The Ever-Changing Face of Downtown Algonquin

A crop of new downtown Algonquin businesses would give the impression that the village is doing something right to attract new businesses to the area.

Since last fall, there have been eight new businesses added to the downtown area including a , , and .

The area is still struggling, though, and at least one business owner feels that the village doesn't do enough to help promote the area.

Allie Gilbert, owner of , said her business has been doing well since she opened last December, but said she believes village administrators are too heavily focused on the Randall Road shopping district.

“We [Algonquin] are bigger than Randall Road. We have more going on than Randall Road,” she said.

Village Planner Ben Mason said that for the past several years, the village has been building the infrastructure and streetscape of the downtown area, including the new Riverfront Park, all in the name of bringing new merchants to the area.

“There has been an influx of inquiries into the downtown area,” Mason said. “It’s great to have new businesses, and it’s definitely a positive sign for the downtown area.”

In addition to the village’s beautification efforts, there is also the Downtown Algonquin Partnership that comprises downtown merchants, property owners and residents. It was formed in 2003 “to enhance the vitality of Algonquin’s Old Town District.”

Part of Mason’s job is to work as a liaison between the Downtown Algonquin Partnership and village officials. He views the relationship as a way for downtown business owners to meet and plan special events like the farmers market and the Old Time Country Harvest Fest.

But for Gilbert, aesthetic enhancements and a merchant partnership can only do so much.

Although , merchants, including Gilbert and Gabrielle Reego, owner of Doerner Jewelers, have faith that it will bring more foot traffic into their stores.

“The downtown area will be more of a shopping destination,” said Reego.

The bypass will cut away from what is currently Illinois Route 31 near Rakow Road, through Towne Park and join again to 31 at Huntington Drive. In effect, it will separate the downtown area from the thoroughfare, creating a quieter and safer environment for shoppers. 

“There will be far less car traffic and people will be able to walk around and enjoy the downtown area,” Reego said.

The has also given merchants hope of more business.

Valerie Wood-Hellyer, owner of Creekside Tap, said she and her husband, Rich, bought the small bar at the southeast corner of Routes 31 and 62 in December because of the downtown area and the potential for business created by the bypass and Riverside Plaza.

“It’s such a cute downtown area with a nice small town atmosphere,” she said.