VILLAGE OF BARTLETT

During the challenges of the pandemic, many business communities struggled. But in Bartlett, our business community is stronger than it has ever been. I believe this is partly because the Village of Bartlett Board of Trustees and I continue to keep business retention and recruitment front and center in our decision making.

Our strength has been exhibited not only in the robust development that we have experienced at our gold standard business parks, Brewster Creek and Blue Heron, but in the growth of corporate enterprises along our major thoroughfares and small mom-andpop establishments right in the heart of downtown.

You can see our success in the buildout of the Galleria on Army Trail Road and the Culver’s that we welcomed to Route 59. Along Lake Street, we look forward to Bob Loquercio Auto Group bringing a new Hyundai/ Genesis car dealership to the village.

Three years ago, the former Bartlett Plaza was more than 50 percent vacant and in disrepair. Today, with the help of the Bartlett Economic Assistance (BEDA) grant program, the center has been rebranded as the Streets of Bartlett, has attained full occupancy and is a vibrant gathering place where families can dine at a variety of restaurants and enjoy plenty of family entertainment at the Midway Landing Bowling Alley/O’Hare’s Restaurant & Pub.

Downtown Bartlett has also seen the return of a bakery, Rebecca’s Cakes by Design, which has moved to the Town Center. If you have not yet heard, brothers Sunny and Perry Patel are building More Brewing Company; Opening in the spring, the village’s first craft brewery will change the face of our downtown overnight once finished.

From the changing business landscape to the return of local festivals and events, the result is a downtown Bartlett that once again is a place to get together with others – whether for a cup of coffee, a date night dinner, pizza or burgers with the family, unique shopping, an art exhibit, or musical performance and more.

Every business venture and development, both large and small, requires collaboration. The village’s partnerships with the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce, with its volunteer advisory commissions that review and support business development and with our business community and residents all contribute toward strengthening and maintaining Bartlett’s healthy business climate.

Since the village’s incorporation in 1891, Bartlett has continued to grow while maintaining its unique hometown feel. The village is an open and welcoming place for commercial ventures of all sizes from Fortune 500 companies to sole proprietorships. At the same time, Bartlett’s harmonious mix of dining, shopping, business, educational, and recreational resources create an ideal community in which to live, work, and play.

KEVIN WALLACE Village President Village of Bartlett

LETTER FROM THE VILLAGE PRESIDENT