Downtown Glenview Revitalization


The revitalization of Downtown Glenview was identified as a top priority during Glenview Connect, a 10-month process that included a series of open houses, community meetings and events to gather input on the future of the Downtown District.


Overview


The Downtown District, the Village’s historic commercial center, is separated into two distinct zones based on character and physical location. The first is oriented north/ south on Waukegan Road and the second is oriented east-west on Glenview Road. The nexus of this “L” shaped configuration is the intersection of Waukegan and Glenview Roads.


The Waukegan Road section of the District is bound by East Lake Avenue to the north and Henley Street to the south. As a regional arterial, Waukegan Road includes wide street section and a roadway designed for efficient automobile movement. This creates a physical separation between buildings and parcels and decreases area devoted to sidewalks and pedestrian amenities.


Glenview Road, bound by Washington Street to the west and the intersection of Glenview and Waukegan to the east, is a smaller, more intimate street that allows for a compact, village-scaled street configuration. Glenview Road is bifurcated by the West Fork North Branch of the Chicago River and the METRA North Line, interrupting the continuity of the street. The characteristics of the streets are a significant driver to the difference in character and the “L” shaped configuration limits connectivity between the two zones.  


Downtown’s historic role as the Village’s commercial “heart” has eroded over the years, but its historic configuration and the will of the community to strengthen the district will create opportunities to improve Downtown’s standing a central activity hub within the Village.


On Aug. 3, 2021, the Village Board adopted the Economic Development Plan and Downtown Strategic Plan. With the Plans adopted, Village staff has been working with the Village Board to prioritize recommendations, identifying those that have potential for implementation in the short term vs. longer term and evaluate the fiscal impacts of various opportunities.


Executing the Downtown Strategic Plan


Village staff and the Board of Trustees have worked aggressively to make progress on the Downtown Strategic Plan. 


Within a year of the Plan’s adoption, the Village budgeted funds to install streetscape enhancements in the Downtown, including landscaping, decorative lighting and outdoor dining areas. The Board approved business support programs to assist local business and property owners in improving their buildings and attracting new tenants. The Village hired a development advisor and retail recruiter to facilitate the implementation of recommendations in the Plan and recruit new restaurant and retail operators to Glenview.


In 2023 and 2024, the Village Board focused on incentivizing and attracting new restaurants, and approved economic development agreements to bring five new restaurants to the Downtown District:


  • Jackman & Co. (1749 Glenview Road): From premier restaurant group Ballyhoo Hospitality and located along the North Branch of the Chicago River, Jackman & Co will be an upscale tavern serving classic American fare seven days a week and weekend brunch.  
  • Zenzi Den (1822 Glenview Road): Also from Ballyhoo, Zenzi Den will bring a lively and casual atmosphere with Japanese influences. According to Ballyhoo, the space will be thoughtfully designed to incorporate natural textures, creating an inviting dining experience with a menu including a range of traditional and contemporary dishes, from fresh sushi to flavorful potstickers and unique small plates. 
  • The Foxtail at Glenview House (1843 Glenview Road): The Foxtail at Glenview House will be the third location of this popular mediterranean concept. The Foxtail will preserve the name and history associated with the iconic Glenview House, where the Village’s charter was adopted and signed in 1899. 
  • Hometown Coffee & Juice (1869 Grove Street): Hometown Coffee & Juice, which has locations in Glencoe, Lake Forest and Winnetka, is a cafe and gathering place that features a menu of freshly brewed coffee, pastries and smoothie bowls. The new restaurant will be moving in across from the Downtown Metra station. 
  • New Restaurant at Waukegan and Grove (1148 Waukegan Road): The as-yet unnamed new restaurant coming to the northwest corner of Waukegan and Grove where there was once an old filling station. The owner is the owner and operator of North Branch Pizza and Burger Company and Joe Donut cafe.
  • Spiro’s Deli (1880 Glenview Road): Spiro’s Deli has been a Glenview staple since 1962, located for the last 30 years at 1210 Waukegan Road. The operator desired to be part of Glenview’s Downtown revitalization and will be moving to the southeast corner of Glenview Road and Lehigh Avenue. Hours will be extended to 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and the menu will continue to include its signature items, including The Bomber, chicken pita, Italian beef, poor boys, soups, salads, gyros, burgers and hot dogs.
  • Smoque BBQ (1131 Waukegan Road): Smoque BBQ opened in Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood in late 2006, winning numerous awards, ranking among Chicago’s best restaurants and the nation’s best BBQ spots and was featured on The Food Network, The Travel Channel and the New York Times. Glenview will be the award-winning restaurant’s first suburban location as Smoque looks to serve customers north of Chicago and expand their popular catering business. 

The Village also purchased The Patio Shops at 1755 River Drive, which is a strategic asset to hold as part of a longer-term redevelopment plan. Also in redevelopment is the former Bess Hardware site at 1850 Glenview Road into a mixed-use development featuring businesses on the ground floor and residences above.

Downtown Revitalization FAQ

Where is Downtown Glenview?

Why is the Village focused on revitalizing its Downtown?

How did the Village use the feedback generated from Glenview Connect?

What progress has the Village made in its Downtown revitalization?

How much is the Village paying for these economic incentives?

Is this taxpayer money the Village is using to pay these incentives?

What is the Permanent Fund? How does it work?

What is the status of the Permanent Fund after these agreements?

What protections has the Village included in these agreements to protect their financial position?

Downtown Development Code
Downtown Development Code | Click here to open

Explore the Strategic Plan

The Village Board adopted the Economic Development and Downtown Strategic plans in August 2021. The plans provide a roadmap for development of Glenview's commercial corridors. Click here to review the Economic Development Strategic Plan (the Downtown Strategic Plan begins on page 145).

FAQ: Downtown Glenview Revitalization

All your questions answered about the redevelopment of Glenview's Downtown District.

Glenview's Downtown Development Code