Downtown and Corridor Redevelopment

Willow Springs was founded in 1892, yet it has never had a central place or business district. The Village has now embarked on an ambitious program to fill that void by redeveloping a 36-acre area of obsolete uses and underutilized properties located adjacent to the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor. The Village Center Plan prepared by Teska envisions a traditional mixed-use, pedestrian friendly district. The new "heart" of the Village will be focused on a one-block long Market Street terminated by a new Metra commuter rail station and village green. A variety of new residences will surround the business core, and linkages to adjacent neighborhoods will complete the transit-oriented development concept. The Village Center will also be a convenient stop on the regional bikeway trail. Following adoption of the plan by the Village Board, Teska assisted the Village with the preparation of a companion tax increment financing redevelopment plan.