Vince Gerasole, general assignment reporter for CBS 2 Chicago, arrived before dawn this morning to cover new developments in downtown Naperville, taking a tour in the CBS2 Mobile Unit as the city began to awaken.
During his visit for the CBS2 Morning News, he interviewed running enthusiast Chris Hartner, founder and owner of the Naperville Running Company, at his store on Jefferson Ave.; developer Dwight Yackley, owner of BBM Incorporated, inside Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish House in the Main Street Promenade; and Naperville Mayor George Pradel, according to developer Ruth Yackley.
“CBS called wanting to do different businesses for an early morning live broadcast and we were happy to be included,” Ruth Yackley said.
The Yackleys introduced Gerasole to the newest locations of DavidsTea and Frost Gelato, two newcomers to downtown Naperville with retail space in the Main Street Promenade East, their latest development. Â DavidsTea will have the distinction forever of being the first new enterprise to open for business in the attractive retail center, having opened its doors in mid-August with a large variety of teas to go by the cup or the package as well as accessories for brewing both hot and iced teas.
Frost Gelato, just steps from the Van Buren Parking Deck, anticipates a mid-October opening. During the Jaycees Last Fling, local residents had an opportunity to taste the fresh creamy treat when Frost Gelato set up its booth among the vendors during the popular four-day family festival.
Also in mid-August, EverEve (Formerly Hot Mama, with space in the original Main Street Promenade completed in 1994, also developed by BBM Incorporated) opened a larger store in Main Street Promenade East. J.Crew opened its doors on Sept. 10.
Anthropologie is slated to open along Main Street on October 3, followed later in October by Frost Gelato and Michael Graham Salon & Spa. Â Regus, an office business center, will find its home on the second level above the retail businesses. Regus office space offers services to its tenants that include a shared receptionist, kitchen and conference room as well as all the amenities conveniently located in and near downtown Naperville.
After Dwight Yackley provided a tour of his development in the Mobile2 unit with the camera on top, Mayor Pradel arrived to narrate a drive around downtown with Gerasole.
According to Gerasole, their on-air conversation will be streaming on the CBS2 website.
Though PN missed the television interviews, much talk likely included the ever-changing landscape of the city’s central business district. In recent months, several new retail enterprises have opened in Main Place near the Apple Store on Jefferson Ave. Earlier this summer, Sephora opened at 132 W. Jefferson, between Apple and Apricot Lane.
Main Place is across the street from a row of  longtime independent businesses, including Anderson’s Bookshop, Two Doors East, Gotkind’s Shoes, Irish Way and Two Bostons, all of which create a mix and balance in the popular shopping and dining destination.
As the live broadcast was wrapping up, Hartner ventured over to Main Street Promenade East where other early-morning risers had gathered to watch the happenings, just in time for a selfie with Gerasole.
For a preview of what’s happening in downtown through the end of year, visit PN’s link. The online page will be updated as needed until the carillon in Moser Tower rings in the New Year.
Meanwhile, save Sun., Nov. 30 for the annual Little Friends Parade of Lights when it steps off at 5PM to top off the Thanksgiving weekend. No matter what the temperature, the annual parade will provide a warm welcome for community to gather together and greet the holiday season in downtown Naperville. Â It’s also a great opportunity to become acquainted more with all the new shopping and dining that have been added to the mix of longtime merchants and restaurants. Cheers!
