'I Heart Downtown Joliet Video Premier Party' Will Be Free To Attend

JOLIET —Now that the city of Joliet intends to spend more than $200,000 to subsidize eight struggling downtown businesses negatively impacted by the city's ongoing street closures and public infrastructure work on North Chicago Street, a video premier party has been announced.

Joliet's director of communications and media engagement Rosemaria DiBenedetto issued a press release on Thursday informing everyone that "The City of Joliet, in partnership with the Joliet City Center Partnership, invites the community to the 'I Heart Downtown Joliet Video Premier Party,' which will showcase ten of our very own Chicago Street businesses."

The event is set for Friday, April 4 and will go from 5 to 7 p.m. at Richardson's Bar & Grill, located at 81 N. Chicago St.

"The premiere will unveil a series of captivating new videos that highlight the ongoing revitalization of Chicago Street, with a special focus on local businesses that make downtown Joliet a dynamic and unique destination. Guests will be the first to view these exciting videos, which spotlight the heart of the city and the positive changes taking place," Joliet City Hall's press release noted.

According to Joliet, the free event will feature light appetizers, a cash bar and "the opportunity to meet fellow residents and local business owners. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about the businesses and events that make Joliet’s downtown so special. After the premiere, attendees are encouraged to explore the diverse dining, nightlife, and shopping options throughout downtown, and continue the celebration."

Here are more photos of what downtown Joliet looked like on Thursday, March 26. The work by Austin Tyler Construction is not supposed to finish until a year from now.