'A Welcoming Destination': Arlington Heights, Illinois, Is Making Big Investments In Its Future
The village of Arlington Heights, a municipality 25 miles northwest of Chicago, already ranks as the No. 1 place to live in Illinois — but it’s not stopping there.
With a population of nearly 78,000 people and a median household income of approximately $115K, Arlington Heights is attracting more visitors, residents and investment dollars than ever before, said Kim Biederman, Arlington Heights’ economic development manager.
But how does the village keep drawing eyes? Its attention to detail, dedication to redeveloping areas throughout the community and enhancement of village amenities all play roles, Biederman said.
“We see steady interest from businesses looking to locate or expand here, particularly in the downtown area,” she said. “We’re a well-balanced community that offers a high quality of life for residents, a supportive environment for businesses and a welcoming destination for visitors.”
The village actively partners with businesses through economic development programs, incentives and direct engagement to support expansion and long-term success, Biederman said. These incentives include zero-interest loan programs, business retention visits, economic development support, and tax increment financing and Class 6B property tax incentives.
Downtown Arlington Heights
Biederman said the downtown area of Arlington Heights is the village’s crown jewel. Lined with more than 40 restaurants and 30 shops and boutiques, downtown Arlington Heights is both a local and regional gem — winning accolades for livability and best downtown atmosphere. Also located downtown are cultural landmarks such as the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre and Harmony Park, a green space where the village features its Sounds of Summer concert series.
One of downtown’s most anticipated attractions, Arlington Alfresco, aims to bring the community together to support local businesses. From the beginning of May through the end of September, patrons have the opportunity to enjoy expanded outdoor seating at many of the village’s restaurants.
This annual event draws community members as well as visitors from throughout the Chicago area, Biederman said.
“This event brings so much energy and activity to the downtown,” she said.
Arlington Alfresco will continue to offer new and exciting experiences throughout the summer, including the launch of the downtown Social District, Sip & Stroll. Beginning July 30 and continuing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through Sept. 26 from 5-9 p.m., visitors will be invited to explore Arlington Heights' vibrant downtown while enjoying beverages from participating establishments as they shop, dine and experience everything the community has to offer.
New Development Across The Village
Outside of the downtown area, the village is focused on several development projects, including Arbor House, a new luxury living community that anchors the master-planned Arlington Gateway, a new 16-acre mixed-use district in southeast Arlington Heights, adjacent to Interstate 90.
Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia said Arlington Gateway will transform an underutilized corridor into a dynamic environment that serves as a welcoming entrance to the community.
Phase 1 of construction, which included an eight-story, 515K SF mixed-use building, has been completed. The residential component of the building, the Arbor House, features more than 300 residential units and approximately 25K SF of retail space for restaurants and shops. Investors poured $126M into the first phase of the project.
Arbor House's luxury apartments range from studios to three-bedroom units. Inside each unit, residents will find high-end finishes such as quartz countertops, custom cabinetry and smart-home technology.
Amenities for the community include a fitness center, rooftop pool, golf simulator and dog park. Approximately 10% of these units are being designated as affordable housing, with the rest offered at market rate.
Biederman said the addition of the residences will increase foot traffic and further support local businesses in the downtown area, solidifying what makes Arlington Heights so unique: its people, businesses and sense of community.
“The project reflects the growing demand for amenity-rich housing in communities with strong transportation access, established neighborhoods and a thriving business environment,” she said.
What's Next For Arlington Heights
The three remaining construction phases of Arlington Gateway are slated to be completed in the coming years, Tinaglia said, and will include the construction of a 150K SF medical office building for Arlington Med as well as additional residential developments.
Once all construction phases are completed, Arlington Gateway is expected to serve as an economic engine for the area, Tinaglia said. As it stands, Arlington Heights has one of the largest corporate communities in the Chicago area. More than 3,000 businesses already call Arlington Heights home, including PepsiCo, United Airlines and Red Bull Distribution Co.
“Arlington Gateway is part of a broader effort to thoughtfully redevelop key sites in the village, while supporting economic growth and maintaining the character and appeal that Arlington Heights is known for,” Tinaglia said.
Looking ahead, the village's focus will remain on supporting local businesses and economic development, encouraging mindful redevelopment initiatives and enhancing public spaces for residents to enjoy.
“Through all of our efforts, Arlington Heights is well-positioned to continue growing as a thriving, forward-thinking community for years to come,” Tinaglia said.
This article was produced in collaboration between the village of Arlington Heights and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.
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