Libertyville’s downtown preservation/promotion group celebrates 35 years
Visitors to downtown Libertyville have become accustomed to the variety of events offered throughout the seasons but may not be aware of the organization that hosts many of them.
Since its organization in 1989, MainStreet Libertyville has played an important role in transforming an area in decline — where nearly a third of the downtown storefronts were empty — into a walkable destination for shopping, dining and other activities.
To mark its 35th anniversary, the nonprofit volunteer organization is hosting a community ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Thursday on the steps of the historic Ansel B. Cook Home in Cook Park on Milwaukee Avenue, the heart of downtown and center of activities.
MainStreet leaders, local officials, business owners and others are expected for the event in advance of its inaugural Black & White Gala fundraiser Saturday at the Ivanhoe Club.
“We work together. We’re a good team,” said Mayor Donna Johnson. “For us, it’s so great to highlight and honor all those years of what they’ve brought to the community.”
Besides benefiting local business, MainStreet has helped maintain Libertyville’s hometown feel, traditions and history, she added.
Beginning with Let’s Wine About Winter in February through Car Fun on 21 and the Farmers Market in the spring and summer, respectively, to Small Business Saturday in late November, MainStreet provides more than 55 days of community programming and retail events.
“We’re happy MainStreet is still doing a lot of events that attract people downtown,” Johnson said.
Since its founding, MainStreet’s volunteer effort has helped bring more than $70 million in private commercial investment to downtown Libertyville, according to the organization.
“Downtown Libertyville thrives because of grassroots organizing, private-public partnerships, preservation-based economic development, powerful local zoning ordinances and the continued, concerted efforts of community volunteers,” said Executive Director Jennifer Johnson.
Putting on events takes a lot of time and effort, explained Mark Anderson, MainStreet board chairman. He said the board is “extremely strong” and looking ahead.
MainStreet has 90 downtown business members, 150 associate business members and 560 community members.
Initiatives include reengaging businesses and making a push for residential members. The organization also is dropping or revamping some events and shifting its focus in some areas. Its design committee, for example, will be working more closely with the village.
“Libertyville needs to be relevant to compete with surrounding towns,” he said. “You always need to stay relevant.”
MainStreet’s support comes from business members, residential donations, sponsors, event proceeds and fundraisers. Also, the village this year increased its contribution to $18,000 from $10,000 the previous eight years and $5,000 for several years before that.
Donna Johnson said that acknowledges MainStreet’s contributions as well as increasing costs to stage events.
Last year, MainStreet received the Lt. Governor’s Award for Excellence in Revitalization for the Oktoberfest in Libertyville festival/fundraiser; presented at the Illinois Main Street Conference about the mechanics of a strong and successful MainStreet community; assisted 13 small businesses in getting $367,000 in state grants; and, hosted a walking tour workshop for attendees of the 2023 International Downtown annual conference in Chicago.