When Royal Plant Care owner Kevin Velazquez cut the blue ribbon Thursday celebrating the opening of his new Elgin shop, his family and friends cheered.
And so did members of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, who were there for the big moment and eager to recognize the 54 National St. business that has filled a key spot at the gateway to the city’s downtown district.
“This business will bring new energy and life to the National Street corridor with a unique mix of products, services and cultural flavor,” DNA Executive Director Jennifer Fukala said.
Velazquez’s business is an example of a modern hybrid business model they’re wanting to see more of, Fukala said. The shop offers landscape services and programs in addition to selling plants and artwork, she said.
“It’s important to have businesses with multiple revenue streams established,” she said. “It’s better for the health of downtown because those businesses are not just relying on foot traffic. They are making money in a variety of ways.”
It’s also one of several new businesses that have opened or will be opening downtown this spring and summer, including Shawarma Stop at 13 Douglas Ave.; MotoMax Powersports, 227 DuPage St.; The Yoga Center, 168 Highland Ave.; High Haven Cannabis, 15 Clocktower Plaza; and Churros y Chocolate, 66 S. Grove Ave.
Shawarma Stop’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was last week. It’s owner Mohanned Alali’s first restaurant, and introduces a new Mediterranean dining option that he said has received a welcoming response so far.
“People are friendly here,” Alali said. “I am very excited to open in downtown Elgin to immerse myself in this wonderful community. I’m looking forward to bringing a taste of the Middle East here.”
Fukala was equally enthusiastic about the business entering the downtown scene.
“We are excited to welcome this first-of-its-kind restaurant in Elgin,” she said. “The unique menu and fast casual service will be a great lunch option for downtown workers during the week as well as nearby for residents looking to spice things up a little.”
Another newly opened business is MotoMax Powersports, which sells used motorcycles, including Harleys, Hondas, and Kawasakis, and powersports vehicles.
Soon to be on the scene will be The Yoga Center, High Haven Cannabis and Churros y Chocolate.
“Let’s call it a rare treat to have so many open at once,” Fukala said of the influx of new retail and dining options.
But it’s not just new businesses giving downtown a shot in the arm. Two other businesses, ETC Coworking and Elgin Community Bikes, are expanding their locations, Fukala said.
ETC Coworker owner Tom Hokenson, who serves on DNA’s Economic Development Committee, has a membership of 60 people and needs more space to accommodate the growing demand, he said.
He’s lived in Elgin for 14 years and been a downtown business owner for three. “I see how it’s just been growing. Working with DNA, I see all the energy they bring,” he said.
A cornerstone of their work is attracting new business to downtown and the surrounding areas. The nonprofit recently created a priority list with input from the community.
Number one is having more restaurants that offer special diet items like vegan or ethnic cuisines. DNA also found people want a mix of sit-down restaurants and fast casual spots with median price-point menus.
Another top request is more bars and downtown nightlife, specifically a brewery, distillery, wine bar, or sports bar. Additional entertainment options, like a vintage arcade or a salsa dance club, and more clothing and apparel stores, unique retailers, a food market, lodging, artisan products and offices also made the list.
With Royal Plant Care offering plants as well as Mexican artisan products and artwork and Churrors Y Chocolate and Shawarma Stop providing ethnic options, some of those niches are being filled, Fukala said. With the Elgin City Council recently amending its zoning to allow for breweries and distilleries, there’s hope they could meet that request as well.
As DNA works to bring new businesses downtown, it’s also finding ways to attract people to the area to frequent them. Elgin still faces a reality vs. perception issue when it comes to the way people view the area, according to a recent Illinois Main Street study.
A survey done by the organization found people still have concerns about the homeless population in the area.
DNA officials recognize the perception must be overcome and they’re trying “to convey all of the positive things happening in downtown,” Fukala said.
The influx of new businesses and popular attractions like the weekly Downtown Elgin Market, which opened for the season Friday, helps counter the negative, she said.
“Our role is about creating that destination and positive community feeling,” Fukala said.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
