Downtown Downers Grove reports 98% first-floor occupancy, new businesses and spring events

Aaron Venezia, executive director of Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation (Special Service Area No. 11), briefed the council on March 10 about developments downtown and upcoming events.

Venezia said first-floor commercial occupancy in the SSA is currently about 98% and listed new or rebranded downtown businesses including High Ground Trading, Mimi’s Candy and Cards, Verbina Soap and Apothecary (formerly Magnolia), and Playful Pediatric Therapies. He also announced additional upcoming openings and redevelopment projects — including a proposed bakery/cocktail-lounge concept at 5126 Main Street — and a multi-address residential approval that appears later on the council agenda.

On events, Venezia highlighted the Ice Fest (63 sculptures and more than 33,000 weekend visits), a spring scavenger hunt running March 28–April 30, and a Wine Walk scheduled for May 7. He reported downtown visits for the start of 2026 were up about 5.8% year‑over‑year and said the downtown social channels and e-blasts continue to show strong engagement.

Venezia thanked public works and local partners for event support and encouraged interested artists to apply for the 2026 fine arts program (applications due April 1). Council members asked clarifying questions about the 98% occupancy and specific storefront uses; Venezia answered that the figure reflects first-floor commercial occupancy only.

The report did not lead to any formal action; items requiring council approval related to downtown projects appeared later on the agenda.