Downtown St. Charles
Downtown St. Charles embraces the natural beauty of the Fox River for a delightful, one-of-a-kind experience.
St. Charles is a beautifully preserved, increasingly urban community that continues to grow more sophisticated and refined with each passing year. Due to a comprehensive plan founded on phased redevelopment, business is booming—an astonishing 25 new businesses planted roots downtown last year alone and despite the economic crunch, downtown St. Charles is thriving in some important ways. The Pride of the Fox has distinguished itself as a premier locale in which to shop, dine, and play. It’s no wonder Family Circle Magazine voted St. Charles as the #1 town for families in the country!
St. Charles is filled with award-winning restaurants, culture, and trendy shops with something for every budget. The community is alive with independent businesses whose presence has given the city a competitive edge. These establishments make the city friendlier to residents and tourists and attractive to investors. The more unique the downtown gets, the more everyone benefits. How? Shopping and dining here pumps more money into the local economy, thus expanding resources for schools and infrastructure improvements, equating to a higher standard of living for the entire community. Moreover, local businesses are the largest employers in the nation.
There’s a palpable charm to spending time in downtown St. Charles and in an increasingly homogenized marketplace, personal touches are priceless. Whether discovering new authors, searching for the perfect outfit or the finest wine, nobody has a better knowledge of their product than local business owners. Besides, between walkways, bike paths and ample parking it’s more convenient than ever to spend time in downtown St. Charles.
Speaking of First Street, the product of nearly a decade’s worth of hard work and strategic planning, the Redevelopment project is bearing fruit! The Plaza’s variety of gourmet restaurants and irresistible shops is a favorite hot-spot for residents and visitors, and differentiates Downtown St. Charles from its neighbors.
As St. Charles looks ahead, it hasn’t forgotten its roots. The picturesque downtown is born anew with precision preservation. Three landmarks, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, have been revitalized. The 1940 Municipal Center’s new Art-Moderne plaza and river wall are gorgeous additions, as evidenced by receipt of the prestigious Driehaus Award this year. The Hotel Baker, viewed as one of the country’s most luxurious boutique hotels, has recently refurbished its rooms, beautifully integrating modern amenities with roaring 20s splendor. One of the city’s brightest attractions, the Arcada Theater’s brand-new marquis is a long-term investment attracting bigger acts and larger audiences, as well as significantly enhancing the Main Street corridor’s aesthetic. These architectural gems, paired with the area’s natural beauty and the magnetism of local businesses, have invigorated the brilliant treasure that is downtown St. Charles.
September marks the Fox Valley Marathon’s second year. Both starting and ending in downtown St. Charles, the racecourse stretches through Geneva, Batavia, and North Aurora. This Marathon has recently attained USATF certification, making it a qualifier for its famous cousin in Boston. Moreover, the experience has been further enhanced and expanded this year with the Run 26 Kids Marathon.
The holidays are always memorable in St. Charles. The season kicks off the weekend after Thanksgiving with the spectacular “Holiday Homecoming” festivities. The traditional tree lighting ceremony Friday night is followed by a number of family friendly activities on Saturday. Make a day of it and then stake out a place to view the dazzling St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade on Saturday night. The tradition continues with a visit to Santa in his home away from the North Pole situated on the First Street Plaza beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving and continuing every weekend through December.
Since 1992, the Downtown St. Charles Partnership (DSCP) has been carrying out its mission of enhancing the economic viability and preserving the character and beauty of Downtown St. Charles by fostering historic preservation, recruiting new businesses, and supporting business development and retention. The volunteer-driven, 501c3 Main Street organization has ensured vital communication between business and property owners and local government, while marketing and promoting downtown. Call 630-513-5386 or visit DowntownStCharles.org to discover DSCP’s volunteer opportunities or for more information.