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From homebuyers to developers, projects forge ahead in Westmont

By Vicki Martinka Petersen

There’s a lot of activity going on in Westmont these days. And it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. “It’s been a record year for permits being issued for projects,” said Larry Forssberg, executive director of Westmont Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. “The record low interest rates are giving developers and homebuyers confidence to pursue borrowing money for projects, whether it’s to buy a home or start a multimilliondollar development.”

Construction even continued during the COVID-19 pandemic despite some minor delays in acquiring construction materials.

From constructing a new shopping center to bringing residential housing to the downtown area, here’s a snapshot of what economic development looks like in Westmont.

MARKET CENTER This fall, Market Center opened at 63rd Street and Cass Avenue in the village’s southwest business district on the former site of an old shopping center. Originally set to open in July, the opening was pushed back to September due to COVID-19. Tenants include Starbucks, LA Fitness, Raising Cane’s, Mariano’s and Burger King.

“The center has gone from what was an outdated eyesore to bringing a brand new sense of vibrancy to that area,” Forssberg said. “There’s a TIF district in place to help revitalize the southwest business district by reworking old parcels and bringing them back to life.” DOWNTOWN HOUSING After years of being a dining and shopping hub, soon downtown Westmont will be able to add residential housing to its list of attributes. Crews recently broke ground for Quincy Station, a new residential complex in downtown Westmont. Opening in 2021, the five-story building will include 94 luxury apartments. The building will include a common amenity space/club room at the upper floor of the building with an outdoor terrace overlooking Quincy Street and downtown Westmont. Another residential complex also is being planned in the downtown area. When both projects are completed, they will bring 500 to 600 residents into downtown Westmont. “We’ve never had much of a residential population in the downtown area before. The downtown area brings the convenience SWIM COMPLEX The newly opened FMC Natatorium aquatic center at Ty Warner Park will offer locals use of the pool as well as be the home for regional and national swim competitions.

"This amazing aquatic facility will bring tens of thousands of guests to Westmont and an annual basis, this boost in visitors will translate into additional dollars going into our local economy at hotels, restaurants, retailers and maybe even our Westmont Auto Mile," Forssberg said.

The 60,000-square-foot aquatic center includes a nine-lane, 50-meter Olympic-size competition pool with spectator seating for 1,200 and a 25-yard training pool for swim

lessons and competition warm-up. for people being right by the train to go to the western suburbs or downtown Chicago,” Forssberg said.

Housing options in the downtown area could be attractive to Chicago residents looking to move from the city to the suburbs for quieter areas and strong school systems.

“Lots of times, people start their life in the city, then move to suburbs once it’s time for the kids to go to school,” Forssberg added.

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Carole M. Kempf www.ckrose.com

38 N Cass Ave, Suite 110 Westmont, IL 60559

630.605.7020 CaroleKempf13@Gmail.com

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