Downtown Elgin Top 10 | March 7 - March 14

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1.

Disney's Beauty & the Beast
Presented by CYT Chicago

Come see area youth perform this classic this weekend. Advanced tickets are $8-$12, $2 more at the door. Discounts are available. For tickets or more info call 847.516.2CYT or http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UkO3VvYqVoQe_c6QDxcI416hqmFNYVY7HaPe3ywLi2a-AczAwKA8Pug2FVwzOAkiEGHVQXWpw9lKaspoBiMn1g1kFA_bQDS_BAT8mFkiAd-veLMq3Ynenw==.

Friday, March 7, 7pm
Saturday, March 8, 2pm & 6pm
Sunday, March 9, 2pm
Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way

2.
Run for Your Wife
Performed by the Elgin Theatre Company

John Smith is an ordinary London cab driver with his own car, sets his hours, is hard working, punctual, etc. The exception is that he has two wives who don't know about each other! Adult tickets are $15. Students/Seniors $12. Call 847.741.0532 or e-mail tickets@inil.com For more info go to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UkO3VvYqVoQyGxncydXiOwhAmqDZAwryo-3ybgFsogxCtxAkG1LAIgUKvzmSspm7GRu0zYGVvwLiHToc_aA7DM0ho9t7q7XzTtveDN_LorzPHISwFWh6Dw==

Fri. & Sat., March 7 - March 15, 8pm
Theatre 355, 355 E. Chicago Street

3.
Two Plays by the Independent Players
Have your pick on two different story lines...

"Hay Fever"
General Admission $15, Seniors $12, Students $10. For tickets and information call 847-697-7374. Leave name and number and IP will call you back.

Fri. & Sat., March 7 - March 15, 8pm
Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

"Story Theatre"
General Admission $15, Seniors $12, 13yrs. and older $10, 12yrs and under $5. For tickets and information call 847-697-7374. Leave name and number and IP will call you back.

Sat. & Sun., March 8 - March 16, 3pm
Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

4.
Chicago Bandits Open House and unveiling of their retail store!

The Chicago Bandits, Elgin's newest sports team, will be hosting an open house this Saturday. The team will provide huge discounts on selected merchandise, raffles, giveaways, and more!Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be on hand. Everyone is welcome to attend! For more info, call our office at 877-7BANDIT or email us at chicagobanditsmedia@gmail.com

Downtown Elgin Businesses & Organizations:
This season, Chicago Bandits are starting their new Bandits Kids Club, which will provide kids the opportunity to become part of their ball club and your business as well. The Kids Club is free to join and will furnish every Kids Club member a variety of complimentary offers. If you would like to add coupons for a complimentary item to help drive new traffic into your location, please contact Gerry Clarke at 630-336-7164 or simply drop by our new office/store. Your business will be highlighted in their Kids Club link on their website, in their 2008 Chicago Bandits Media Guide, as well as $100 of free game tickets! In addition, they will furnish each participating sponsor the email club list to use for future offers you would like to promote.

Saturday, March 8, 10am - 2pm
Chicago Bandits Office, 72 S. Grove Avenue

5.
Liberty's Teeth Playing At the Pub
Rock 'N Roll Past, Present...Future!

This group does a variety of party rock from artists: Led Zepplin, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Blink 182, Guns and Roses, Green Day, Weezer, Velvet Revolver, Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne, and much more! For further info call the pub at 847.468.8810 or go to the band's website.

Saturday, March 8, evening
Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street

6.
Gail Borden Public Library in a Week
Remembering Abraham Lincoln's Legacy

Celebrate Abraham Lincoln by visiting an authentic 8 by 10 foot log cabin built right in the middle of the library rotunda. And right behind this lil' log cabin are two tables full of "Lincoln logs" to play with! The library will continue to celebrate "all things Lincoln" as part of A Tapestry of Freedom and in anticipation of Lincoln's 200th birthday anniversary in 2009.

Second Sunday Concert Series
A native of Lviv, Ukraine, Mr. Dzhuryn has performed cello with Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma and Sir Georg Solti. He now performs with Russian Pianist Mikhail Yanovitski in the community rooms.Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments after the performance. Free tickets are now available at the Greeter and Second Floor Information Desks.

Sunday, March 9, 2pm - 3pm
Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave
For further info call 847.742.2411

7.
Kiwanis Club of Elgin - Guest Speaker
A club that meets every Tuesday in Downtown!

Kiwanis Club of Elgin is an International Service Club that raises and donates money to various local charities. They meet every Tuesday at Prairie Rock. All are welcome to attend. This Tuesday, March 11 Gerald Anderson will be speaking. Lunch is $10 payable to the club. For more information call 847.695.1316.
Tuesday, March 11, Noon
Prairie Rock Brewing Company
127 S. Grove Avenue

8.
American Cancer Society Walk & Roll Kick-Off

Come meet this proactive organization March 18, at their after hours, and join them in celebrating the 36th ainniversary of Walk & Roll as they raise over $1.1 million to fight cnater.

On May 10, you can participate in the first annual Walk & Roll Elgin event at Festival Park. Participants can register online at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UkO3VvYqVoQ_oe0pB2n5LiB3_7O6H1XVT1_bWJzceBvSy7t8xAQWk7RpE1VCo2iBiCZyIVI_QVsL09LPPVGCOFr-PGoa1O_s2P-4coDDVQV7e9UWBolrfQ== to sign up their team.

To RSVP, get involved, or for more information, contact the American Cancer Society at 630-879-9009 x3 or e-mail ILWalkRoll.Elgin@cancer.org.

Tuesday, March 18, 4pm - 8pm
Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue
RSVP by Tuesday, March 11!

9.

Tribal Style Bellydance Show & Class
Time to watch and learn how to bellydance!

Come out to the Martini Room for a night of performances by the Blue Lotus Tribe and Christina's student troupe Lotus Bloom. There will also be a mini workshop and open dancing!
There is a $5 cover charge. Future performances at this venue - April 16, May 21, June 18. For more information call 773.454.6493.

Wednesday, March 12, 8:30pm
Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago Street

10.
YWCA Elgin Leadership Award
H.S. Senior Women: A scholarship to help with advanced education!

In celebration of its 25th Annual Leader Luncheon on May 8, 2008, the YWCA Elgin will honor a graduating high school woman seeking an advanced education. An initial $1,000 scholarship renewable for three additional years will be presented to the recipient at the celebration. Applications and instructions regarding the award are online at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UkO3VvYqVoRwPfcXq_7xBLzEgxLzNCxQvMDclnVDJgMLMO514djyoEWY5maLPezPOZE-U28lTr7XeSPaMm2G1IVHo0Giy1PdohkcBwJKYCuhUujgQz01Pw== until the March 14 deadline. Packets are also available at the YWCA Elgin, 220 East Chicago St. Questions? Contact the YWCA, 847-742-7930.

Deadline for this application is March 14!

Next Clue for Lookin' for Lincoln in Downtown Elgin

Abe will be back in town March 10 to 16. Here's the clue to help you find him:

Whether you are coming to this downtown hotspot to run the track, play in the pool, take a dance class or attend a fancy banquet, you’re sure to find Abe hanging out and having fun. Remember to put your name in the drawing to win Abe, and you’ll also get 10 percent off your purchase of pool passes for Wing and Lord’s Park Family Aquatic Center.

Lookin’ for Lincoln is a year-long promotion put on by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin. For one week each month, a lifesize cardboard cut-out of Abraham Lincoln appears at a different downtown business or establishment offering a special promotion or discount. When you spot him be sure to enter your name in the drawing to win Cardboard Abe. The drawing will be held at the Window Wonderland event on December 6.

Welcome to the Neighborhood of Downtown Elgin

A few months ago I went to visit my brother in Bucktown, a neighborhood of Chicago, and had an epiphany.

Downtown Elgin is Bucktown.

Okay, we are not literally Bucktown, but we are very much like an up-and-coming neighborhood of Chicago. We are on the uphill climb towards revitalization. We have an urban backdrop of beautiful architecture. Our arts scene is on the verge of exploding. We have a good sampling of restaurants and bars and people are hungry for more. We are attractive to young professionals and real estate developers. And the community that exists among the residents and businesses in a neighborhood is very present here in Downtown Elgin.

Bottom line – we are cool. And unlike any of those neighborhoods of Chicago, we have parking. Booyah!

But the neighborhood of Downtown Elgin is not just for the residents and businesses with a downtown address. Downtown Elgin is “everyone’s neighborhood.”

So, please join me in welcoming two new businesses to our neighborhood – Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano and the Chicago Bandits corporate office and retail store.

Villa Verone, located at 13 Douglas Avenue, is now open for dinner and will open for lunch later in the month. Along with fabulous authentic Italian food, you’ll enjoy a diverse wine list, very knowledgeable and entertaining servers, live jazz music on Thursday nights and Pietro, the owner.

The Chicago Bandits, a professional softball team that will open its season at Judson University this summer, is having an open house Saturday, March 8 at their office at 72 South Grove. Check out the Bandits wear and meet their great staff. As the Bandits tagline says, “They’ll steal your heart.”

