How Algonquin construction is both spurring growth, hurting business

For the past nine months, construction has disrupted the quaint stretch of shops, restaurants and historic buildings that make up Algonquin's downtown Main Street.

Frequent road closures and blocked sidewalks - not to mention the mess - have diverted visitors from the area, and some businesses have reported a significant drop in sales due to a lack of foot traffic.

But with the first major phase of Algonquin's roughly $30 million streetscape project wrapping up next month, village officials remain focused on the light at the end of the tunnel.

"It takes time," Assistant Village Manager Mike Kumbera said. "It's not always necessarily pretty and enjoyable when you're going through it, but the endgame is right around the corner."

The work, which began in February, has included reconstructing the street, expanding sidewalks, burying overhead utilities and replacing some of the town's oldest water and sewer infrastructure, Kumbera said. Streetlights and decorative fixtures are being enhanced, brick pavers are being added along the road and sidewalks, and a grassy space next to the historic village hall is being transformed into a brick plaza with a fireplace and seating area.

The upgrades aim to increase economic activity, create a more pedestrian-friendly environment and attract private investment, Kumbera said. Algonquin already is seeing positive results, he said, with four new businesses moving into vacant storefronts and three existing businesses deciding to expand or renovate.

"That's what we're encouraged with as construction wraps up," Kumbera said. "We want to get people down into the area."

Tony Colatorti is among the downtown business owners motivated to make improvements of his own. He is expanding his restaurant, Cucina Bella, into an adjacent property to offer a party room and seating for larger groups.

Business has been doing well in recent years, he said, and the establishment at 220 S. Main St. has felt only minor impacts of the ongoing construction.

"I knew the investment the village was making, and I wanted to be part of it," Colatorti said.

It's a different story for Bob Novak, who owns Riverbottom Ice Cream Co. at the opposite corner of Main and Washington streets. Business has been "way down" all year - by about 80 percent the last few weekends - and regular customers have been avoiding downtown because it's too hard to get around, he said.

"It's extremely bad," Novak said as contractors added brick pavers to the road outside his shop. "It's going to look beautiful down here, but it's been a very tough, long haul, and it's been going on for a long time."

Albert Krause of Gold and Jewelry Direct said traffic detours and lane closures have confused his patrons. A large sign hangs outside his store at 130 S. Main St. letting customers know it's still open.

The village is aware of the construction's negative effects on downtown businesses and has done its best to mitigate them, Kumbera said. Contractors opened an office downtown to help address issues as they arise.

Future phases of the streetscape project should be less challenging for the village's core commercial district, Kumbera said, though residents can still expect to see construction crews downtown. The Main Street Bridge crossing Crystal Creek is likely to be reconstructed next spring, and infrastructure and street improvements will shift north onto Harrison Street and near Riverfront Park.

For now, Novak said he's staying focused on his vision for when the project is over: Riverbottom being the go-to ice cream and coffee shop in the heart of a thriving, revitalized downtown.

"We have several new restaurants coming into downtown. That's going to help with more people parking in the area and (increase) visibility for all of us," Novak said. "It's a very positive thing."

Project updates, as well as a video, virtual tour and livestream of construction, are available at oldtownalgonquin.org.