Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

The clock on the Tower Building was being worked on today. Soon we may be able to find out what time it is in the City to Watch.


Another welcome sign is that the Fountain Square condos are painting the ugly preformed concrete on the north side of the building. Phase 2 was going to be built against it, but you know, the economy.

Speaking of signs, there is a new sign for the Spring Street Deck. It is just like the one at the Fulton Street Deck. See Signs post from 8/16/2008

It replaced one like this.

Illinois Main Street Day 2009

Tonya is in the Capitol today representing Elgin. Last night was dinner at the Governor's mansion with fellow main streeters.

Downtown Mixer - Tweetup

Wednesday, April 1 (No Fooling)
5 to 7 pm
Douglas Street Sports Bar
231 Douglas Ave.
Elgin, IL 60120

Cash bar, free knowledge.
RSVP here or on Facebook.

Last year, at our first Downtown Mixer we had Speed Networking. This year we're offering a different take on the same concept. We've been hearing that you want to learn more about all this social media stuff, so here's your chance.


"Speed Learning" at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 pm
At least three topics, a 15 minute small group presentation, Q&A.

Twitter, presented by Sarah Evans
Facebook for Business, presented by Steve Munson
Blogging, presented by Jessica Thompson

So join us for an evening of learning, networking and maybe even some fun.

Downtown Street Work - March 23rd

Construction continues week of 3/23. West (southbound) side of Douglas temporary lane closures.

Elgin - Phase III of the Central Business District’s $40 million Street Resurfacing and Streetscape Project is again underway as the City of Elgin continues to work toward the revitalization of its downtown area.

Water main service construction on Douglas Ave. between Chicago St. and Highland Ave. continues the week of March 23, 2009. With the west (southbound) side of Douglas Ave. under construction, temporary lane closures will be required to accomplish the work. Southbound traffic on Douglas Ave. will be detoured west on Highland Ave. to Grove Ave. Motorists will then turn south on Grove Ave. to Chicago St., head east on Chicago St. back to Douglas Ave. where traffic can continue south on Grove Ave. Northbound traffic will be allowed on Douglas Ave. through the work zone.

On street parking will be limited during construction. Patrons wishing to access businesses within this construction zone are encouraged to use the City Hall parking lot on the northwest corner of Douglas Ave. and Highland Ave. Pedestrian access through and around the construction zone will be maintained.

Water main installation on Division St. between Douglas Ave. and Center St. and on Symphony Way also between Douglas Ave. and Center St. continues this week. Two-way traffic on Division St. and Symphony Way will be maintained, but flaggers may direct traffic around the construction. Parking is restricted in the construction zones, but is available along area streets. Motorists are asked to use caution when traveling.

These lane closures will occur during normal working hours, approximately 7 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. All lanes will be open during the overnight hours.

Phase II Streetscape Construction

Installation of the brick paver crosswalks on Chicago St. between Riverside Dr. and Center St./Villa Court and the adjacent side streets, Grove and Douglas Avenues and Spring St. is scheduled to begin mid-April. Completion of the crosswalks is expected to take approximately two weeks once construction begins. Detailed information on construction schedules and lanes closures will be available prior to the start of the work.

Weekly progress meetings for the water main project are expected to be held on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. at the construction office located at 201 E. Chicago Street. Business and property owners are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the meeting to address questions or concerns regarding the construction. It’s anticipated that the meetings will begin within the next few weeks.

Specific construction questions can be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185.

For general information, contact Joe Evers at 847-931-5955 or visit the City’s website at www.cityofelgin.org and click the Gettin’ Around in Downtown link.