So, get out there, be neighborly and enjoy your neighborhood.

Hot times, summer in the city

I don’t know about you, but I am so over this weather.

For those of you who feel you are being consumed by the gloom of a never-ending winter, do not despair. Summer is coming. And it will be a hot one in downtown Elgin.

With the opening of Festival Park last year and a summer full of successful events like Fox Fire Fest, Fiesta Salsa, and Duckapolooza, everyone is clamoring to get those special event applications in to the city to have their event downtown.

Here is what the Downtown Neighborhood Association has in store. Be sure to check the City of Elgin website in the coming months for all the other hot happenings.

Though summer doesn’t officially begin until June, the downtown event season heats up with the Cinco de Mayo Festival, May 1-4 at the former Gail Borden Library site along the Fox River. This year’s festival promises to be a big cultural celebration boiling over with great food, music, dancing, entertainment, children’s activities, and a carnival by Windy City Amusements.

Next in the DNA’s summertime lineup is the Fourth of July Parade, which is quickly becoming one of the best parades in the ‘burbs. This year’s parade will celebrate “the red, white and Blues,” and kicks off with a chase scene that would make Jake and Elwood proud. Honest Abe will also make a special appearance, in Blues Brothers shades and top hat, of course. Parade participant applications will be available in the early spring.

The Elgin Cycling Classic will ride alongside Fox Fire Fest again this year on August 3. More than 200 cyclists come from all over the Midwest to challenge themselves on our downtown course and a chance to win more than $12,000 in cash prizes. Online registration for participants opens in the early spring.

The Downtown Elgin Car and AFV Show on September 6 was a new event last year that has great potential to draw large crowds with the variety of vintage to hybrid vehicles that will be on display. We are pairing this event with a 3-day carnival so there will be lots of fun for the whole family, even if you aren’t a car enthusiast.

The summer event season comes to a close in mid-September so you will have a little break to rest up for the DNA’s 10th Anniversary Party at the Grand Victoria Casino in early October. The event will be a black-tie (optional) affair celebrating 10 years of downtown revitalization.

We wrap up 2008 with our annual Window Wonderland event on December 6, with lots of decorated storefront windows and holiday entertainment in the theme of The Nutcracker Suite.

If your organization or business would like to participate in any of the above events as entertainment, booth exhibitors, sponsors or volunteers, please contact the Downtown Neighborhood Association at (847) 488-1456 or email me at thudson@elginil.org.

Lincoln Spotted at Keeney's Sporting Goods

A few weeks ago I gave you the first clue for our “Lookin’ for Lincoln” promotion – where each month a lifesize cut-out of Abe Lincoln will hang out in a downtown location for a week and offer a special promotion. The clue was:

When this downtown business was established, Grover Cleveland was president. The business started as a drug store but when the current owner’s great-great-grandfather took over in 1946 it became a sporting goods store. If Lincoln were alive today he could get his U-46 gym suit and varsity letterman’s jacket at this store.

Did you find Abe? He was at Keeney’s Sporting Goods at 19 Douglas Ave. He donned an Elgin Maroons cap and scarf during his stay with owner Patricia Keeney. Look for the next Lookin’ for Lincoln clue on March 8.

As one door closes, another one opens

Let’s Meet for Coffee, the little coffee shop on Highland Avenue, has closed its doors after almost two in the cup a joe and morning gossip business. The shop’s regulars (and decafs) will certainly miss owner Lachell Jeffries, whose personality is as sweet as her mocha lattes.

Even new customers were not new for long. Lachell treated everyone as if she had known them forever. Her life was an open book. And to make a long story short, in the end, Lachell had to put her family first and close the coffee shop.

From all of us downtown, we wish you the best, Lachell. Thank you for sharing your steaming espresso and warm spirit with us.

So it goes in a city in the midst of revitalization, as we good-bye to Let’s Meet for Coffee, we say hello to Villa Verone, opening the week of March 3.

Downtown Elgin now marks the third location for experienced restaurateur Pietro Verone, who has owned and operated Villa Verone restaurants in Geneva for 12 years and Sycamore for five years.

When Fred and Judy Steffen closed the door to Café Magdalena at 13 Douglas Avenue at the start of the year, Pietro saw an open door for expanding his Villa Verone empire. Though Café Magdalena regulars will recognize the painted blue sky ceiling and the checkerboard tile floor, they may be pleasantly surprised by some of the remodeling Pietro has done.

When I first met Pietro he was standing on the very top of a tall ladder in nice Italian shoes, dress pants, and a blazer putting a faux finish on the walls. He was instantly charming. He likes to joke. I’m sure you will love him.

From all of us downtown, “Buona Fortuna” on your opening, Pietro.

Lookin' for Lincoln in Downtown Elgin

February is the month of heart-shaped candies, red roses, funny valentines and… Honest Abe?

Yes, February 12 marks Abraham Lincoln’s 199th Birthday – a day that I normally wouldn’t pay much attention to. But State Representative Ruth Munson has changed all that. She’s got the whole city in a Lincoln state of mind.

Munson, along with Karen Fox at U-46 and Cherie Murphy at the City of Elgin, have gathered a small army of people together to plan a year-long Lincoln celebration that will culminate in a community-wide 200th Birthday Party for Abe on February 12, 2009.

The festivities aptly begin with and are centered around the Gail Borden Library’s Tapestry of Freedom exhibit, a four-month endeavor that promotes harmony, respect and unity through the celebration of black history, women’s history, cultural diversity and preservation. The exhibit spotlights the faces, expression and histories of freedom and it starts today. Check out the library’s website for more information.

Following the tried and true template of the year-long 150th Anniversary celebration in Elgin, the Lincoln committee is not looking to plan a bunch of new events but rather to have existing events take on the Lincoln theme. That may be as literal as dancing Abes in the July 4th Parade or as general as celebrating freedom at the Cinco de Mayo Festival.

I’m big on themes – my Barbie birthday party of 1989 is like legendary. But themes do more than make fun memories. They build bridges. They bring ideas and people together. Which is something that Lincoln fought to do. And its something that our community really needs right now.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association is kicking off its Lincoln activities with a special promotion. It’s kinda quirky, but so was Lincoln.

Though Honest Abe never came to Elgin during his Presidency, he’ll be hanging around Downtown throughout the year, spending one week of each month at a downtown shop or restaurant. I don’t want to freak you out. It’s not really Abe – it’s a lifesize cardboard cut out of him.

I will give you a clue in my column prior to his arrival so that you can find him and get 10 percent off your purchase. Be sure to sign his back side each time you spot him and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win him at the city’s tree lighting ceremony on December 6. You know you’ve always wanted a lifesize Abe Lincoln in your living room – so here’s your chance.

Abe is scheduled to arrive downtown just in time for his birthday on February 12 and will stay for a week. Here is the clue to help you find him:

When this downtown business was established, Grover Cleveland was president. The business started as a drug store but when the current owner’s great-great-grandfather took over in 1946 it became a sporting goods store. If Lincoln were alive today he could get his U-46 gym suit and varsity letterman’s jacket at this store.

Banner Years in Downtown

Are you a downtown business that is celebrating a banner year? We want to know about it! Banner years are anniversary years that end in either "0" or "5" and also include the 1-year anniversary.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association is celebrating our 10th Anniversary! A few of our neighbors celebrating banner years are:

Keeney's Sporting Goods - 125 years
Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce - 100 years
Elgin Public House - 1 year

Add more to the list by posting a comment.

Downtown Elgin - Something to Brag About

Cities are big on bragging rights.

They post their accomplishments on signs throughout the city. They write their achievements on the water tower. Like the one in Hebron painted to look like a basketball boasting their 1952 state champs. Or the plaque in Woodstock’s Town Square that proclaims “Ned’s Corner: Groundhog Day Movie – 1992.”

When it comes to bragging rights, Elgin’s got ‘em. Though we don’t often use ‘em. Perhaps we’re modest. Perhaps we’re just too busy to put up signs and paint water towers.

But there is one small brown sign on the corner of Kimball Street and Dundee Avenue whose four little words speak volumes about our city’s rich past, exciting present and bright future. And those words are … drumroll, please . . . Illinois Main Street Community.

Okay, they don’t sound very exciting, but they are. I have to admit those words meant nothing to me for the past seven years that I drove past them. In any case, over the past few months I’ve learned that those words play a major roll in the revitalization of our downtown, as well as 1,200 other historic downtowns across the country.

The Main Street Program is a comprehensive community revitalization program that promotes historic preservation and economic development to restore prosperity and vitality to downtowns and neighborhood business districts.

Though there is no “Main Street” in Elgin, the City was designated as an Illinois Main Street community in 2002. The Downtown Neighborhood Association utilizes the Main Street model to manage its operations and revitalization efforts.

What happened to downtown Elgin in the 1980s and 1990s happened to many downtowns across the country. Where once all roads led to downtown, the development and expansion of roads brought opportunities for new retail, restaurants and residential. Just picture Randall Road, and you get the idea.

