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June 13, 2024

Bella Via has officially reopened at its new address on 431 Temple Ave. Patrons can relish authentic Italian fare, sip on exclusive wines, and enjoy handcrafted cocktails within an intimate and charming setting. Bella Via's menu is inspired by rich culinary traditions from Italy. Their chefs pride themselves on creating fresh to order dishes with consistency and the finest quality. With a legacy spanning over 26 years, Bella Via stands as a cherished family-owned and operated restaurant, dedicated to serving the North Shore community.

431 Temple Ave. | 847.681.8300 | bellaviahighlandpark.com

Planning a gathering, business meeting, or event? The City has an events and meetings directory that makes it easy to explore spaces in the community. Simply use the link and navigate the interactive map.

This directory features venues with dedicated meeting spaces, all conveniently located within the community. While the City can't recommend specific venues, the City does provide easy access to information so you can choose the space that best suits your needs. Don't forget to contact the venue operator directly for further details and booking inquiries.

Does your business have a dedicated meeting space not on the list? Contact please contact businessdevelopment@cityhpil.com to be added.

Starting June 17th the City will begin installation of new outdoor furniture throughout the Central Business District in areas indicated on the included map. The Downtown (CBD) Streetscape Furniture Amenity Project begin in 2023 with replacement of refuse receptacles and bike racks. This next phase includes installation of fixed benches and movable tables and chairs.

Installation will be conducted in three phases as illustrated in the accompanying color-coded map. There will be a brief pause from July 3 - 8 in observance of Independence Day and another pause from July 25 - 27 in consideration of the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Sidewalk Sale. Installation dates are subject to change due to weather however the “pause” dates will remain firm. Placement of moveable tables/chairs/umbrellas into Port Clinton will take place in Phase 2.

Phase One (Green): June 17-June 20

• Benches will be replaced same day as removed
• 19 total benches on existing pavers or concrete

Phase 2 (Orange): June 21 – July 2

• 15 total benches located in “pocket park” areas; these benches require new concrete pads

Phase 3 (Red): July 9 – July 24

• Port Clinton area benches
• 2 benches on west side of Second between Central & Elm Pl
• 2 benches at Green Bay & Central
• Landscaping punch list

Central Business District Capital Improvement Projects will continue to revitalize the downtown. These investments will provide vibrancy for those who live, work, and visit Highland Park. In addition to refreshed roadways the Resurfacing Project will provide increased ADA access with updated ramps and new pedestrian signaling. Phase 1 of this project will conclude no later than June 28 and Phase 2 which includes the grinding down the existing asphalt and resurfacing will begin July 8. This project is being conducted primarily during overnight hours to reduce impacts on the business community. 

Work is well underway on the Second Street corridor between Elm Place and Central Avenue. The removal and replacement of the storm sewer will continue throughout next week as the crew continues south. Through the remainder of June, there will be the installation of curbing and concrete underlayment. In July, Second Street will see the completion of the underlayment and electrical conduit installation. As this work progresses, brick pavers will begin to be laid. By August, the installation of brick pavers should be complete as well as the installation of the streetscape, including trees, planters, benches, bollards and lights.

The City continues to work with the construction crew to allow for pedestrian access through the use of signs marking pedestrian access points, “businesses open” information, and other directionals. There may be intermediate time periods where access may be limited to complete work in a specific area.

City staff continues to meet with businesses throughout the district to understand their marketing needs and highlight businesses through the City’s communication modalities. It is important that we continue to support all local Highland Park businesses through communication and supporting local. The City will continue to provide updates as the work progresses. 

Please visit the City’s Capital Improvement Program page for more information related to the Central Business District Capital Projects. If you have any questions specific to the investment projects taking place, please contact Ashley Palbitska, Assistant to the City Manager at 847.926.1034 or apalbitska@cityhpil.com.

Shop a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and flowers at the Ravinia Farmers Market! Every Wednesday morning from 7AM - 1PM, rotating vendors showcase a diverse selections of locally grown and sourced foods and products.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Contact the organizers at ravinia1978@gmail.com or apply online.

Highland Park’s premier food and music festival returns with more music, more food, and more fun! The event located at The Lot returns on Friday, June 21 & Saturday, June 22, from 5 PM - 10 PM.

Internationally-touring platinum artists Dishwalla and Spin Doctors headline, globally-recognized DJ Madrid returns as The Lot’s resident DJ and 13 premier food vendors are ready to satisfy every palate! Attendees will also catch a sneak peek of Uptown Music Theater Highland Park’s upcoming performance of Les Miserables. Best of all, admission to this event is FREE for both days!

