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This week we had the wonderful opportunity to meet Highland Park's Assistant City manager, Erin Jacobs! Erin joined the HP Team in March. The HP Team includes the Business Development, Senior Services, Deputy Clerk, Sustainability, and shares Communication. Prior to joining HP, Erin has 23 years of progressive municipal experience - the last seven of which focused on Economic Development. She received a Masters in Public Affairs from Mizzou, a Certification on Economic Development from the University of Oklahoma, BA in Organizational Leadership from Elmhurst College University. She is also a graduate from the first Coed Class of Fenwick High School. She lives in Barrington with her husband and two stepchildren. Erin brought us up to date on what's happening in Highland Park, starting with the redevelopment of Highland Park Hospital. The 22-acre campus is undergoing a $75M renovation and new construction project with several phases currently ongoing. This year they expect to have the project completed this year, including the $5M renovation of the Psychiatric Unit. Ravinia Festival has a new open-air veranda/dining pavilion creating 2,ooo square feet of new outdoor dining area! Other projects include: Albion at Renaissance Place, a five-story, 89 unit multi-family development is anticipated to be completed in 2023. Estimate construction cost is $23M; Oakwood Residences, a 20-unit multi-family residence $6.5M construction cost, completion anticipated this year. Bloom Street Walkups is a 22 unit townhouse development with groundbreaking anticipated this year. As far as Business Development, Over 80 new businesses have chosen to be a part of the HP community since 2019. The strategic plan is to produce and support events to increase foot traffic; explore CBD TIF to encourage redevelopment and investment, policy consideration to attract new uses, and a business outreach and a meeting with the Mayor to engage businesses. Among the new things happening with HP is THE LOT. Located at St. Johns and Central (think Festival Central), the Taste of HP will kick off the seasonal festivals on the weekend of June 24th and 25th. Here is the calendar of events: June 24 & 25 - Taste of Highland Park July 16 - World Music Fest August 6 - Vintage Car Show August 20 - Vegetarian Fest September 11 - Literary Fest September 16 & 17 - Oktoberfest October 23 - Vintage Market November 4 - Stews & Brews Take-out Tuesdays will also be located at THE LOT. From July 12 - August 30 there will be music, games food and fun! Don't forget to sign up for newsletters from the City to keep you in the know and up to date at cityhpil.com/signup |
