West Chicago's East Main Street Redevelopment

In May 2001, after six months of intense negotiations, the City of West Chicago and Gateway Centre Development agreed to embark on a public-private partnership to redevelop the central business districts eastern corridor. The project, known as Gateway Centre and led by James Madden, broke ground in July 2002, and has been rapidly proceeding ever since.

The first phase, consisting of a 5,000 square feet retail building has been completed and houses with Domino’s Pizza, Rapid Net, Postal Store, Candy Store, and a Bakery. The second phase, a two-story 36,000 square feet Multi-Use Building which has been completed. Known as the Lofts at Gateway Centre, this building added another 11,000 square feet of retail/commercial space on the ground level and fifteen loft type condominiums, on the second floor. The major attractions include a stair-free lifestyle, in a security system building, with private heated garages and extra storage area. The ?Loft’s? is comprised of one, one bedroom plus den and two bedroom homes with 1 - 1½ & 2 baths.

The site has also been designed to accommodate a family-oriented restaurant. The Texan BarBQ will allow a 100+ seat restaurant with a full service bar and banquet facilities. This parcel has started construction and the proposed grand opening is June of 2008. Adjacent to the site, Gateway Centre has upgraded the Tampico Grocery Store with a complete new stone / brick façade with a standing seam steel roof and dryvit signage panel to make it blend with the new construction of it’s neighbors.

Streetscape improvements are also being undertaken in conjunction with the redevelopment initiative, and include new brick paver walks and landscape edging from Route 59 west to the entry way to the Metra Lot; in addition, new street light bases, and new curb and gutter. Finally, a new stone and iron sign identifying the downtown area of West Chicago will be erected.

In 2005, the redevelopment efforts moved to the north side of the street as Gateway Centre Development broke ground on a new four story condominium building offering residential condo homes with inside parking and 2,000 square feet of commercial space. Similar streetscape improvements will also be constructed. The City recently acquired the last parcel necessary for this phase, the former Mobil station, and hence preliminary design of the condominium building is underway. A second similar four-story building is planned to start in 2006 as the final phase of Gateway Centre.

Much has been accomplished and much more will be added; we encourage you to come join us and be part of our growth.

City of West Chicago / Gateway Centre