Lemont officials reviewed a proposal Monday night to improve and restore exteriors of buildings along Canal Street between Stephen and State Streets.
The conceptual design was prepared by the Chicago-based firm of Decker, Legge & Kemp. The village is seeking the firm’s advice for bringing a new look to a street that it considers important to downtown revitalization.
Much of the plan deals with giving the buildings along the street a more historic look. The proposal calls for restoring the original colors to structures, renovating window treatments, reverting to original building materials, where possible, and highlighting existing open space.
There are about 15 buildings along the street. The village wants to persuade property owners to invest in updating their facades.
The village offers a program that enables property owners to share the cost of constructing new facades with the village. The village and property owner can split the cost of the renovation up to $10,000.
Village administrator Steve Jones said the village should consider more extensive promotion of the facade program and perhaps increase funding for it.
