Main Street In Skokie Set For Streetscape Upgrades

SKOKIE, IL — Major improvements are planned for Main Street in Skokie after the Village Board approved a $1,832,300 bid for a streetscape improvement project.

The board approved the bid submitted by Copenhaver Construction for work that includes new hardscape materials, site furnishings, gateway art elements, planters, landscaping, lighting, pedestrian ways, curb extensions and crosswalks.

The project also includes regrading, drainage repair, irrigation installation and new light poles. According to Village Manager John Lockerby, the plan seeks for the village to acquire property along that whole block and for that block to redevelop or become a destination for community gathering.

"I'm so very grateful to the community for moving this along and looking forward to Main Street success and the continued revitalization of other areas of Skokie that have seen disinvestment over the years," Trustee Lissa Levy said.

Rodney Tonelli, the village’s Economic Vitality Manager, explained that funding includes remaining funds from a $600,000 state grant from Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and allocations from this year’s Capital Improvement Project budget.

The board’s action builds on the Village’s 2023-24 Main Street Commercial Corridor study, which outlined a vision for creating safe and attractive public spaces, strengthening the corridor’s identity and identifying opportunities for future development. Since completing the corridor study, the village has been putting its recommendations into action in several ways.

Retail Enhancement Grants helped support the buildout of Soul Good Coffee, Zelda’s Table and Gelati Biscoti, officials said. The village also transformed a vacant retail space into The Storefront, which hosts art exhibitions, creative workshops, live performances and other community events.

The village also launched the seasonal Winter Market On Main and refreshed the Meetup on Main Street series as The Main Event. The Village’s Public Arts Advisory Committee supported murals at The Storefront and Soul Good Coffee, along with The Wave, a three-dimensional public art installation that functions as a bench, picnic table, chaise lounge and gathering space.

“This is really good governance. This started with the governance of one board, and now is being executed by a second. Going forward in Skokie, I think this is how we should always work together in enhancing Skokie and looking for other projects," Trustee Alison Pure-Slovin said.

The approved bid marks the next step in carrying out the village’s Main Street corridor vision, with the streetscape work tied to broader redevelopment and community gathering goals for the area.