Skokie’s Main Street retail corridor is set for renovation, aiming to rejuvenate an area that has faced years of decline. Village trustees gave the green light for a $1.8 million construction project to upgrade the streetscape, a plan discussed during their July 20 Village Board meeting. The contract went to Copenhaver Construction, the most affordable bid among four contenders.
This undertaking targets a specific segment of the larger vision for Main Street, with upgrades planned for sidewalks and plazas. Improvements will be made on the south side near Karlov Avenue and Keystone Avenue, as well as the north side near Keystone Avenue and points west of Crawford Avenue.
A range of enhancements will be visible on Main Street, including new hardscaping materials and expanded areas for art and gateway elements. Additional planters, landscaping, and updated site furnishings are included. Curbs and crosswalks will be extended to improve pedestrian access. Drainage repairs and installations of irrigation systems and electrical fixtures for lighting are also scheduled.
Funding for the project will come from a $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) supplemented by the Village’s Capital Improvement Project budget. The aim is to support local businesses and foster a thriving commercial environment.
Trustee Lisa Levy expressed her enthusiasm over the revitalization efforts as she reflected on her years of campaigning for change. “Seeing Main Street finally receiving attention is truly emotional,” Levy stated. Trustee Keith Robinson also voiced excitement about the rejuvenation during the meeting.
Landscape designer MKSK Inc. was commissioned in 2023 and 2024 to study Main Street’s condition and propose upgrades for the corridor between Crawford and Tripp Avenues. As a result, an action plan was developed, extending to include areas up to Kildare Avenue.
The Village has opted for a phased approach to minimize disruptions for businesses. Concerns from business owners are being addressed, with Skokie Mayor Ann Tennes urging community support for local enterprises throughout the construction phase.
Resident Ken Marley voiced concerns over project awareness and the use of public funds on private property. Village Manager John Lockerby clarified the Village’s intentions to acquire properties, aiming to transform underutilized areas into community destinations.
With the Board’s approval, construction is set to commence at an undetermined date, aiming for a complete overhaul over two decades. The Village remains hopeful that these improvements will revitalize Main Street and attract residents back to the area.