Libertyville plants seeds to upgrade its other retail corridor
Downtown Libertyville gets most of the publicity as a shopping area, but another important retail corridor in the village may see some attention.
Peterson Road/Route 137 on the north side of town is a major arterial street flanked by aging strip malls and freestanding businesses. Improving the heavily traveled area has been a village goal the past few years, but so far it has remained just that.
Though likely years away from an overhaul, small first steps could be in the works. The village board Tuesday will consider a contract with 3D Design Studio to produce some concepts for the area.
"It is an extremely important corridor for the village and we're finally giving it the attention it deserves," Mayor Jeff Harger said. "The business owners are working hard taking care of their properties and remodeling their buildings, and it's something we always wanted to do."
The Route 137 corridor merits several mentions in the village's revised comprehensive plan, adopted three years ago.
"While this is considered to be a successful retail area, many of the older commercial buildings are outdated and unattractive, and the existing development pattern contributes to an image of obsolescence," the plan states.
About 33,500 vehicles a day use Route 137 between Butterfield Road and Milwaukee Avenue, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Initial work would focus on basic improvements, such as landscaping, lighting and banners. Building facades are not part of the contract to be considered Tuesday.
"They're really looking at the right-of-way area and adjacent to the right-of-way area, something that's more attractive than what's out there today," said John Heinz, the village's public works director.
Property owners there have formed a group called Uptown Libertyville, which claims a mailing list of about 120. A Web site and brochure touting the area is in the works.
Some property owners discussed improvements with the village some time ago.
"We made about 20 different requests. A lot of the things were nonsense, but we put them in the pot," said Jack Martin, owner of the Libertyville Saddle Shop and several properties in the corridor.
Flags or banners, improved lighting and attention to items such as tall grass in the median would be welcome, he said.
Heinz said dealing with issues such as lighting and landscaping can be tricky because of state rules regarding its roads. The concept plans should spark discussion, however.
"It's a unique opportunity," he said. "We're hoping to get some ideas and interest, and hopefully move it forward in the next couple of years."
The comprehensive plan suggests the village implement design and streetscape programs for all main corridors that serve as gateway roads.
Another portion of the plan calls for a market assessment and an analysis of development potential for the Peterson Road/Route 137 corridor. With tight budgets the past few years, those suggestions have not been pursued.