Supporting Local Downtowns: Community Revitalization in Will County

Thriving downtown districts don't happen by accident. They require engaged residents, supportive policies, and coordinated effort. Here's how Will County communities are working to strengthen their commercial cores.

Why Downtown Districts Matter

Downtown areas serve as more than shopping destinations. They're the heart of community identity, gathering places where neighbors connect, and economic engines that create local jobs and tax revenue. When downtown thrives, the entire community benefits.

Will County's diverse communities each have unique downtown character. From Joliet's historic architecture to Frankfort's village square, Plainfield's developing commercial core to Lockport's canal-side district—these areas represent generations of community investment.

The Main Street Approach

Many successful downtown revitalization efforts follow the Main Street approach developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This framework focuses on four areas: economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization.

Organizations like demonstrate how this approach works in practice. Their model of combining business development, community events, and preservation efforts provides a template that communities across the country have adopted successfully.

How Residents Can Help

Shop Local First

Before ordering online or driving to a chain store, check if local downtown businesses carry what you need. Even shifting a small percentage of spending to local shops makes a meaningful difference.

Attend Downtown Events

Festivals, farmers markets, and community gatherings bring foot traffic that benefits all downtown businesses. Your presence supports the events that make these areas vibrant.

Leave Reviews

Online reviews significantly impact small business success. Take a few minutes to share positive experiences on Google, Yelp, or Facebook.

Get Involved

Many communities have downtown development organizations, business associations, or volunteer groups focused on revitalization. Your time and energy can contribute to lasting improvements.

Success Stories Across Will County

Frankfort

The village square area has maintained its small-town charm while welcoming new restaurants and shops. Regular events like the Frankfort Fall Festival draw regional visitors.

Downtown Joliet

Major investments in recent years have brought new restaurants, entertainment venues, and residential development. The Rialto Square Theatre continues anchoring the arts district.

Lockport

The historic downtown along the I&M Canal has developed into a destination for dining and antiques, building on the area's unique heritage.

Challenges and Opportunities

Downtown revitalization isn't without challenges. Competition from online retail, changing consumer habits, and limited parking all present obstacles. But these challenges also create opportunities for communities willing to adapt.

Mixed-use development brings residents who walk to shops and restaurants. Pop-up markets and rotating vendors keep offerings fresh. Events create reasons to visit beyond shopping alone.

Supporting the Effort

Strong downtowns don't happen overnight. They require sustained commitment from residents, business owners, and local government working together. Every purchase at a local shop, every event attended, every positive word shared contributes to the collective effort.

Will County's downtown districts represent our communities' past and future. By supporting them today, we ensure they remain vibrant gathering places for generations to come.