Not so long ago, Susan Hoagland was able to make a shopping trip through downtown Lake Bluff for prescriptions, an electric glue gun and a tankful of gas.
For Hoagland, her shopping experience was another reason why Lake Bluff provided many of the makings of a fairy-tale lifestyle.
“Lake Bluff has offered the best of all worlds for me and my family,” said Hoagland, a village resident for 12 years. “But over the past three years or so, I’ve noticed the hustle and bustle in downtown slowly disappearing.
“I now have to go elsewhere to buy things I used to be able to find right here. And I don’t want to have to do that.”
Lake Bluff officials also have noticed retail stores in their business district slowly disappearing. In recent years, the small district has lost three anchor retail outlets–a pharmacy, a hardware store and a gas station.
However, in about two years, Lake Bluff hopes the empty storefronts and a couple of vacant lots will be converted into new retail, office and residential space to reinvigorate its central business district and prevent residents from shopping exclusively in neighboring communities such as Lake Forest and Vernon Hills.
Last fall, the village hired a consultant to evaluate the situation and assess how to attract new businesses to the district.
“We have noticed a decline,” said Village President Fred Wacker. “Many things have contributed to this. More strip malls have created added competition and more choices for shoppers and retailers.
“But what we are trying to accomplish now is a strategic approach that will help us lure shops that suit the needs of our residents,” he said. “And we want to do it in a way that benefits everyone: the residents, the village and the retailers in the long run.”
The village has been eyeing two parcels for development near the corner of Sheridan Road and Scranton Avenue. Lake Bluff already owns one lot, which faces Scranton Avenue and sits between a small market and a real estate firm. The village has been looking into buying the lot on the corner where the now-defunct gas station still stands. Combined, the two pieces of land would create about 20,000 square feet of new space.
A detailed study was released last month that showed modest revitalization is possible, Wacker said. But returning to a largely retail-driven district is unlikely.
“Whatever we do will be balanced between retail, office and residential space,” Wacker said. “What we are learning is balance is important.”
The findings included suggestions for better use of outdoor spaces for sales events and that the town take advantage of the more than 180 parking spaces adjacent to the newly renovated train station to attract and keep viable activity in the district.
“What makes Lake Bluff somewhat unique is that the business district is on a smaller scale compared to its neighbors, who have bigger areas to develop,” said Bob Teska, president of Teska Associates Inc. “So the businesses they attract will probably provide services that they can’t necessarily go elsewhere and find.”
“This redevelopment would be very modest,” said Kent Street, village administrator. “We are still in the research phase. Nothing has been decided. But with the help of the consultant, we have to decide if we want to change some zoning policies to accommodate any redevelopment, such as allowing for any new structures to exceed our two-story limit that currently exists.”
The village hopes to make a decision as to what will be done in about three months and have the actual redevelopment completed in about two years.
Currently, the district has a number of businesses, including a cafe, barber shop, post office, two banks, library, video store and hair salon.
“It would be great to see this area full of activity,” said Jim Karnazes, co-owner of the Bluffington Cafe. “We all think the more opportunities you have for people to visit downtown, the better it is for everyone.”
