Barrington hopes streetscape improvements boost downtown’s draw

Barrington officials are celebrating the completion of phase one of the village’s downtown streetscape project, which they hope will boost the town center as a regional attraction.

The $1.5 million project included replacing deteriorating sidewalk pavers with new concrete and clay brick accents, and resurfacing and restriping aging streets.

New landscaping includes flower beds and planters bursting with color.

“From the beginning, our goal was to create a downtown that is more beautiful, accessible, welcoming and easier to maintain for years to come,” Village Manager Scott Anderson said.

Village President Mike Moran noted the work also creates expanded outdoor dining spaces for businesses such as Cook Street Coffee and Gigi Wine Bar and Bistro.

“We’re excited about it,” Moran said. “This is a physical thing that people in the community can see. They start to see change. They start to see revitalization.”

The improvements are part of a downtown revitalization he expects will expand the downtown’s draw beyond the 10,000-plus village residents and attract people from surrounding areas like Inverness, Barrington Hills and North Barrington.

I think the work they’ve done here is beautiful. It’s much easier to walk down the sidewalk,” said Jennifer Hissa, owner of Greater Chicago Kitchen and Bath and director of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce.

Phase two will focus on Main Street and Hough Street, and is expected to begin next summer, Director of Development Services Jennifer Tennant said

The developer of the Golden Triangle property, a roughly 6-acre area bounded by the Union Pacific and Canadian National rail lines and Hough Street, will also fund a new community gathering space and plaza on Park Avenue.

Suzanne Corr, president and CEO of the chamber, noted the organization handles large community events like its wine walks.

“This space has really created a wonderful area for people to really take a moment, relax and enjoy outdoor community events,” she said.

szalusky@dailyherald.com