Home is a feeling more than a place, and we hope Naperville newcomers find that feeling here in a community some folks called “Neighborville” on a poster in the early 1990s. And today, others jokingly refer to our ever-evolving city as “Naperthrill.”
Whenever a “For Sale” sign goes up in front of a home in our neighborhood or along my walk route, my heart sinks a bit. I wonder, “Don’t they like us? Was it something I said?”
Looking out from a second story window over the street we’ve called home for more than 31 years, I’m mindful more than ever that less than a few of the homes on our block are filled with the families who welcomed us all those years ago.
And earlier this month, one of our across-the-street neighbors who welcomed us back then put up a “For Sale” sign, complete with info that a two-hour open house was scheduled on a Saturday in early June.
Many fond memories of holiday parties and wine-tasting get-togethers with those folks across the street and others in the cul-de-sac flashed in front of me.
And I recall some very expensive wines were out-ranked by economically-priced Blossom Hill Chardonnay during blind taste tests, much to the chagrin of our former neighbor who’d proudly purchased the pricy labels.
Moving right along…
Our across-the-street neighbor’s home sold almost instantly. Their plans to leave by the end of July have kept them very, very busy. Bill said that planning their move to Michigan and packing up after 35 years hasn’t been easy. As he recounted his experience from start to finish, the process just seems mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting.
While you may not have a move in your immediate future, watching friends pack up their boxes and place stuff in the parkway for scavengers may include memories all around, especially when photos and other keepsakes remind you of good times and many other friendships.
Local landmarks, too!
For nearly 23 years, this publication has aimed to preview the bright side of this community, a city steeped in can-do spirit, rich history and local lore; growing and evolving with one brief story at a time. Dozens and dozens of contributing columnists, all ages, have added their voices to our pages as well as to our website launched in July 2001. We continually try to focus on hyperlocal happenings that might fulfil an unmet need or make a difference.
As much as we enjoy previewing the days ahead and promoting upcoming events, we look forward to history that dots the landscape making news in every direction N. E. W. and S.
For instance, last month news arrived that Beidelman’s Furniture location, built in 1893 in what was then the center of Naperville at 239 S. Washington, now is seeking local landmark designation. We recalled all the years when owner Dutch Beidelman used to greet everyone from his window seat in the showroom. And we remember Bev Frier’s stories about the Beidelman’s related businesses that found homes along Jackson Avenue to build caskets as well as provide mortuary services and a hearse from the same location.
During the July meeting of the Naperville Historic Preservation Commission, news reports that NHP members recommended that the company’s downtown properties, which together represent the business’ 163-year history in the city, be landmarked by the Naperville City Council.
And so it goes along Washington Street where current reconstruction of the bridge over the DuPage River and redesign of the streetscape from Chicago Avenue to Benton Avenue are now in progress. According to the last report we heard from Bill Novack, Director of Transportation/Engineering/Development, the Washington Bridge Replacement project currently is anticipated to be complete in early 2025. The phase of work now in progress to improve streets, sidewalks and utilities along portions of Washington Street is scheduled to be finished before the end of this year.
Most businesses along Washington Street remain open. No doubt Treasures and Bistro du Bouchard at Le Chocolat are happy also to have rear entrances.
If you’ve been attending or watching Planning and Zoning Commission as well as City Council meetings (We always encourage residents to watch public meetings to get the complete scoop first hand.) the past couple of years, you’re aware of plans for Block 59, Route 59 at Aurora Avenue.
In recent weeks, demolition of most of the buildings has been underway to make way for the 18-acre mixed-use development for retail, entertainment venues and restaurants.
At the same time, some businesses are still standing and remain open during construction.
For instance, Lazy Dog and Hollywood Palms Cinema Bar and Eatery are ready to serve daily. And Walter E. Smithe, formerly in that location, has been rebuilt, with more spacious showrooms than ever at 484 S. Route 59.
And wouldn’t you know? During a recent walk along Aurora Avenue, we discovered the distance between downtown Naperville and Block 59 is just a few steps more than three miles. And Mesón Sabika, located at 1025 Aurora Avenue, is in between along the way!
For a look at colorful renderings of the planned new redevelopment, visit www.thinkconfluence.com/what-we-do/integrated-design/block-59.
For August special events and other attractive art “abuzz” in downtown Naperville, visit www.downtownnaperville.com.
For more information and downtown project updates, visit www.naperville.il.us/downtownprogress.
– Stephanie Penick
PN Publisher