Bloomingdale launches $3 million face-lift for Old Town

A multimillion-dollar project to improve Bloomingdale's struggling Old Town commercial district is under way and expected to be completed this summer.

Village President Franco Coladipietro said the rehabilitation of Old Town, which began last week, will help transform the shopping area south and west of the intersection of Lake Street and Bloomingdale Road into a "community meeting place" and a more popular spot for events.

While the village holds Septemberfest and other events at Old Town Park, Coladipietro said improving the area's infrastructure "will allow us to do some additional programing there."

The improvements are being made along Third Street between Lake and Franklin Avenue and along Franklin between Third and Bloomingdale)

The work includes:

• Reconstructing Third and Franklin;

• Replacing water and sewer systems;

• Moving overhead utilities underground;

• Replacing sidewalks;

• Replacing asphalt parking spaces with permeable pavers;

• Adding street furniture and raised planter beds;

• Constructing a new entry sign at Third and Lake;

• Adding new street and pedestrian light standards to make the area welcoming and safe in the evenings.

Village Administrator Peter Scalera said Old Town is "in desperate need of a face-lift."

He said a promenade will be created along Franklin Street, between Third Street and an alley just west of Bloomingdale Road. A new parking lot also will be built along Third.

The project is expected to be completed by July 29, officials said.

Bloomingdale is paying for most of the project's more than $3 million price tag. The village has received a $500,000 grant from the state for the work.

"We have to invest in our community to make it better," Coladipietro said. "I think this is a perfect example."

He said the upgrades will give Old Town "a fresh look" that will "improve walkability" and make it inviting to patrons.

Ultimately, the hope is that Old Town can be transformed into an entertainment and dining area.

To achieve that goal, the village in 2014 bought a vacant commercial building, which sits at the southwest corner of Lake and Third.

The two-story building at 112 W. Lake St. has stood empty since it housed an Alltemp Fireplace store. Now village officials are trying to find someone to buy the building and open a restaurant there.

In addition, Coladipietro said there's an investor working on a project to put a sandwich shop and a restaurant in another building in Old Town.