Though this greatly expanded the city’s tax base, it also created some very tough competition for the independent businesses of the traditional business district. Many of them couldn’t compete, and they left, leaving vacant storefronts and no one to care for them. Our downtowns became ghost towns. And some of them got pretty scary.

But with their city’s support and the help of the Main Street program, downtowns nationwide are going through a renaissance. They are being appreciated for their historical fabric and their unique potential for retail, restaurants and residential. People are realizing that the downtown is the heart of their community, and that heartbeat is getting stronger by the day.

Downtown Elgin is no exception. With the city’s streetscape project, events in Festival Park, riverfront living, unique shops, distinctive restaurants, the Hemmens, the Library, the Centre, the Grand Vic… Downtown Elgin has some big time bragging rights. So, let’s use them.

Great Deals on Office Space in Downtown Elgin

Who says you can’t get something for nothing? Or, next to nothing, anyway.

My husband is scoping out an office space for his video production company. Of course, I suggest Downtown Elgin. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t. But what I saw during our scope out process surprised even me. I wanted to open up a small business just to get the great deals that some of these property owners are offering.

I have heard from many business owners, those with storefronts and those with upper story offices, that they chose Downtown Elgin for the “cheap rent.” Now, “cheap” is a relative term. But how does 500 bucks a month sound?

That’s what my husband found in the Professional Building on Division Street. He’s got his eye on a 600 square foot space on the third floor with two enclosed offices and a lobby. It’s not luxurious, but it is rich with history. It’s got the frosted pane doors and windows reminiscent of a P.I.’s office in a noir film. Think Bogart in The Big Sleep. If you stop in during the week, Mr. Pearson can show you the available spaces. But don’t you dare call him Mr. Parsons, despite what his shirt says. Just a word of advice. That one’s on the house.

If you want breathtaking views that really should cost more than they do (and certainly will someday soon) check out the Elgin Tower Building. Built as a 15-story luxurious bank in 1929, timing was the Tower Building’s foe from the start. The Home National Bank opened in May of 1929, the stock market crashed just a few months later and the Great Depression took what little chance the bank had left to survive.

But today, an investment in the Tower Building can yield great returns. Just check out the offices of architects Roger Muterspaugh or Eric Pepa – both are wonderful examples of modern design in a historic building. Just don’t eat lunch before stepping onto the manually operated elevators. You might lose it.

You can find more amazing deals on private offices in the Commerce Building on the corner of Spring St. and DuPage Ct., as well as a number of smaller buildings scattered throughout downtown. If you’re looking to spend a little more for modern amenities, check out the Burritt Building on South Grove. Certainly Burnidge Cassell Associates would be willing to show off their top floor digs.

If you’re looking for retail or restaurant space, take a walk around downtown and check out the variety of storefronts just waiting to be filled. Some of them need some elbow grease but others only need a little TLC. Most have elements of historic charm, like exposed brick and tin ceilings. In a few years these windows of opportunity will be hard to come by, especially at these prices.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association can help you to find the space you’re looking for in Downtown through our partnerships with the City of Elgin, property owners and managers and real estate agents. Once you’ve decided on Downtown, we’ll call out the welcome wagon and help you settle in to your new neighborhood. And here’s the best part – we do all that for free.

So, I guess you can get something for nothing these days, at least in Downtown Elgin.

Get Your Gifts in Downtown Elgin

Mom, Dad, and anyone else on my Christmas gift-buying list, if you’re reading this, stop right here. The following article contains top secret information about your Christmas gifts. And I’ll totally know if you read it by the fake look of surprise when you open them on Tuesday. So, shoo.

Okay, everybody else, you’ve got just a few hours left to get some really unique gifts in Downtown Elgin for those hard to buy for people on your list. Yes, you heard me right, there is shopping in Downtown Elgin. I have proof. Allow me to explain.

So, I’m looking for a wine rack for my parents. But not one that when people come over they say, “Oh, I have that wine rack. Target, right?” I want a really nice wine rack that elicits a “Where on God’s green earth did you get that wine rack, it’s so cool!” kind of response. Yes, some people do get that excited about wine racks.

I go to the typical places. I brave the horrendous traffic on Randall Road to deal with people whose Christmas spirit is clearly waning. And I see the same few pieces of metal welded together to hold a couple bottles of wine. Blah, blah, blah.

But then, I go to Lily Falls in Downtown Elgin. Vicki has four different wine racks to choose from, each one as cool as the next. And she crawls around on the floor playing with my one year old while I shop. Plus, while I’m there, I find something for my sister-in-law and my girlfriend. Score!

Next was the mother-in-law. What to get for the woman from whom you stole her only son? I suggest a gorgeous antique pin from Keeney’s.

Patricia Keeney’s family has been in business in Downtown Elgin for 125 years – she not only sells treasures, she is one. Her grandfather transitioned the business from a drug store to a sporting goods store back in the 1930s. And Patricia put her two cents in, as she has been known to do, by adding P.K. Antiques to the mix. She has some really beautiful antique jewelry and some fabulous 1970’s coats. So, I got the gorgeous pin for my mother-in-law, and I got a letterman’s jacket for my Elgin High football player nephew. Score, again!

Now, if I was a husband with a brilliant wife who wanted something dazzling to celebrate their seven wonderful years of marriage and the sacrifice that she endured to carry their first-born child, I might stop in to Shockey Jewelers or Elgin Jewelers. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

Gift certificates are always great, too. How about two tickets to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and a gift certificate to a downtown restaurant? Or a day of pampering at the new Salon Couture? Or coffee for a month at Ravenheart or Let’s Meet for Coffee?

There is something for everyone on your list, especially if you’re looking for something unique and you want a little personal attention. See all that Downtown Elgin has to offer, for the holidays and everyday, at http://www.communitywalk.com/downtownelgin.

I can’t wait for Tuesday when my parents open their gift and people ask “Where on God’s green earth did you get that wine rack?” and I can say, “Downtown Elgin.”

DNA Holiday Soiree... Was it snazzy enough for ya?

So, all 75+ of you who braved the non-existent ice storm to attend the DNA Holiday Soiree at Martini Room, did you have a good time? What did you like about it? What can we change for next year to make it better? We're already working on the weather, but what else? Let us know what you think!

We heard many positive comments about the jazz band. If the band were to play Martini Room on a regular basis, would you become a Martini Room regular?

Thank you, and Happy Holidays!

Tonya & Jennifer
DNA

Photos by David Benson

Gettin' Snazzy in Downtown Elgin

As Tom Skilling was all but forbidding people to leave their homes during the ice storm that was really nothing more than some plain old rain last Tuesday night, a crowd of people were enjoying some snazzy, jazzy holiday fun in downtown Elgin’s Martini Room at the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Holiday Soiree (which is pronounced swor-A… it’s just a snazzy name for a party. Feel free to use it for your next gathering. People will think you are ultra cool).

There was a live jazz band, favorite fare from downtown restaurants and, of course, snazzy cocktails that slosh over the rim of their snazzy glasses in transit. Luckily, that was the only sloshing going on. Everyone was very well behaved.

Events like this where neighbors, fellow business owners, city staff and organizations can connect and enjoy their downtown is where the true “power meetings” are happening. Over the next few days I heard some great stories of people making new business contacts, trying out a new restaurant, and changing their perspective on what is and what can be in downtown Elgin.

Martini Room is one of our many best kept secrets down here. We at DNA hope that events like our Holiday Soiree will turn the rumor mill on turbo speed. If you have a good time downtown, tell someone about it. Did you love the music? Tell someone. Did you love the food? Tell someone. Better yet, bring some friends or clients with you to check it out for themselves. And then post your comments on our blog so you can tell the whole wide world about it!

Though we love for people to have a good time, we don’t throw parties (or soirees) just to throw parties. We want our parties, events, workshops and all that we do to have an economic impact on our downtown businesses. We want you to shop, dine, enjoy, live in and love downtown, and we want our businesses to prosper.

With marketing dollars in high demand and attention spans at an all-time low, the personal invitation is still one of the most effective marketing tools out there. Use it. I’ll start… uh-hem… I, Tonya Hudson, am personally inviting you to enjoy your downtown. Make the most of what is here, and believe me when I say, more is sure to come.

There’s more than meets the eye downtown

As I’ve been walking the streets of downtown Elgin over the past two months as the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s new director, two things have become very apparent.

Number one: I really need to get some comfortable shoes. And number two: Downtown Elgin is a victim of that nasty little fallacy called the sweeping generalization.

I first learned about sweeping generalizations in Helen Gudeman’s English class at Larsen Middle School. A sweeping generalization is an error of omission that assumes what is true under certain conditions must be true under all conditions.

For example, the statement “all birds have wings so all birds can fly.” Well, that sweeping generalization doesn’t account for those poor little land bound birds like the penguin and the emu.

Okay, here’s another one: I don’t go to Downtown Elgin because there is nothing there for me.

That may have been true five years ago, but it certainly isn’t true now. There are more restaurants, retail, professional services, residents and events down here than there have been in a long time. And there are more coming.

