's general government committee, said the new assignment a more effective use of Frank's time. He previously spent half his work time on the code enforcement.

"It's pretty simple," Dunham said. "This is Matt's specialty. He's been doing this and other things for a long time."

Village Manager Brian Townsend recommended the creation of the economic development department, which he said will include two existing and two new employees and have a net cost of $225,000 on the budget.

"We're going to need to be more creative than before to retain our presence of the past," Townsend said. "There are a lot of other communities that have stepped up their game in terms of economic development."