Photo Courtesy of the Village of Oak Brook

Oak Brook has long been known for its beautiful natural setting, from the lush woods of Fullersburg to the serenity of Salt Creek and the verdant fields of the SportsCore. 

Now, a comprehensive beautification program is underway with multiple projects from both the public and private sectors. The combination of these improvements will delight residents and visitors alike and contribute to Oak Brook’s image of city sophistication with suburban convenience. 

”I am pleased to announce that the Village is partnering with our business community to jointly implement a series of aesthetic improvements that will not only elevate our image but bond our business community and Village in a way that transcends the investment alone,” said Village President Larry Herman along with “I wish to thank these businesses that are partnering with us to the benefit of the whole community.” 

Oakbrook Center began the local effort by implementing a multi-year parking lot repaving plan, replacing and enhancing curb islands, and planting new trees. 

In partnership with Oakbrook Center, the Village will beautify the median on Route 83 from 16th Street to 22nd Street. The existing concrete median will be removed, and a newly planted median, which maximizes landscaping space, will be installed to infuse it with natural greenery, including trees. Adding landscaping will turn the median from an unattractive blemish with weeds that rise from the joints to an attractive, welcoming asset for shoppers, residents, and commuters. 

Additionally, the existing fenced detention basin at the northeast corner of Route 83 and 22nd Street will be improved. Today, this area is enclosed by an old, unattractive chain-link fence with weeds, volunteer invasive trees and sporadic bushes near the perimeter. This project proposes to remove this area and install new, thoughtfully planned landscaping that coordinates with the newly installed mall landscaping and the Route 83 median. 

“The combined investment of the Village and Oakbrook Center owner Brookfield Properties will jointly facilitate these aesthetic upgrades, leveraging each other’s funding in a collaborative fashion that maximizes the results for our residents, businesses, and shoppers alike,” according to Village Manager Greg Summers.

Oak Brook monument Rendering Photo courtesy of the Village of Oak Brook

Another exciting focus of the beautification effort will be the creation of a new entrance monument on the southwest corner of the intersection at Route 83 and 22nd Street, alongside additional landscaping featuring native plants and trees. The Village Board was proactive in securing a signage easement at this corner when the Overlook Development was in the early planning stages and is now looking to put that free donation to use. 

Furthermore, the I-88 bridge viaduct over 22nd Street, located between Jorie Blvd and Spring Road, has been identified as another of the Village spaces that could benefit from enhancement. Targeted proposed improvements here include upgraded lighting for safety and ambiance, resurfacing of the walls to repair existing wear and tear, as well as signage, branding, and new aesthetic treatments to complete an enhanced look. 

Finally, York Road will receive a more robust native planting design in the existing turf and tree-planted medians. The existing trees will also be evaluated for preservation and enhancement. 

Complimenting all the work being proposed by the Village and Oakbrook Center, The Drake Hotel has recently begun its own ambitious project to enhance and beautify its grounds adjacent to York Road. The gardens of The Drake will be adorned with walking paths, sculptures, topiaries, and flower and landscaping arrangements, creating an oasis that will be enjoyed by Oak Brook residents, visiting guests, and wedding couples and further lends to the upscale image of Oak Brook. Trustee Michael Manzo noted that “for years, the Village let both public and private spaces languish due to funding constraints, but with new leadership having tackled and solved the budget challenges, we are now positioned to leverage the private sector and combine resources to elevate the look of Oak Brook to where it should have been maintained all along.”