From Small-Town Suburb To Destination: How Woodstock, Illinois, Is Making Major Moves

Woodstock, Illinois, one of Chicago’s outermost suburbs, is shedding the typical suburban mold. 

Combining small-town charm and affordable housing with a vibrant, historic downtown, the city has become a distinctive and livable hub, Woodstock Director of Economic Development Jessica Erickson said. 

“Residents want convenience, connectivity and momentum, and I believe Woodstock is delivering on all of those at once,” she said. “I think what really sets Woodstock apart is that it does not feel like a generic suburb.”

Erickson credited local assets such as its historic downtown, commuter train access and a local government “actively working to support thoughtful growth.”

This close-knit feel defines the city’s culture, Woodstock Mayor Michael Turner said. He described the city as a family-friendly environment with top schools that champion diversity with their dual-language immersion. 

To fuel its momentum and bridge critical gaps, the city is tackling the redevelopment of Route 47. The highway serves as the primary north-south artery from Chicago’s western suburbs to Wisconsin and is undergoing a major widening.

“That’s been needed for two decades,” Turner said. “It will enhance the ability to move people through the city and upgrade and beautify it to a modern roadway.”

The project is a long-term investment in mobility, safety, infrastructure and corridor readiness, Erickson said.

Not only will it include major water, sewer and stormwater improvements, but Erickson said she hopes this project will lay the groundwork for attracting new commercial activity, support redevelopment of underutilized properties and strengthen one of Woodstock’s most important gateways.  

Another project in the works is the Die Cast redevelopment site in downtown Woodstock, a 9-acre parcel adjacent to the Metra station with “catalytic potential,” Erickson said. Working with Murphy Development Group, the city is reviewing a proposed 150-to-200-unit Class-A multifamily development.

“The Die Cast project has the potential to bring hundreds of new residents to the city by putting them right downtown, which can make a more dynamic setting for our businesses in Woodstock,” Turner said.

He added that while the Great Recession and housing market challenges had halted the redevelopment in the past, this collaboration with Murphy is pushing things forward. 

Woodstock is also focusing on its transit infrastructure, particularly the Metra Layover Yard project. Erickson said it represents a major transportation investment and a long-term economic opportunity for Woodstock.

“By expanding rail capacity, improving operations and bringing new jobs and activity to the area, the project has the potential to strengthen Woodstock's role in the regional transportation network while also supporting broader momentum for investment and growth,” she said. 

Another driver behind this project is the talk of the NFL’s Chicago Bears moving to Arlington Heights. If this happens, the new stadium would be seven train stops away from Woodstock.

The move could create a year-round experience due to other major concerts or events at the stadium that could draw millions of dollars to Woodstock, Turner said.

“This has the potential to be very impactful to Woodstock,” he said. “I’m hopeful that the Bears and the state of Illinois will get everything completed, and when that happens, we're going to hit the ground running to push the Metra project to be accelerated because of the needs that will exist.” 

More companies are being drawn to Woodstock because of its business-friendly environment. This goes beyond just tax increment financing, or TIFs, to the city's responsiveness and ability to help companies move projects forward, Erickson said.

“Woodstock's dedicated economic development team offers site selection assistance, incentives, demographic information, networking support and infrastructure coordination to reduce friction and improve speed to market for companies evaluating opportunities here,” she said.

A strong workforce is another important piece to this puzzle, because companies want not only access to labor but also a place where employees can comfortably commute and build a life. Woodstock is attractive for employers thinking long-term about attraction and retention of their workforce, Erickson said.

Woodstock’s unique location in the north Chicagoland gives businesses and investors strong regional connectivity to Milwaukee and other Wisconsin cities. The city is also connected to the Metra Northwest transit line, while Route 47's connection to Interstate 90, downtown Chicago, surrounding suburban business districts and O'Hare International Airport all support Woodstock’s strategic location.

This creates flexibility for businesses thinking about customers, workforce, logistics and long-term expansion, Erickson said. 

Turner predicted more intentional growth in the next 10 years, with the Die Cast redevelopment, new TIF programs and Route 47 all supporting increased economic activity.

Although the city of just over 25,000 residents still has a small population compared to many other Chicago suburbs, Turner said the continued growth will help influence future business development.

“I would love to see the city have a population of 30,000-plus in 10 years,” he said. “Because what happens then is that we begin to attract attention and businesses we don't currently have, making Woodstock’s economy even stronger and more dynamic.”

This article was produced in collaboration between Studio B and the city of Woodstock. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

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