So, I challenge you to sweep those generalizations under the rug and support downtown revitalization by doing these five things:

(1) Have lunch or dinner downtown once a month.
The holidays are a great time to bring out of town friends and family downtown to experience our unique and charming restaurants. They can eat at a Chili’s in any city, but they can only at Elgin Public House in Downtown Elgin.

(2) Give the businesses a chance to change your mind.
For your next haircut, or insurance quote, or picture to be framed, try our downtown merchants. I can tell you from personal experience that it is really rewarding to support local, independently owned businesses. You are personally helping someone to succeed and you’ll get that personal touch that is often missing at the big chains.

(3) Stay informed.
DNA sends an email blast every Thursday that has the top ten things happening in downtown Elgin that week. And I’ll tell you, it’s hard to choose only ten. You can sign up for the e-blast on our website.

(4) Volunteer
We are having an open call for people interested in volunteering on Thursday, December 13 at 8:30am at the DNA office in the Elgin Tower Building. Our volunteers are directly involved with projects that promote, beautify and revitalize downtown. Stop by or give me a call to talk about our volunteer opportunities.

And, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t say…

(5) Become a member or a sponsor of DNA.
You’ll make great personal and professional contacts and your sponsorship dollars will be a smart investment. You can play a direct role in revitalizing downtown by partnering with us.

So, are you with me? Good. I’ll see you downtown. And don’t laugh at my gym shoes and business suit. It’s a downtown thing.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

And Bob in his hardhat and Joe on his Cat have just settled down for a long winter’s nap.

Construction has come to a close on Phase I of the Downtown Elgin Streetscape Plan, just in time for a flurry of holiday activities.

Though a few barricades and sandbags remain, not a dump truck will be stirring, not even a drill until early next year.

Okay, enough with the forced ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas metaphors – they just don’t really work with construction terminology.

Anyway, it’s the most wonderful time of the year to come downtown and see what you’ve been missing. Starting today.

Ever seen a real live reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and the whole gang is hanging out in the City Hall parking lot today. No, they’re not awaiting their court date, though they are a wily crew. They are part of the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s annual Window Wonderland event happening today all throughout downtown Elgin.

Santa’s here too making a special appearance to promote his new movie. That guy is always reinventing himself. He’s like the Travolta of the North Pole. The kiddies can have lunch with him at The Centre from 11 to 12:30 or 1 to 2:30 – just give a call to 847-931-6100 to pre-register. Santa will also be available for free pictures in the Professional Building at 164 Division Street from 12 to 5pm. How can Santa be in two places at once, you ask? As my nephew would say, “Duh, he’s Santa.” Duh.

There’s also a live nativity scene in the parking lot next to the Galleria on North Grove with Larkin Avenue Baptist Church presenting a narration of the Gospel of Luke. Carolers will accompany the “bahs” and “moos”.

Now the main event, as the name implies, are the decorated storefront windows sprinkled throughout downtown. More than 25 businesses and volunteer groups decorated windows in the theme of “Holidays of the Past, Present and Future.” You’ll get a passport to help you make your way around downtown to find the windows. You can travel by foot or by trolley to survey the handiwork and then vote for your favorite. Many of the businesses are offering free hot chocolate and other goodies and lots of fun activities so be sure to stop in and get your passport stamped.

The day closes with fun in Festival Park as the city presents its annual tree lighting ceremony beginning at 5pm, complete with free sleigh rides and readings of the Polar Express.

So bring the family down for some holiday fun. You’ll be surprised to see what a few watts of electricity and a little holiday cheer can do. No doubt you’ll have visions of downtown Elgin dancing in your head.

‘Tis the Season for Giving

I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.

Earlier this week the Downtown Neighborhood Association received an envelope from the Grand Victoria Foundation. And it wasn’t one of those thin, bulk-mailed “we regret to inform you” envelopes. It was a thick, typewriter-addressed “we’ve got good news for you” envelopes.

I tore it open to find the gift that I never knew I had always wanted… DNA had been chosen to receive a $10,000 grant from the Grand Victoria Foundation’s Grantworks Program.

Even my favorite Christmas gift of all time – the Deluxe Easy Bake Oven – couldn’t compete with this.

DNA is now in the company of other local non-profits such as Boys & Girls Club, the Elgin Public Museum and the Literacy Connection who have been able to take some big leaps forward with the help of the Grand Victoria Foundation’s Elgin Grantworks Program. The program offers general operating grants and a variety of tools and learning opportunities to enhance Elgin's nonprofit sector.

“Giving” may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the riverboat. But you may be surprised to learn that the Grand Victoria Casino allocates 20 percent of its annual adjusted net operating income to programs that benefit the community. Of that 20 percent, 12.5 percent is directed to the Grand Victoria Foundation, which manages and administers the funds through grant programs like Elgin Grantworks.

The grant from Grand Victoria Foundation is the first private grant that DNA has received in its almost ten years of existence. I could flatter myself and say that the poignant prose of our grant proposal moved the Foundation directors to tears. But then I’d have to tell myself to get over myself. This victory belongs to the DNA volunteers.

So, in the spirit of the season, I would like to “give thanks” to all the volunteers who have worked so hard over the past ten years to build DNA into an organization that the Grand Victoria Foundation felt was worth investing in. You know who you are. You’ve knocked on doors asking for sponsorships. You’ve called in every favor you had saved up in your lifetime. You’ve stood outside in 100 degree heat at the 4th of July Parade and you were still patriotic when it was all over.

So, on behalf of the DNA Board of Directors and the Staff, thank you volunteers, for all that you have done and continue to do to support downtown revitalization. You are appreciated.
Oh, and I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t say we are currently recruiting volunteers for 2008. If you are interested in learning more about how to get involved with DNA, give me a call at (847) 488-1456 or email me at thudson@elginil.org.

Downtown Wayfinding Signs

No, you’re not seeing quadruple.

Last week the City had four examples of new wayfinding signs installed along South Grove Avenue between Prairie and Fulton Streets. At first glance they may seem identical, but if you take a closer look you’ll see some small variations.

The City’s Project Action Team is soliciting feedback from the community about the signage. The Downtown Neighborhood Association has offered this blog as a quick and easy way to let them know what you think.

If you’re pretty adept at getting around downtown, try to think like an out-of-towner as you scope out the signage. Like Uncle Ned from Wisconsin. If he’s driving by at 20 miles per hour, would that sign be helpful or confusing? Is there enough information? Is there too much? Is it the right information?

Having just come off a major signage project at Judson University, I’ve learned a thing or two about signage. Number one – signs are information tools. They should present information clearly and effectively. Number two – signs are marketing tools. So, not only should they present information clearly and effectively, but they should present it in an appealing and eye-catching way. And that way is different for each business or organization or, in this case, city.

For example, though St. Charles and Elgin may have the same information on its signs, like directions to the riverfront or to the library, the signs themselves would be as different as St. Charles and Elgin are from each other.

Though you should never judge a book by its cover, people will judge a city by its signage. Which is why the City has invested a lot of time and resources into a comprehensive wayfinding signage system for downtown. It’s all part of the downtown streetscape project. The signs you see on Grove are just one example. We will see more popping up as phases of construction are completed.

So here’s your chance, Elgin. Check out the signs and get to blogging.

Safety in Numbers

When I told my dad about my new job in downtown Elgin, he bought me a celebration gift. A can of pepper spray.

My dad’s gift got me thinking about the perception of safety in Downtown Elgin. And about how perceptions are often a few steps behind reality.

The City of Elgin recently conducted a survey to capture the public’s perceptions about a variety of issues, one of which was safety. The survey showed that 89% of people feel safe walking in Downtown Elgin during the day. However, after the sun goes down in the city, only 42% of people said they feel safe walking Downtown.

In reality, the crime rate in Elgin is actually considered low, relatively speaking, despite some recent crime “spikes.” In fact, the rate of violent crime in Elgin dropped 12 percent from 2005 to 2006, according to the Elgin Police Department’s 2006 Annual Crime Report.

Another recent study showed that when compared to eight other Illinois cities of similar size and scope, Elgin was second only to Naperville for having the lowest crime rate.

Surprised? I was. And then I wondered how many dads give their daughters pepper spray when they get jobs in downtown Naperville.

But, in the end, perceptions trump stats. Though stats don’t lie, they also don’t make your heart beat any slower when you’re walking alone at night on a dark, desolate street.

“Dark” and “desolate” are two words that the City and the Downtown Neighborhood Association are hoping to get out of people’s vocabulary when they’re talking about downtown Elgin. And changing the way we talk about Downtown is a big step towards changing others’ perceptions of it.

The City’s downtown streetscape project will replace those bad “D” words with good “B” words like “bright” and “bustling.” Enhanced street lighting is one of the project’s key features. Take a stroll down South Grove Avenue and you can see what they will look like. And brick sidewalk and street pavers, newspaper stands, benches, planters and other aesthetic upgrades will all help to make the Downtown appear more attractive and welcoming for new businesses, residents and visitors.

