Editorial: Welcome signs that 'historic Long Grove' is poised to regain past allure

For most of this decade, the once-bustling shopping destination that was Long Grove's downtown has struggled to regain the historic charm that attracted thousands of visitors to tour a collection of unique, quaint stores and restaurants.

Has the area turned the corner? We can all hope.

Daily Herald staff writer Bob Susnjara reported Monday that with the reopening of the village's national landmark bridge and substantial completion of two years of work on its main downtown street, Long Grove is poised for a renewal of the Currier & Ives Christmas allure that previously made the village a seasonal must-stop for shoppers throughout the region looking for a revival of a traditional holiday setting.

It's not entirely there yet. The one-lane Robert Parker Coffin Road bridge has reopened, but still awaits restoration of the timber cover that was damaged when a truck struck the bridge and put it out of commission in 2018.

Planned vintage-style streetlights are not yet in place on Coffin Road and a traffic signal at Old McHenry and Coffin roads hasn't been activated.

And, the village is still working to attract more of the distinctive shops that once defined the downtown shopping district.

But, many fine shops and attractions remain, and the September celebration to turn on old-time street lamps outside the 172-year-old Village Tavern symbolized the village's commitment to restore its lost charm.

Indeed, $8 million in infrastructure improvements have, among other things, improved Coffin Road and brought wider, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks, new landscaping and the first streetlights in 181 years on Old McHenry Road.

"The streetscape is all in place and now the bridge is open," village Trustee Anne Kritzmire told Susnjara. "There's still more do to, but it's like we want to open it up for the whole holiday season and say, 'Hey, come on back.'"

Ryan Messner, vice chairmen of the Long Grove Business Association's executive committee, says "an abundance" of businesses and restaurants have inquired about opportunities as they see "the streetscape in town is in the right direction."

These are encouraging signs. For years, Long Grove's historic district held a special place in the array of suburban shopping and tourism attractions.

It gives us a sense of warm, holiday cheer to consider the possibilities if the 2019 Christmas season marks the first stage of a return to the picturesque setting that previously defined the town's character and reputation.