Chicago Street Will Connect Again

JOLIET, IL — Chicago Street will run continuously through downtown Joliet once again, officials announced Wednesday.

The street has been closed between Washington and Jefferson streets for decades. Opening it again is hoped to spur downtown economic growth.

“Every downtown development plan the city has invested in indicates that reconnecting Chicago Street is key to revitalize downtown Joliet,” Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk said in a statement released by Mack Communications.

“The city has talked about this for years, but took no action to make it happen,"O'Dekirk said. "I am thrilled that we have worked out this deal and can announce that reconnecting Chicago Street and building the city center square is no longer just an idea, it will be a reality."

The deal to reopen Chicago Street includes the county trading property with the city. The city also gets Van Buren Plaza, which sits across from the historic Rialto Square Theater. It will be refashioned into a public square.

“Joliet is Will County’s county seat, and a large majority of county facilities are located within downtown Joliet,” said County Executive Larry Walsh. “I have always advocated to keep a strong county presence in the downtown city center, and I am very happy after many years of negotiations we were able to reach a deal that works for all the parties involved."

In the trade, the city is handing the old Metra parking lot, which is adjacent to the courthouse parking lot, over to the county. Plans are for the parking to be resurfaced, redesigned and automated.

"The makeover will increase the number of available parking spaces from 166 to more than 200," according to Mack Communications. "Parking in the lot will also be available to the public for events after 4 p.m. for free."

Precisely when Chicago Street was closed off was a mystery to officials. So was the reason why.

"I don't know why they did it," O'Dekirk said. "I think it was a colossal mistake."

Chicago Street's Rialto Square Theatre