Naperville mayor highlights ‘record year’ for new downtown businesses, looks to future of I-88 corridor
Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli has singled out the I-88 corridor as the “largest and most significant redevelopment opportunity” in the city’s history.
The corridor is home to a string of longtime employers, from the Nicor Gas corporate headquarters to Nokia Bell Labs. But much of the corridor is “underperforming relative to its potential,” per a report released last year by the Naperville Development Partnership.
“It’s no secret that I believe that the future of the I-88 corridor is the future of our city. Our transition from a quiet farm town to where the best and the brightest minds are figuring out solutions to today’s problems started in that very place,” Wehrli said in his State of the City address Thursday.
It’s a timely topic: The city has budgeted $150,000 to conduct a special study on either the I-88 corridor or the properties around Naperville’s 5th Avenue Metra station. Other potential initiatives have also been floated in recent months. City council members are expected to discuss at their next meeting which one to pursue.
Last year’s I-88 report suggested focusing development efforts on certain industries. For instance, ag and food tech and production, quantum and advanced computing, tourism, sports and hospitality.
“Make no mistake, high-growth businesses already call the corridor home for three big reasons: proximity, opportunity and talent,” Wehrli said. “We have access to world-class research facilities like Fermilab and Argonne, along with international airports that make our city accessible to the globe.”
Plans are also underway to establish an I-88 corridor identity, one of the report’s recommendations. The Naperville Development Partnership is “full speed ahead” on doing the branding study and hiring the marketing company, Wehrli said after his speech at the Embassy Suites.
That’s separate from the council’s discussion on what study area to prioritize. If the council decided to focus on the corridor, the city would hire a land use consultant. A city memo noted there is “increased pressure to redevelop” the corridor with housing.
“There’s been some residential creep into the corridor already,” Wehrli said.
On the budget front, the city’s 2026 plan was balanced and featured the lowest city property tax rate in 56 years, the mayor said to applause.
Wehrli also highlighted a “record year” for new downtown businesses. More than 15 opened downtown in 2025, including The White Sheep brunch restaurant, The George on the corner once occupied by Jimmy's Grill, Pronto Italian Sandwiches and Avocado Theory. Barnes & Noble also returned, opening a new chapter downtown.
More recently, the downtown has said bonjour to Le Macaron, a shop dedicated to the French confection. Lilly Pulitzer and her tropical print dresses have brightened up another storefront.
At least seven new restaurants and retailers will join the downtown over the next few months, Wehrli said. The Belmont steakhouse is on that list, slated to replace the former Catch 35 seafood restaurant at Washington Street and Van Buren Avenue.
“The steady rhythm of new arrivals is what keeps customers coming through those doors,” Wehrli said.
He focused the speech on the theme, “Made in Naperville,” leading with household snacks you might recognize.
“Yes, it’s true … Triscuits are made right here in Naperville,” Wehrli said.
Another featured company: Itzy Ritzy, a baby brand offering diaper bags, toddler backpacks, toys and other products, is headquartered in Naperville.
“When we have so many companies, they’re doing wonderful things here, it helps put the message out about why Naperville is the place for other businesses to come. It’s that shadow effect,” Wehrli said. “So great people want to be around more great people. And when it comes to our businesses and what they’re creating, that’s what’s special.”