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


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