Increased pedestrian traffic also contributes to the feeling of safety in a downtown. Maybe because we know that there is safety in numbers. Take Michigan Avenue for instance. You probably don’t feel unsafe walking the Mag Mile at night, even though you may be stepping over sleeping street people along the way. It’s bright. It’s bustling. It feels relatively safe.

I’m certainly not advocating to let your guard down, whether you’re downtown or uptown. Being aware of your surroundings is key to staying safe. But I am advocating that as you look at those surroundings when you’re walking downtown, see how they have changed and are changing. Then tell someone about it.

Take Five This Week

This has been the week of “I’ll be five minutes late” meetings.

Construction on Chicago Street this week caused more than a few of my appointments to call and say they would be five minutes late. The tension in their voices was even louder than the jackhammers in the background.

For those of us who work downtown, the loud machinery and the flying dust is part of the job. We wave to the construction guys. We leap over chunks of concrete on the sidewalk. We calm people down over the phone as they try to get to our meetings. And we remind ourselves that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

But for those of you who only frequent downtown for occasional meetings and trips to the post office, do not despair. There’s help out there for you.

The City of Elgin has a website called “Gettin’ Around in Downtown” that is devoted to the Central Business District Streetscape Project. You can access it from the city’s homepage at www.cityofelgin.org. There you can learn all about the streetscape project and see video and images of what our revitalized downtown will look like. You’ll also find weekly construction updates, detour routes and the best places to park.

So for your own sanity’s sake, before you come downtown, check the Construction Updates area of the website. It will make those five extra minutes it takes to get to where you need to go much more enjoyable.

My suggestion is to park in one of the garages on Symphony Way, Spring Street or Fulton Street or in the civic lot on Douglas and walk to your destination. It will give you a chance to see the construction progress up close. Take a gander at S. Grove Street where the new brick pavers, sidewalks, street lights and curbs are in. You might even see the first crop of people moving into the new Fountain Square condos.

And while you’re down here, you might as well stop and have some lunch. Akina’s Thai Restaurant is just a hop, skip and a jump across the rubble from Fountain Square. I recommend the Paht Takrai (Lemon Grass Stir-Fry). You get to choose how spicy you want your dish prepared. I’m a two-star “medium” girl myself, but if you’re feeling crazy, go for the five-star “suicide.”

And don’t forget, you have to pick up that gift for so-and-so for that thing this weekend. So stop by that charming new little Lily Falls Gift Boutique at 10 Douglas. Say hi to Vicki for me.

On your way back to the parking garage you may see people in their cars making calls saying they’ll be five minutes late and looking all out of sorts about it. But you’re feeling good, because you’ve seen first hand all of the progress that those five minutes out of your day is bringing to downtown Elgin.


ABOUT TONYA & THE DNA

Tonya Hudson is the executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, a volunteer-driven coalition that supports the revitalization of downtown Elgin. She is a lifelong Elgin resident, a graduate of Judson University, a wife and a new mom. You can stop in and see Tonya at the DNA office on the first floor of the Tower Building at Chicago and Douglas or send her an email at thudson@elginil.org.

(Re) Discovering Downtown

“I’ve lived in Elgin a long time, and I never knew this was here.”

That could be Downtown Elgin’s new tagline. It may not be catchy, but it’s true.

I recently attended an event at the new Elgin Art Showcase in The Professional Building at 164 Division Street. As I eavesdropped on passing conversations I heard that same sentiment again and again.

People were awed by the grandiose lobby with its gothic arches and marble floors. They were impressed by the top floor gallery and performance space with its large picture windows overlooking a downtown at the crossroads of history and progress.

I myself am a lifelong Elginite and I have never stepped foot in The Professional Building. Never had a reason to. All the professionals in my life leased space elsewhere.

But someone had the brilliant idea to give people a new reason to visit the Professional Building – to experience local visual and performing arts in an affordable, accessible public space. And, at the same time, people can discover 20 or more professional businesses that they never knew were there.

Discovering new uses for old treasures is what revitalization is all about. The discovery usually starts something like “Hey, wouldn’t it be great if Elgin had . . .” Then a group of people say, “Yeah, it would be really great if Elgin had . . .” Then those people add a little elbow grease to their collective passion and make it happen. Then they invite the community to enjoy the final product of their discovery and say “Isn’t it so great that Elgin now has . . . ?” And, hopefully, the community agrees.

And that, my new friends, is what the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) is all about. People who not only have ideas for how to make downtown an exciting and thriving place to live, work and enjoy, but who will readily roll up their sleeves and help make it happen. People who see the downtown as a treasure hunt and who are excited to discover the potential that is hiding here. People who see vacant storefronts as windows of opportunity for business owners and customers alike.

When I read in the newspaper about the position for the executive director of the DNA, I discovered that I am one of these people. I’ve lived in Elgin my whole life, and I never knew that I had such a passion for this city.

Now I’m on a mission to rediscover downtown from a whole new perspective. And I want you to join me. Each week I’ll fill you in on what’s happening down here – the good and the “could be better.” I hope that you will take that step from discovering downtown on Saturday with me in the paper to discovering downtown at an event with me in person.

Maybe we can have t-shirts made with our new tagline.


ABOUT TONYA & THE DNA

Tonya Hudson is the executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, a volunteer-driven coalition that supports the revitalization of downtown Elgin. She is a lifelong Elgin resident, a graduate of Judson University, a wife and a new mom. You can stop in and see Tonya at the DNA office on the first floor of the Tower Building at Chicago and Douglas or send her an email at thudson@elginil.org.

City of Elgin Citizen Request Tracker

I wanted to share my experience with a feature on the City of Elgin website, Citizen Request Tracker. Like many of you, I sometimes view the world of information on the web with blinders on. I visit a site with a specific purpose and go right to the link I need without any exploring. Well, the mind has amazing powers. Even though I never paid much attention to the image on the left, my brain did and when it came time to use it, some neurons got together and said, Hey dummy, why don't you try this. Now back to my story.

Wednesday, July 11th around 11 am.

I was walking north on Spring Street near Fulton. A group of people ahead of me, possibly visitors, has to duck to maneuver around low hanging branches. Yes, I've encountered this obstacle before and said, I should call this in when I get to the office. Alas, the idea is usually forgotten by the time I reach my office but this time I remember.

2:15 pm, Oh ya, that branch. I jump on the city website and go directly to the Citizen Request Tracker and select the "Parkway Tree Trimming" option.

2:47 pm, I receive this email message,
Thank you. A certified arborist will inspect the tree within two business days of the receipt of your request and determine the proper course of action.

Friday, July 13th, 10:52 am

Another email,

We have followed up on your request and the proper steps have been taken to resolve the matter. Your case is now closed. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.

I have to see this for myself. Well, no ducking is required, in fact, I don't think you could touch a branch if you jumped up in the air.
Thank you, City of Elgin.

So if you have an issue to resolve, follow these simple steps.

1) Go to cityofelgin.org and click on the Citizen Request Tracker in the lower right corner.

2) Select an option

Community Development Group

Construction without Building Permits

Excessive Weeds

Junk and Debris on Private Property

Junk and Debris on Tree Bank

Major Auto Repair in Resident Districts

Outdoor Storage of Household Items

Temporary Signs in Yard (not including Realtor signs)

Unpaved Parking

Public Works

Abandoned Shopping Carts

Damage to Playground or Park Equipment

Damaged/Obstructed Signs

Garbage/Recycle Cart Repair & Replacements

Illegal Dumping in Parks

Parkway Tree Trimming

Street Light Malfunction

Traffic Signal Malfunction

3) Fill in the required information

4) Sit back and see what happens. You've done your part to be the eyes out on the streets of Elgin.

Downtown Elgin on Channel 17

If you missed the 4th of July Parade or you want to experience it again, just tune into the City of Elgin Government Access Television on cable channel 17 during the following times:
Tuesdays, Thursdays- 3:30 p.m.
Saturdays- 1:30 p.m.
Don't miss the lively interaction between John Prigge and Jeff Myers as they describe each entry.

Mayor Schock and Councilman Kaptain discuss a "Greener" Elgin on "Elgin Up Close"
Sunday - 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday - 9:30 a.m.
Thursday - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday - 9:30 a.m.

"Elgin Today" hosted by Jeff Myers, features stories on the Residence Tour, Harvest Market, the Senior Fair, and the Library's Space exhibit, astronaut visit and Muggles Night. You can catch the program during the following times:
Sunday - 9;00 p.m.
Monday - 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday - 7:00 p.m.
Friday - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday - 10:00 a.m.

Click here for the complete Channel 17 schedule.

All these shows are on cable channel 17 for Comcast and Wide Open West subscribers in the Elgin market.

UPDATE: View the Fox News interviews with Mayor Schock and Jack and Marlene Shales from the 4th of July Parade here.

DNA Launches New Website

The new website is live. Go to downtownelgin.org to find out what's happening in Downtown Elgin, Illinois. Next on the agenda, a new look for the blog, and the updates of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin's communication tools will be complete. Look for it in the fall.

