In 2003, Waukegan adopted a redevelopment Master Plan, A 21st Century Vision for Waukegan’s Downtown and Lakefront. The Plan, developed by the internationally renowned architectural and planning firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, lays out the planning and action steps for realizing the Waukegan community’s vision of a revitalized lakefront and downtown. It calls for:

• Downtown Waukegan to return to its roots as a vibrant city center, a place for jobs, shopping, entertainment and urban living
• The South Lakefront and the Harborfront to become home to new waterfront neighborhoods.
• The North Lakefront to become an international model for environmental and ecological restoration.
• The transformation of Waukegan’s lakefront and downtown, which will signal a broader transformation of the City and its place in the region.

With the redevelopment of Waukegan’s downtown and lakefront well underway, there is lots of exciting information about new businesses and developments. Check this page for the latest updates and information!

• Academy Square at Genesee & Clayton is under construction.
• Robert Morris College Art Gallery at the Genesee Theatre is now open on the main Level during Box Office hours (12:30 – 5:30PM, Tuesday through Friday) and on the upper levels is open to the public each Tuesday, by appointment, from 12:30PM to 5:30PM.  Call 847-856-6425 or 847-406-3152 for advance reservations. Stop by for a visit!

 

• Restaurants & New Businesses continue to open in downtown Waukegan. Come try one of these new eateries and support local business in the redevelopment area!

• The Balderdash Collection (114 N. Genesee - 847.596.2425)
• The Brick Cafe & Bookstore (30 N. Genesee - 847.599.1243)
• Karma (17 N. Genesee - 847.782.8660), Karma will offer a full menu for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Appetizers available during bar hours. Open 7 days a week. - COMING SOON!
• Kindgom Fitness (200 N. County St. - 866.934.0005)
• Route 66 Veterans (109 S. Genesee St. - 847.360.0678)
• Rhythm Academy of Dance (200 N. County St. - 847.244.4944)
• The Shoe Gallery (108 S. Genesee St. - 224.656.5928)
• The Treasure Chest (105 S. Genesee St. - 847.774.4374)
• The Wright Boutique (108 S. Genesee St. - 847.599.2907)

 

Click here to download the Artist Application Packet for the Art Windows Exhibit (56kb - pdf format)

Click here to view development opportunities in Waukegan