Welcome to the New Downtown Glen Ellyn!
A new chapter in Glen Ellyn's history: Rebuilding our downtown
The Village of Glen Ellyn has been investing in a once-in-a-generation project to ensure Downtown is a destination for residents and visitors for years to come. The project has been replacing and upgrading storm, sanitary, and water lines, building new sidewalks and roads, and installing irrigated granite planters with seat walls. The design maintains the historic look and feel of downtown while meeting ADA accessibility requirements. The new streetscape provides the opportunity to improve the health of the urban forest by improving growing conditions for trees, increasing the variety of tree species, and doubling the overall number of trees downtown!
Project Status
Given the substantial scope, the project was divided into four phases as depicted on the map below. Phases 1-3 are now substantially complete. There will be some additional streetscape-related work in 2025 (dubbed Phase 3.5) at the Crescent-Glenwood public parking lot. This work consists of resurfacing of the parking lot and reconstruction of the median between the lot and Crescent Blvd.
Phase 4, the final and perhaps most transformational phase of the streetscaping initiative, is currently in design. The scope of this phase includes full reconstruction and re-envisioning of the aged downtown train station, introducing a new pedestrian underpass to better connect the downtown, and streetscaping of remaining segments of Crescent Blvd. and Forest Ave. The project is advancing with the benefit of several federal and state grants in recognition of the transportation value of the project. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026 and span two construction seasons. More information, including project renderings, is available from a dedicated page on the Village website:
Project Awards
Phases 1-3 of the Downtown Glen Ellyn streetscaping have been recognized by both the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) and the American Public Works Association (APWA) for awards:
- 2025 ACEC Illinois Engineering Excellence – Special Achievement Award
- 2025 APWA Project of the Year – Transportation $5 Million to $25 Million (Chicago Metro Chapter – Suburban Branch)
Contact Us
Derek Peebles
Assistant Village Engineer
Village of Glen Ellyn
630-547-5520
dpeebles@glenellyn.org
Derek is responsible for overseeing the project and coordinating with the on-site engineer. Contact Derek with any construction and scheduling questions.
Meredith Hannah
Economic Development Coordinator
Village of Glen Ellyn
630-547-5345
mhannah@glenellyn.org
Meredith coordinates business communication and serves as an ombudsman for the businesses. Contact Meredith with any questions regarding business support.