Extended Deadline for FoxFireFest Idol Competition

If you think you have what it takes to be Elgin’s first FoxFireFest Idol winner, don’t miss the chance to try-out to compete at this summer’s Concert Series at Wing Park. The City of Elgin has extended the deadline for the following categories 14-18; 19 and older, and even created a new category for bands! Be ready to take the stage to compete between 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., prior to the regularly scheduled 7:00 p.m. concerts on July 10th (14-18 years old), July 17th (19 and older), and July 24th (bands) call right now there is limited availability. It is a first come first serve basis!
Contestants must provide their own music and accompaniment. At each concert, two semi-finalists will be selected from each of these categories to move on to the final competition taking place at FoxFireFest on August 3-5 in Festival Park. Contestants will be judged by a panel of judges made up of FoxFireFest sponsors, in combination with an at-large popular vote. Winners will win prizes and have the opportunity to perform at the Sunday night FoxFireFest concert.

There is a $5 non-refundable fee for all participants. Applications are now available online at the City of Elgin website www.cityofelgin.org on the special events page, and will also be available at the Centre and City Hall. For more information, contact the Special Events office at 847-531-7056.

FoxFireFest is sponsored through the generous donations of the 2007 Special Event Season Sponsors; Comcast, The Daily Herald and The Riverfront Action Committee, as well as the “Candlelight” event sponsors- PanCor and LaSalle Bank. For updated details on FoxFireFest, check the city website at www.cityofelgin.org.

Central Business District Streetscape Project Kick-off Meeting

Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Elgin Area Chamber Office
31 South Grove Avenue
12 Noon – 1 PM
Lunch will be provided

The City of Elgin is hosting a lunch meeting Wednesday, June 27 beginning at 12 noon to provide downtown business and property owners and other key stakeholders an opportunity to learn about the CBD Streetscape Project scheduled to begin within the next few weeks. The meeting will address the anticipated construction schedule and its impact on downtown vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Lunch will be provided.

Phase I of the construction project includes the installation of all new streets and curbs, sidewalks with brick pavers, brick crosswalks, planters, trees and street lighting. Impacted streets during Phase I are: south Grove Avenue between Chicago Street and Prairie Street; Spring Street between Chicago Street and Fulton Street; DuPage Street between Spring Street and Villa Street; and Fulton Street between Spring Street and Villa Street.

This is part of a 5-year, $22 million downtown business district improvement plan.

Elgin Commercial

Remember when the Elgin Area Enhancement Committee was looking for people to take part in a commercial for Elgin?

Well here it is Elgin Commercial.

Or see it on YouTube


Original post.

Did Spidey Web Festival Park?

Did Spidey visit Elgin after the Spiderman 3 premier and web Festival Park?
No, it's just a new play structure. You'll have to wait until the park opens to try it out. The ribbon cutting is on Monday, May 28th at 1:30 pm. The park is located at the corner of Grove and Prairie in downtown Elgin, IL



A view of the entrance from the riverwalk showing the fountain in the foreground.

The festival part of Festival Park with the River Park Place townhomes to the left and the Grand Victoria Casino to the right.

City Launches "Gettin' Around in Downtown" Communication Campaign

The city of Elgin launched a communications campaign called, "Gettin' Around in Downtown", to inform the public about the five year program for replacing water mains, streets and sidewalks.

Elements of the campaign include...

• A new web site, www.downtownelgin.info
• A town hall meeting in May (Date to be determined)
• A hotline at 847.931.6767

Read the Daily Herald article from April 27th here.
Stayed tuned for more information.

Downtown Elgin Water Main Construction Updates - April 23

Water Main Installation Construction Continues Through the Week of April 23

ELGIN – Work continues on the Central Business District Street Resurfacing and Streetscape project with the installation of individual water services on Spring Street between Chicago and DuPage Streets the week of April 23.

Northbound traffic on Spring Street will be diverted east on DuPage Street to Villa Street. Southbound traffic on Spring Street will be able to proceed as usual. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Grove Street south between Chicago and Prairie Streets, however, motorists wishing to travel northbound on Spring Street may use Grove Street as an alternative.

Sidewalk, curb and gutter restoration on Grove Street south between Chicago and Fulton Streets will begin mid-week. While two-way traffic will be maintained, flaggers will be directing a single lane of traffic around the construction at times. Motorists are asked to pay special attention when traveling through this area or to avoid the construction zone by using alternate routes.

Specific questions regarding the construction can be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185. For general information on the project, please contact Steve Pertzborn, Elgin’s Senior Engineer, at 847-931-5955.

Downtown Elgin Blog Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

Oops, March 11th was the second anniversary for the Downtown Elgin blog. We have been so consumed by upgrades to our other web tools that the two year mark slipped under the radar.

The blog may have been suffering from the classic sophomore slump but the junior year looks promising. Several changes are in store for 2007. A move to the New Blogger along with a new layout. The blog will see a content shift to news flashes and follow up stories, rather than event listings, as features such as the Upcoming.org calendar feed and news feeds are now on the web site.

Speaking of changes, here is the update schedule for the Downtown Neighborhood Association web tools.

• The April/May Newsletter was published on April 9th with a new look.
• The popular Downtown Elgin Top 10 List format will be updated in May.
• downtownelgin.org will receive a well deserved makeover this summer.
• The blog changes will appear before the leaves fall.

Click here to be added to the weekly Top 10 List or the Newsletter mailing list.

Want to be in a Commercial?

The Elgin Area Enhancement Committee of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce is asking anyone who lives in Elgin and would like the chance to be part of a commercial promoting the different aspects of diversity within our City. This would include people of all ages, sizes, professions, ethnicities, etc. People who wear uniforms or identifiable work clothes, such as police, fire, chefs, carpenters, dentists, ministers etc. as well as national costumes are especially needed.

The shoot will be on April 19th from 3pm-7pm, in downtown Elgin. There are no speaking lines, no experience is necessary, and the shoot will only take 10-15 minutes of your time.

If you are interested in being a part of the commercial please call Demi Cooper Advertising at 847-931-5800 ext. 10 for specific location, to schedule a time slot, and discuss the dress code.

Spring Street Water Main Construction

Construction Continues on New Water Main

Work will begin on the installation of the new water main on Spring Street between Chicago Street and Dupage Street. On Monday, April 16th, traffic control will be set up to allow construction of the new water main. Northbound traffic on Spring Street between DuPage Street and Chicago Street will not be allowed during this phase. Northbound traffic will be diverted east on DuPage Street to Villa Street. During this period of construction, two-way traffic will be maintained on south Grove Street and motorist wishing to travel northbound may want to use Grove Ave as an alternative. Southbound traffic on Spring Street will be allowed.

Sidewalk and curb and gutter restoration on south Grove Ave between Chicago Street and Fulton may begin on Wednesday. While two way traffic will be maintained, there may be times when flaggers will be directing single lane of traffic around the construction operation. Motorists are asked to pay attention when traveling through this area and to avoid the construction zone whenever possible.

Specific questions regarding the construction can be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185 or at her office in the back of the Downtown Neighborhood Association office at 2 Douglas Ave.

For general information on the project, please contact Steve Pertzborn, Senior Engineer, at 847-931-5955.

Water Main Replacement Continues on South Grove

Water Main Installation Construction for the Week of April 9th.

Construction Continues on New Water Main
Installation of the individual services on south Grove Street between DuPage Court and Fulton / Spring Street will continue during the week of April 9 -13, 2007.

This work will require the closure of south Grove Street between Chicago and Spring Street to through traffic. Motorists wishing to travel south from Chicago Street should use Spring Street.
Access to local businesses from Chicago Street to DuPage Court will be allowed. Pedestrian access to local businesses south of DuPage Court will be allowed. People wishing to access these businesses are encouraged to use the Fulton Street garage. This section should be finished on Tuesday. Underground work on south Grove between Fulton and Prairie will take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. This block will be closed to all traffic. Southbound traffic from Spring and Grove Streets will be detoured eastbound on Fulton, south on Villa and back westbound on Prairie where they can continue south on Grove Street. Northbound traffic will be detoured eastbound on Prairie, southbound on Villa and back westbound on Fulton where they can continue northbound on either Grove or Spring Street.

Specific questions regarding the construction can be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185 or at her office in the back of the Downtown Neighborhood Association office at 2 Douglas Ave.

For further information, please contact Steve Pertzborn, Senior Engineer, at 847-931-5955.

Check downtownelgin.org for construction updates.

Skate Park Meeting

A public meeting to discuss two proposed skate parks will be held on Wednesday, April 4th at 5 pm. The meeting takes place at the Celebration Room in The Centre of Elgin at 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL. The new skating facilities are planned for the Grant School Park and the Prairie Park. City staff and others will answer questions and welcome input regarding the preliminary plans for the two parks.

Elgin Then & Now - The Gifford House

This article is courtesy of The Elginite.

Link to the location.

