Mixed-use developments have become a must-have for suburban areas looking to provide retail and dining options close to where residents live.

Crystal Lake, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago, has been pursuing growth by bringing in those commercial assets and others to benefit its residents, with several set to open in the near future.

Mixing Walkability, Restaurants and Outdoor Recreation

Crystal Lake’s newest mixed-use redevelopment project, Water’s Edge, is a 52K SF residential community located off the Northwest Highway-Route 14 corridor. Water’s Edge, which is now available for lease, comprises 240 apartment units and 20 townhouse units, with one-, two- and three-bedroom options, each with its own patio. Community amenities include a round-the-clock fitness facility, a pool, courts for pickleball, volleyball and basketball, and access to walking and biking trails.

Water’s Edge is also within walking distance of the Three Oaks Recreation Area, allowing residents to take advantage of outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, paddleboarding and wakeboarding.

Tim Grogan, managing principal of Heartland Real Estate Partners and the developer for Water’s Edge, said the mixed-use property comes with unique opportunities.

“We created interior walking trails to connect people from Three Oaks to retail and restaurants,” Grogan said. “Having pedestrian access to these amenities is important as well.”

Water’s Edge, which will open in 2025, is one of many housing options available in the city of 40,000 residents. Two developments, Redwood and Woodlore Townes, are set to add townhomes to the city. Redwood will encompass 304 single-story units, while Woodlore Townes will feature 47 units. Crystal Lake’s Clover Communities, intended for older residents, will offer 121 apartment units.

Crystal Lake Economic Development Manager Heather Maieritsch said that the intersection of Northwest Highway and Route 31 is a magnet for nationally recognized stores, including Home Depot, OfficeMax, Boot Barn, Ollie’s and Dollar Tree. This corner also has 600 linear feet of space available that can be allocated toward a restaurant or a strip center.

Also within the heart of the Northwest Highway commercial corridor, new national and regional businesses include Crumbl Cookies, Summer Moon Coffee, Guzman Y Gomez, Nothing Bundt Cakes and grocer KD Market.

Going Downtown

Downtown Crystal Lake, located approximately five minutes from Water's Edge, features numerous local businesses such as Wear Did U Get That, Kitchen Outfitters and Abalabix Books.

“Crystal Lake has seen a lot of growth and success with attracting retailers, with national and regional brands in the heart of the commercial corridor as well as local retailers in the downtown area,” Maieritsch said. “The bustling downtown is 100% occupied and gives residents and visitors a real-life ‘Hallmark movie town’ experience with its picturesque scenery.”

Downtown Crystal Lake is also home to The Enclave, a recently completed development of 99 apartment and townhouse units ranging from studios to three bedrooms. It is a short walk from the town’s Metra Station.

Investing In The Workforce

Beyond expanding its commercial footprint, Maieritsch said that Crystal Lake is committed to providing educational experiences and career pipelines for its residents and workers.

McHenry County College is collaborating with Northwestern Medicine to provide additional education and career opportunities for nurses. Northwestern Medicine, along with Advocate Health Care and Mercyhealth Hospital, contribute to Crystal Lake establishing itself as a healthcare hub, Maieritsch said.

The college also unveiled a new state-of-the-art industrial technology and equipment training facility, providing opportunities for those who want to establish themselves in the trades and those seeking additional professional development opportunities.

Maieritsch said that she looks forward to the impact of these new developments and educational opportunities on the community’s growth.

“Crystal Lake has been on a growth trend every year,” Maieritsch said. “We’re ready to welcome additional businesses and continue connecting our residents with their community.”

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

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.