With plenty of growth opportunities, a rich history, vibrant streets, great restaurants and nightlife, striking architecture, and much more, it’s no wonder flocks of visitors and businesses like Barnes & Noble, Holiday Inn Express, Pete’s Fresh Market grocery store, and others are coming to the Village of Oak Park, Illinois.
An upscale western suburb of the Chicago Metropolitan Area on the boundary of Chicago, the roots of the Village of Oak Park reach back almost 200 years. Initially settled in 1835, the area became incorporated in 1902 after it separated from Cicero, Illinois. Booming in the 1870s with the expansion of railways and streetcar lines, the area soon became known as the ‘World’s Largest Village.’ Over the years, its reputation grew, and The Village is known for its formidable residents including Frank Lloyd Wright, Ernest Hemingway, research chemist Percy Julian, former Illinois Senate President Phillip Rock, and author Edgar Rice Burroughs.
Today, the Village of Oak Park proudly celebrates its history. Thousands of visitors come to the area every year to see the world-famous Frank Lloyd Wright home and others designed by the respected architect, or to take a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s house of birth, at 339 Oak Park Avenue. Other popular attractions include the Wonderworks Children’s Museum, Oak Park Conservatory, Pleasant Home—a 19th-century mansion used for weddings, celebrations, and corporate events—Rickshaw Rick Tours & Taxi, Oak Park Farmers’ Market, and many more.
Economic vitality
Recently, the Village of Oak Park engaged Camoin Associates, a full-service economic development consulting firm, to undertake an economic vitality strategy study. “The consultants recommended the Village establish the Office of Economic Vitality and have this department oversee and coordinate all Village departments,” says Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality, John C. Melaniphy. With almost 40 years dedicated to economic development, real estate market analysis, public-private partnerships, and site selection, Melaniphy previously served as Director of Economic Development for the Village of Niles.
The Village hired Melaniphy and recruited two Economic Vitality Administrators and an Office Coordinator in mid-June, and a new office outside the Village Hall in the heart of downtown Oak Park was established to be part of the business fabric. “The primary objectives were to make economic vitality the centerpiece of the Village strategy in all departments,” says Melaniphy.
For businesses of all sizes, Oak Park has much to offer. The Village generated retail sales of over $640 million in 2024, and there are 12 distinct business districts, all of them offering their own unique charm and character and a mix of restaurants, retailers, salons, galleries, and various professional services.
“Oak Park is fortunate to have so many active business districts and community organizations,” says Melaniphy. The districts include Downtown Oak Park, Pleasant District, Hemingway District, Madison Street, Chicago/Harlem Historic District, Chicago Avenue at Austin Boulevard, North Avenue, Garfield Street at Harlem Avenue, Southtown, Roosevelt Road, Oak Park Arts District, and Lake Street at Austin Boulevard. According to Melaniphy, the Office of Economic Vitality regularly meets and collaborates with the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Oak Park (DTOP), Explore Oak Park & Beyond, the Business Association Committee (BAC), Hemingway District, Arts District, and the Oak Park Civic Committee, among others.
“These organizations were generally incorporated to enhance and improve the business districts and business climate in their respective areas,” he explains. “There are a variety of special events that occur in the respective business districts to generate customers and repeat visits. Oak Park is a special place thanks to all the businesses and residents that elevate the quality of life in the community.”
Within the Village Manager’s office, the Office of Economic Vitality now directs Oak Park’s business attraction and retention efforts. With economic vitality staff going “on offense,” they are actively engaged in attracting new businesses to the Village. Representatives of the Village also attend trade shows and work with a variety of economic development agencies including World Business Chicago, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Cook County Department of Economic Development, the Small Business Development Center, the Cook County Workforce Partnership, Triton College, the International Council of Shopping Centers, and many others.
“The Office of Economic Vitality will also aggressively conduct business retention visits to Oak Park businesses. The objective of these visits is to ensure that local businesses understand they are valued by the Village, and are notified of all the Village resources, façade grants, and incentives that are available to them to help grow their business.”
Strong business growth
Oak Park residents have much to be proud of, from the area’s history to its many businesses. From local shops to neighborhood restaurants, there is a strong ‘shop local’ philosophy, and residents take pride in their downtown areas and commercial corridors. To make restaurants even more inviting, many have added a significant amount of outdoor seating for seasonal use.
Along with restaurants and stores, Oak Park is also home to the new Comedy Plex Comedy Club, while for film buffs, there is Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre. A fully restored historic movie theater in the heart of downtown, the seven-screen venue boasts 7.1 surround sound and 4K digital projection. “These add to the nightlife in Oak Park,” says Melaniphy.
For Melaniphy and the team at the Office of Economic Vitality, their efforts are paying off. This year alone has seen the opening of approximately 80 new businesses in the Village and counting. Some of the latest additions to downtown Oak Park include Seoul Avenue, Breakfast House, Pure Green juice bar, The Book Loft Oak Park bookstore, and Ruby Fine Hibiscus Tea, among others.
Next year, Barnes & Noble will establish a new store in the former Marshall Field and Company building, at 1144 Lake St. The owners of the historic building are undertaking a major renovation of the structure. With plans to anchor this iconic location at the western gateway into Oak Park, Barnes & Noble will lease 25,000 square feet on two levels, which will include a store and café.
Along with Barnes & Noble, a new 55,000-square-foot Pete’s Market grocery store is under construction at 640-728 Madison St. Mindful of local history, the new store is incorporating original architectural features from the property. Set to open in early 2026, the Market will serve Oak Park consumers and become a major sales tax generator for the Village.
The area will also soon be home to a new Holiday Inn Express. Initially approved in 2019, the project was delayed because of COVID-19. Currently under construction in the historic Oak Leaves Building at 1140 Lake St., the hotel will offer 68 rooms on the second through fifth floors, with other hotel rooms in the building’s annex. Expected to open this year, the hotel “will provide modern overnight accommodations in downtown Oak Park in proximity to all the shopping, dining, and entertainment establishments,” says Melaniphy.
Of course, accessibility is key for residents and visitors alike to take advantage of all that Oak Park has to offer. The area is easily accessible by transit, and “there has been a significant amount of new, transit-oriented mixed-use development in downtown Oak Park in recent years, with the addition of nearly 1,000 new housing units,” adds Melaniphy.
Proud of the area and all it has to offer businesses, residents, and tourists, he takes an optimistic view of the future. “President Vicki Scaman and the entire Village Board understand the needs of business owners, and the business owners themselves understand the challenges businesses face every day,” he says. “The Village of Oak Park is a great community in which to own a home, raise a family, and open a business.”