This was the home of Elgin’s founder, James T. Gifford. Originally a simple stone house, it reflects a contruction technique native to New York state. Note the cobblestones laid in courses with stone quoins at the corners and stone lintels. The mansard roof and classical detailing (added later) show a Second Empire influence. This is one of the few remaining works of builder Edwin R. Reeves. Gifford Park and Gifford Street are named for the original owner of this home. (source: Gifford Park Association)

The home of Elgin’s founder dates back to 1850. It has been divided into four apartments. I’d like to see it deconverted and restored to its former glory. I wonder if the city should offer special incentives for the rehabilitation of buildings with historic significance (those on the National Register of Historic Places), such as this one. Such a policy would cover only 8 buildings. It’s something we can afford.

I’m especially interested in seeing this building restored, not just because it’s the home of Elgin’s founder, but it’s the finest remaining cobblestone home in Elgin, and probably over a much wider area. It would serve as a fine example for what a distinctive local vernacular architectural style might look like.

It could serve as an inspiration for local builders and developers. If they pick up on the use of cobblestone as a facade element, it could help create a distinctive local architectural style. Even though cobblestone construction is associated with Rochester, it would be pretty much unique in this area.

By the way, this house is for sale at a price of $470,000. The listing says the building is eligible for $70,000 in rehabilitation/deconversion grants, which I don’t think is enough to persuade anybody to convert it into a single family home. After the grants, they would still be paying $400,000, which is excessive for the neighborhood. The city should consider increasing the grant for a house of special historic significance, such as this. Otherwise it will remain a dilapidated apartment building.

South Grove Street Closed March 26-30 for Water Main Work

South Grove Street between DuPage Court and Fulton and Spring Streets will be closed next week, March 26-30, as crews continue water main installation through the Central Business District.

Detour signs will direct south bound motorists to Spring Street. Pedestrian and vehicle access to local businesses from Chicago Street to DuPage Court will be allowed. Parking will be available in downtown's Fulton Street garage.
Downtown Elgin's water main installation work continues as part of the Central Business District $22 million street resurfacing and streetscape project. Construction crews have been working during the overnight hours to help reduce traffic congestion.

For more information, contact Steve Pertzborn, senior engineer, at 847-931-5955.

UPDATE: South Grove Closed on Monday, March 12th

On Friday, March 9th Monday, March 12th, South Grove Street will be closed between E.Chicago Street and Spring Street to allow for installation of new storm sewer. It is anticipated that the road will be closed between 7am and 4pm. Local access to the Union Bank drive up will be allowed. For further information please contact Steve Pertzborn, Senior Engineer, at 847.931.5955.

Chicago Street Closed Today, March 7th

City to close part of Chicago Street today
Chicago Street will close between Grove Avenue and Spring Street between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. today as city crews work to repair a water leak there.
Water service will be interrupted to area businesses and homes during the time the repair is being made.
"Water will be interrupted only as long as it takes to repair the leak," said Public Works Director John Loete. "However, if there is an inch or more of snow on the ground, the repair will be postponed."
Traffic will be detoured around the area, although crews will try to keep one lane open.
For more information, contact the Elgin Public Works Department at (847) 697-3160.

13th Annual Elgin Image Awards

The Elgin Image Advisory Commission will host the 13th Annual Image Awards at The Centre of Elgin on Thursday, March 8th at 6pm. RSVP to (847) 931-5592.

Nominees
Individual-Professional Category
Jennifer Almanza
Jennifer Benson
Jim Durante
Mary Hager-Swanson
Sofia Hedberg
Paul Stocksdale
Janelle Walker

Individual Volunteer Category
Pat Keeney

Project Category
Elgin 1440 Project
Elgin Area Historical Society/Seigle Foundation.
Elgin Toy Giveaway
Huff Elementary School Fence Project
United Way of Elgin, Home Depot, Elgin Housing Authority - KaBOOM Playground

Organization/Business Category
Corn Trust/McBride Building
Downtown Neighborhood Association
Quiznos
The Greens of Elgin.
Village Profile
Walker Parking Consultants

Citizenship Category
Mike Alft
Bob Pleticha
Juan Silva

Context Sensitive Design Solutions in Transportation Seminar

A special workshop on how to use street design to build vibrant neighborhoods in your community.
• Learn about changing standards in street design;
• Increase knowledge of the impacts of street design;
• Learn how to work with transportation agencies; and
• Identify key urban design features that support a strong community.

THE CITY OF ELGIN is pleased to invite you to a special workshop on how to use street design to build vibrant neighborhoods in your community. The workshop will focus on a design
manual from the Institute of Transportation Engineers and CNU entitled Context Sensitive Solutions in Designing Major Urban Thoroughfares for Walkable Communities. This proposed
recommended practice helps public officials and planners create context-sensitive streets that function to serve pedestrians, transit-riders, and cyclists as well as motorists.

WHEN: Friday, March 16, 2007
WHERE: The Centre of Elgin, Heritage Ballroom
100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120
TIME: 8:30am to 1:00pm. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED
COST: FREE to all attendees

Please R.S.V.P. before March 12, to Crystal McGuire at the City of Elgin
Phone: 847-931-5939 • Email so that we can plan to provide you with lunch. Space is limited, so please sign up today! We look forward to seeing you on March 16.

Streets are central to adding value to communities. Richly-textured roads
designed for multiple modes of transportation and diverse uses help create
community character and can boost economic, social and cultural activities
along key corridors. As a local decision-maker, you have a number
of opportunities to use street design to enhance your community and
shape its identity. We hope you will take advantage of this unique event.

EVENT SCHEDULE
8:30-9:00am Coffee and refreshments
9:00 – 9:15am Welcome and Opening Remarks
Ed Schock, Mayor, City of Elgin
9:15 – 9:45am Context Sensitive Solutions in Designing Major Urban Thoroughfares for Walkable Communities: History of the project
Jacky Grimshaw, The Center for Neighborhood Technology
9:45 – 10:30am The Complexity of the Street Network: Adding Value to Your Community
John Norquist, President and CEO, Congress for the New Urbanism
10:30 – 11:15am Before and After Examples from the Chicago Region: What Works and What Doesn’t!
John LaPlante, Chief Transportation Engineer, T.Y. Lin International
11:15 – 12:00pm Implementing Ideas in the Manual: How Do We Get from Here to There?
Billy Hattaway, Corridor Planning and Engineering Practice Leader,
Glatting, Jackson, Kirchner, Anglin: Orlando, Florida
12:00pm LUNCH and Social Hour

Special thanks to Nora Beck of the Congress for the New Urbanism, and Beth Dever of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus for their assistance in putting together the workshop.

2007 Elgin Mayors Awards for Preservation Nominations

The Elgin Heritage Commission is still seeking nominations for the 2007 Elgin Mayors Awards for Preservation. Nominations can be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007. The application is available here.

The awards recognize creative and imaginative efforts made toward neighborhood and downtown revitalization with three honors of distinction.

The three honors awards are:
1. The Mayor George Van De Voorde Award which is given to an individual recognizing the continuing vigor, imagination, and persistence in preserving Elgin's heritage.
2. The William Stickling Award which honors achievements in the adaptive reuse of industrial and commercial buildings.
3. The Artisan Award which recognizes the exemplary work of a contractor, craftsperson or artisan in the preservation and restoration of Elgin's architectural heritage.

Elgin's Heritage Commission will select City winners who will then be honored at the annual Mayors Awards for Preservation event Thursday, May 3, 2007 at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way.

Nominations can be submitted to Sophia Morales, Community Development Department.

2007 DNA Awards & Luau

DNA Awards & Luau
Thursday, March 1st, 2007
6 p.m. Cocktail Hour (Cash Bar)
7 p.m. Hawaiian Dinner
8 p.m. Award Ceremony
Entertainment: The Barefoot Hawaiian Dancers and The Pan Chicago Band

Luau attire optional

The Centre of Elgin
Heritage Ballroom
100 Symphony Way
Elgin, IL 60120

$30 per person
$300 for a table of eight

Please RSVP by Friday, February 23, 2007
Call (847) 488-1456
or
Email at jbenson@elginil.org

Make checks payable to: Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
Send to: Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
2 Douglas Ave
Elgin, IL 60120

Funding Flows to Fox River Renaissance Alliance Project

The Elgin city council has preliminarily approved $26,000 for a Fox River Renaissance Alliance project. The library board will decide in March whether to fund the remaining $26,000 for the engineering plans. Possible projects include: a fountain in the Fox River north of Kimball Street, a floating wetland that would attract fish and other creatures, and educational gardens. Visitors will be able to watch the fish that swarm to the area using cameras that will transmit signals to the Gail Borden Library. Hitchcock Design Group is expected to complete the plans by April. Funding for construction is expected to come from grants and donations. The project will provide environmental and educational benefits and once again demonstrates that the library is more than just a place to check out books.

Read the article from today's Daily Herald here.

Ina Will Be Making a Difference in Africa

Ina Dews is planning a trip to Rwanda to share her crocheting and quilting skills. She needs to raise $3500 to make the trip possible. Vermont-based Rwanda Knits is the non-profit organization in charge of the trip. It's founder and director, Cari Clement, says Dews would work with orphanages all over the east African country.

