Tree dedication honors late Schaumburg mayor’s vision for convention center
Nearly two months after his death, former Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson’s vision for the Schaumburg Convention Center and Renaissance Hotel campus and a forthcoming entertainment district was honored Wednesday with the dedication of a tree planted in his memory.
The dwarf lilac tree will be unique on the campus, and has an estimated lifespan of 100 years. It was donated by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, which has held an annual show at the convention center since it opened in 2006.
After years of contemplation and planning urged on by Larson, construction of the village-owned convention center began about 20 years ago. It was intended as an economic engine to help other businesses nearby.
“He thought of this whole complex in the early 2000s,” said Dieter Heigl, the general manager of the hotel and convention center for the past eight years. “We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for this man.”
In addition to hotel and convention center staff, the dedication ceremony was attended by Schaumburg Business Association President Lisa Gilbert and Meet Chicago Northwest visitors bureau President & CEO Heather Larson.
The first phase of an entertainment district, expected to break ground this summer, includes Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, a public parking deck and space for two other venues. Other phases of the district are expected to follow.
Meanwhile, just across Meacham Road, preparations are under way for construction of The District at Veridian, a mix of apartments, stores, dining and entertainment venues utilizing the western portion of the former Motorola Solutions campus. A pedestrian bridge is being designed to connect the two projects.
“All those things wouldn’t be happening if Al didn’t have the idea to develop this former swamp land,” Heigl said.
Larson was an elected official in Schaumburg for 44 years and served as mayor from 1987 to 2019. He died March 19 at the age of 85.