Once 'Rundown' Darien Area Much Improved: City

DARIEN, IL – The shopping center on the northeast corner of Cass Avenue and Plainfield Road in Darien is much improved these days, the city said Thursday.

In its weekly newsletter, the city said the center was once "rundown" with a vacant gas station on each side and multiple property owners.

As part of a redevelopment project, the city bought the property, so it could be developed as a unified site, now called Darien Point, according to the statement.

"A developer purchased the property from the City and constructed the new buildings, which are now home to successful retail and service businesses," the city said. "The developer also contributed to the beautiful clock tower amenity."

The city linked to a video showing what the shopping center once looked like and how it appears today.

The center includes such businesses as Starbucks, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Chiba Japanese Restaurant.

The changes have happened within the last decade.

Although Darien has no downtown, local officials see the intersection as the town's commercial core.

The new shopping center, Darien Point, is much improved from the old one at the northeast corner of Cass Avenue and Plainfield Road, according to the city. This Google Maps photo was taken in 2021. (Google Maps)