You may know Ina from the downtown Harvest Market where she has been manager for many years, or as a member of the Elgin Human Relations Commission or you'll find her at nearly every city council meeting.

So when so asks for your support, please help her, not that you could say no anyway, Ina can be very persuasive.

Read the Daily Herald article here.

Elgin Then & Now - The Post Office

This article is courtesy of The Elginite.

Link to the location.

Old post offices are often among the most beautiful buildings in a town, and thankfully many towns have preserved theirs, even though the U.S. Postal Service has long moved out of (most of) them. Elgin unfortunately is not one of those towns.
It was a lovely building. Had it survived, I think it would have been the finest example of Beaux-Art architecture in Elgin. Unfortunately, it was demolished because some people thought it was dirty and seedy, the same complaint they leveled at the Crocker.
Read more about the old Elgin post office.

Storypalooza - What is it?

Storypalooza is coming to the Gail Borden Library.


What's a Storypalooza you might ask? Well, if you are budding videographer, this is your chance for fame and fortune and here's how you do it.

1) Create a video or slideshow on your favorite book or community event. The maximum length is four minutes. Click here for tips on creating your masterpiece.
2) Submit your entry before midnight on February 19th. You must upload the video to YouTube, and then link it to the library by sending an e-mail to Denise Raleigh with the subject line “Storypalooza.”
3) Wait until March to see if your entry is a winner. Public voting for the “My Favorite Book” and "Community Favorites" categories begins Feb. 22 through the library’s Web site, and ends at 5 p.m. March 12. Judges will select the first and second place winners.
4) This is want you could win.
First Community Bank in Elgin is offering cash and merchandise to the top entrants. Judges will award a $350 digital camcorder to the first-place contestant, a $150 camera to the second-place winner, a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card to the “My Favorite Book” entry, and a $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble for the top pick in the “Community Favorites” category. Winners of the first and second prizes are not eligible to win in the book and community categories.

For information, including ways to make videos or use digital pictures or slide shows for the contest, visit the library’s Web site or call Denise Raleigh at (847) 429-5981. Videos must be appropriate for the library’s general audience.

‘Storypalooza’ videos take Elgin’s Gail Borden library by storm - Daily Herald article by Mark Billings

Elgin Then & Now - The Henrietta Block

This article is courtesy of The Elginite.

Link to the location.

The downtown Elgin Community College building-often referred to as the Sears building-was built in 1908. It first was called the Henrietta because of the name carved in stone on the pediment above the main entrance, in memory of Henrietta Hackerodt Burritt. She was the first wife of Peter Burritt, whose extensive real estate holdings in Elgin were inherited by Rebecca McBride Burritt Gilbert, his second wife. It was Rebecca who named the building for Henrietta.
The Henrietta was constructed for leasing to Swan's Department store, which occupied the building for 30 years. Theodore F. Swan began his Elgin mercantile career with- a grocery store on River Street (North Grove Avenue) in 1867. By 1880 he had added dry goods and shoes in larger quarters on South Grove. In 1893 he moved his growing business to the Spurling Block (now the Commerce Building) on the northwest corner of DuPage and Spring Streets.
Swan was the first Elgin merchant to introduce the "cash railway system" to send money from any part of the store to the cashier. He also was the first to abandon evening hours in the interest of his employees. Unlike many other stores of the time, Swan's terms were strictly cash. Carrie Jacobs Bond, the composer of "I Love You Truly","Just a Wearying for You", and "The End of a Perfect Day", plugged sheet music sales at Swan's in the early '90s.
Swan's move across the street to the Henrietta gave his operation a main floor of 25,000 square feet. The basement was initially used for storage. The second floor at one time housed the Elks Club. When Theodore F. Swan died in 1922, the business was carried on by his son, Theodore 1. Swan. The store closed in 1938.The Henrietta was then occupied by Sears, Roebuck & Company, which had arrived in Elgin ten years earlier. In 1941 the basement and second-floor selling areas were expanded, and a parking lot to accommodate 85 cars was developed. This compelled the removal of six small houses owned by Gilbert along the Fulton Street frontage. The Sears automotive wing was added in 1948.
The Henrietta block, was erected for $60,000. Its renovations for college use cost more than $2 million. (source: ElginHistory.com)

Elgin Then & Now - The Hubbard Block

This article is courtesy of The Elginite.

Link to the location.

While many of Elgin's pioneers made their money through farming or the dairy industry, William G. Hubbard made his fortune through the dry goods business. Hubbard, a pioneer merchant, opened his building on the corner of Chicago and Douglas in 1851. It was there that he kept company with the best of the movers and shakers that Elgin had to offer. One of HubbardÂ’s original tenets was John Newman, owner and operator of Springbrook Creameries, as well as the owner of over 500 dairies. His other tenets were many of the German enterprises of the day, including SiedelÂ’s Bakery, AdlerÂ’s clothing store and Pabst Chicago House.
The original wooden building was destroyed in one of ElginÂ’s worst fires ever, on March 23, 1974. The fire shattered the glass windows across the street and seared buildings blocks away. It would be replaced with a white brick building that connected many other building on the block via the second and third floors. The second building would come to be known as The Lawyers Building, which was gutted by fire in 1979. It was torn down in 1980. (Source:elginpostcards.tripod.com)

The present building, was built in 1999 by Kurt Kresmery.

Rural Neighbors Visit Downtown Elgin

Today's Daily Herald had a photo of a coyote roaming Douglas Ave just north of downtown. This is not the first sighting of our animal friends in the urban landscape of downtown. In the past, I have seen a pheasant strolling across Highland Ave., ducks making nests in the sidewalk planters or on roof top patios. Of course there are the ever present geese, not so unusual. Once, while at Burger King on Dundee, I observed two deer making their rounds with the Elgin police in hot pursuit. I had to go back to the office and email my find. The replies varied from, "Were they pink?" to my wife's question, "Where did you go for lunch?".

Elgin Art Showcase

From the Daily Herald:

After years of running around in circles looking for places to perform, the Janus Theater Company can finally stand still. And this weekend, you can make a beeline to see them in its new home - at the new Elgin Art Showcase in downtown Elgin's Professional Building.

Read the article here.

The Elgin Art Showcase opens this weekend with "Life X 3," a play about a boss's dinner gone horribly wrong. The 90-minute play runs Saturday through March 4 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

What follows below is a list of the showcase's current lineup for this season.
-Art for All's "Uniting People through the Arts" will feature 30 artists in conjunction with Janus Theater performances. This runs Friday through March 4. For more information, call (847) 741-7375.

-The Independent Players will present Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest." It will be performed March 9 and 10, 16 and 17 and 23 and 24. For more information, call (847) 697-7374.

- The SoapBox Theater Company will put on "The Mystery at Twicknam Vicarage" by David Ives and Emma Thompson. For more information, call (847) 697-7374. The show runs April 13 through the 29.

-The Janus Theater Company will perform "Murdering Marlowe," a play about the rivalry between William Shakespeare and playwright Christopher Marlowe. It runs May 18 through June 10.

-William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" also will be performed by the Janus Theater Company. It runs Aug. 17 through Sept. 9. For all Janus productions, call (847) 931-0637.

If you're an arts group interested in renting space at the venue, call (847) 951-1515

City Launches Downtown Sales Reimbursement Program for Businesses

The City of Elgin formulated a reimbursement program for downtown business owners adversely affected by the recent Center City street reconstruction.

Businesses located within the geographic area bounded by Grove Avenue to the west, Dexter Avenue to the north, Prairie Avenue to south and Center/Villa Streets to the east may apply for reimbursement for losses incurred between October 1, 2006-November 30, 2006.

Affected businesses will be required to verify the amount of the loss by completing and returning a reimbursement form and supporting documentation to City Hall. City staff will assess the total amount of loss from all businesses and provide that information to City Council for action.

Application forms are available from the City of Elgin Finance Department at City Hall, or the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) offices at the Tower Building, 2 Douglas Avenue. Forms will also be available from the city website at or the DNA website.

Completed forms and documentation must be received or post marked by February 16, 2007 to the City of Elgin Finance Department. For questions regarding the rebate, please contact Mary at 847-931-5625 or email maskel_m@cityofelgin.org.

Links to newspaper articles:
Courier News
Daily Herald

Traffic Signal Has A New Sequence

Beginning Friday, Dec 22nd, the traffic signals at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenues will display a new signal sequence that will include a left-turn green arrow along with the normal green pass signal on northbound Douglas Ave..

“We’re just letting drivers know that there is a change in how to they should proceed through the intersection,” said John Loete, Director of Public Works. “Drivers on southbound Douglas Ave. should be aware that their green signal will be delayed for a short time to allow the northbound traffic onto westbound Highland Avenue the needed time to make that turn. “

New traffic signal equipment is being installed throughout the City’s Central Business District (CBD) as part of a $3.1 million CBD Traffic Signal Replacement Project. Currently, new signal equipment is operational at seven intersections with additional new equipment at six intersections waiting for Commonwealth Edison to connect power to the new equipment.

For more information, contact Steve Pertzborn, Senior Engineer, at (847) 931-3160.