The Biz Week That Was: ‘Record year’ for Naperville downtown, Long Grove gets new stores and $1 movies returning to Des Plaines theater
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.
Tapping into Long Grove’s downtown growth, 2 new stores open in historic district
Two storefronts recently opened in downtown Long Grove, fueling optimism about the future of the village’s historic downtown. Artistic Creations of Long Grove at 405 Robert Parker Coffin Road, a shop showcasing handmade and artisan goods, and The Olive Tap at 302 Old McHenry Road, an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting emporium, held a dual grand opening May 3.
Movies returning to Des Plaines Theatre for $1-a-ticket series
Like Rocky Balboa to the boxing ring and Shoeless Joe Jackson to the batter’s box, movies will return to the city-owned Des Plaines Theatre this month. City officials are teaming with venue operator Ron Onesti for a series of classic family films, beginning with “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” May 19. Director Steven Spielberg’s award-winning 1982 blockbuster will roll at 7 p.m. at the theater, 1476 Miner St. Tickets will cost only $1.
‘The right place for us’: Deba Sushi Bar moving into vacant downtown Mount Prospect space
A husband-and-wife team is bringing a new Japanese dining concept to downtown Mount Prospect. Deba Sushi Bar is moving into the former home of Patina Wine Bar at 133 W. Prospect Ave.
Elgin panel endorses plan to complete subdivision on city’s west side
Elgin’s Planning and Zoning Commission has endorsed plans for the final phase of the Ponds of Stony Creek, setting the stage for another 140 single-family homes to be built on the city’s far west side. The subdivision is located on roughly 278 acres along the south side of McDonald Road, just over two miles west of Randall Road.
Santa’s Village is set to open May 16, and the parakeets are coming back
Parakeets are making a comeback for Santa’s Village’s 2026 season, which starts Saturday, May 16. After a short hiatus, Parakeet Paradise and its 300 or so parakeets will return in a new 3,000-square-foot aviary near Old MacDonald’s Farm in East Dundee. Parakeet Paradise shut down after the 2019 season. Santa Springs Water Park opens Saturday, May 23.