On-site vendors will please your taste buds with a vast selection of dishes. From sizzling fajitas to curries bursting with flavor, you'll diverse selection of food options perfect for anyone. Featured vendors include: Bella Ru Catering, BWB Shakes, Cafe Dacha, Curt’s Café, Indus Progressive Indian Dining, Judy’s Pizza, La Taquiza HP, Lynfred Winery, Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar, Pixca, Ravinia Brewing Company, Sugarcoated, and Tamales.

For more information on how to be a part of the 2024 event season at The Lot as a participating or sponsoring business, please contact the City’s event management team, Ripple Public Relations, info@ripplepublicrelations.com, or call 847.432.6000.

During the City Council meeting on Monday, June 10, the City Council voted to amend the Highland Park Zoning Ordinance of 1997 regarding animal clinics and domestic pet day care uses. Text amendments include the following: 

• Domestic Pet Day Care be created and allowed in all commercial and industrial zoning districts and as a Conditional Use** in the B5 downtown and B2 and B2-RW districts.
• Create new definitions and off-street parking regulations related to these changes.
• Require Special Use Permit for the above uses if any outdoor activities onsite are proposed and for Domestic Pet Day Care if any residential uses exist above the proposed day care.
• Animal Hospital and Clinic be expanded to the B2 and B2-RW as a Conditional Use.

**A conditional use requires a Special Use Permit and a mailed notice to property owners within 400 feet of the subject property prior to the public hearing on the application, with the hearing before the Plan and Design Commission for recommendation and then a final decision by the City Council.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the text amendments, please contact Senior Planner Karl Burhop at kburhop@cityhpil.com or 847.926.1852.

The City's Exterior Improvement Grant Program is designed to provide both assistance and encouragement to commercial property owners as well as sales-tax-generating local businesses citywide. The Exterior Improvement Grant Program can assist property owners and local businesses with making improvements to their appearance and functionality of their storefronts. The program has the following key features:

• The cost of eligible improvements is shared equally between the applicant and the City.
• The maximum grant is 50% of the project cost up to $20,000 per year for up to five consecutive years or a total of $100,000; however, a grant for the same improvement would not be considered within the same five-year period.
• The eligible improvements must be visible from the right-of-way. 

The annual program budget is $100,000 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program is an excellent opportunity for local businesses and property owners to revamp their storefronts and enhance their appeal while lessening the financial burden. Please visit Exterior Improvement Grant Program to learn more and download the application.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Business Development Specialist Angela Shaffer at 847.926.1008 or ashaffer@cityhpil.com.

SCORE offers in-person or virtual

sessions using phone, email, or video

All sessions are free and confidential. SCORE mentors are successful

business professionals, some retired, some working, from all industries and experiences.

SCORE recently added a new YouTube channel where all previously

recorded webinars can be accessed.

To schedule an in-person or virtual session, visit score.org/northchicago and

register to “Find a Mentor”. You will be asked to provide the nature of your

business interest. Please include whether you prefer in-person or virtual

mentoring (phone, email, video) and note the Highland Park Public Library

even if you prefer a virtual session.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are located throughout the state and provide information, confidential business guidance, training, and other free resources for start-ups and existing small businesses. If you need help with a business plan, marketing, financial bookkeeping, finding grants, starting and growing a business, click HERE.

To find a Center near you, click HERE. Please note that many SBDCs do provide assistance in Spanish. If you need help finding an SBDC that provides Spanish assistance, please contact Diana Alfaro at diana.alfaro@illinois.gov.

This newsletter is produced by the City of Highland Park's Office of Business Development. The City encourages business owners and managers to share information regarding upcoming events, promotions or news for possible inclusion in the City's marketing modalities, including The Weekender, Enjoy Highland Park, and social media. Please send these items to the City via email to: businessdevelopment@cityhpil.com. The City reserves the right to edit and/or filter submissions. 

For general business inquiries and assistance, contact the Business Development Team:

• Manager, Carolyn Hersch at chersch@cityhpil.com or 847.926.1027
• Specialist, Corey Cohn at ccohn@cityhpil.com or 847.926.1046
• Specialist, Angela Shaffer at ashaffer@cityhpil.com or 847.926.1008

To learn more about the Business Development Economic Advisory Group (BEDAG), which supports community programs that promote City business and economic development, visit the City's website.