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News-State-of-the-City-Address-2022
26 Sep
0

Wheaton’s State of the City Address, Mayor Phil Suess

by in financial matters / taxes, news, Uncategorized, video

Thursday, September 15th, 11:30 am–1:00 pm | The Honorable Mayor Phil Suess presented the State of the City Address at Danada House in Wheaton. The Wheaton Chamber of Commerce hosted this popular, informative event.

Mayor Phil Suess greets Allegro at State of City event

Mayor Phil Suess reaches out to his canine constituent, Allegro, a service dog in training with Suzanne Treudt of Canine Companions, at the State of City luncheon [Photo by Robb Davidson of Axiom Media]

Want to know the latest news and updates from Wheaton?

In the State of the City Address, Mayor Suess outlines recent projects and accomplishments in Wheaton. He also takes a look ahead to what the future holds for our community.

Learn about new Wheaton businesses, community safety initiatives, the Downtown Streetscape Project, and flooding reduction projects. Also find out about key budget items and how the City is using tax dollars.

Many people helped make this a successful event, including the Mayor and his team. Susan Bishel, public information officer, and Rich Sagen, municipal producer for the City of Wheaton, produced a wonderful State of the City video, below. If you couldn’t attend the luncheon, or would like a recap, feel free to watch the video. It is an important resource that shows how the City government is working for you.

Looking for more updates?

Stay in touch with Wheaton happenings, ongoing news, and community events—from the desk of Mayor Phil Suess. Sign up for his free, not-too-frequent enewsletter HERE.

 

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Governor Pritzker & Mayor Phil Suess at Alebrijes Sculptures Exhibit - Cantigny
26 Aug
0

“Year of the Alebrijes” Celebrated with Governor Pritzker

by in events, Art Exhibit, financial matters / taxes, news

Wheaton Mayor Phil Suess welcomed Governor JB Pritzker to Cantigny Park, in Wheaton, this summer. The Governor was visiting to announce the second round of the Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant program offered by the State. This grant is funded using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The new $15 million in funding will help support the tourism sector across Illinois. Five million of the grant funding is reserved for festivals, which help unite communities and promote camaraderie, while bringing in extra tourism dollars.
Mayor Suess-Governor Pritzker-Cantigny Park - Alebrijes

Mayor Suess welcomes Governor Pritzker and speaks about the new grant that benefits tourism in Wheaton and throughout Illinois.

The other ten million will be used for a wide array of tourism-related projects. These could include everything from museums, to live performance venues, attractions and exhibits. The first round of this grant helped to foster attractions throughout the state, including $60,000 in tourism funding going to support the incredible five-month outdoor exhibit, “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World” at Cantigny Park.

Featuring dozens of mythical animals inspired by Mexican folklore, “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World” showcases how we can foster meaningful programs to celebrate and serve our local communities, while lifting Illinois as a whole.

“A remarkable group of collaborators made this happen. Thank you to Governor Pritzker, DCEO and the Illinois Office of Tourism for this grant that enabled our artists from Mexico City to bring this dream to life, celebrating cultural diversity and personal connection through art.” —DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Beth Marchetti.

Mayor Phil Suess and Governor Pritzker-Cantigny-ParkThe celebration continues for the blockbuster Mexican folk-art exhibit, “Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World”. The City of West Chicago even declared 2022 “Year of the Alebrijes” in honor of the display. Forty-eight lively alebrije sculptures—some delightfully oversized and others perfectly petite—populate Cantigny Park. They were created by six artists from Mexico City who participate annually in the internationally-known “La Noche de los Alebrijes,” a parade and festival in Mexico City for “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead).

Governor Pritzker honored the success of the exhibit at the press conference (see video below), highlighting it as a premier example of what can be accomplished through the state’s targeted programs to ignite recovery for leisure and hospitality. The exhibit has contributed to a 31% attendance increase at the park in 2022.

“Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World” is on display through October. See the video, below, featuring Governor Pritzker. View the full art exhibit details.

Photo, Left to right: Sara Phalen, Mexican Cultural Center DuPage Board Chair; Mayor Ruben Pineda, City of West Chicago; Fernando Ramirez, Mexican Cultural Center DuPage President and Founder; Mayor Phil Suess, City of Wheaton; Governor JB Pritzker; Matt LaFond, Cantigny Park Executive Director; Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton; Beth Marchetti, DCVB Executive Director; State Representative Terra Costa Howard; Sylvia Garcia, Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; Senator Laura Ellman

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Thanks Wheaton Municipal Band
18 Aug
0

Thanks for the Melodies, Wheaton Municipal Band!

by in live music, news

This summer, we were treated to a series of concerts in Wheaton’s Memorial Park by the incredible Wheaton Municipal Band. We want to take a moment to thank Band Director Dr. Bruce Moss and all of their talented musicians for the consistently-outstanding performances throughout the season!

This summer marked the first time since the pandemic that the full-sized band performed for Wheaton residents and visitors on the new Memorial Park Bandshell stage. All 88 musicians never failed to amaze eager audience members of all ages with their impressive, full concert band sound.

From the season opener, which included band students from Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville-South High Schools, to favorite overtures by Rossini, Mendelssohn and von Suppe, to a tribute to composer Stephen Sondheim, what else could we have wanted? Well…there was the passionate Dr. Jay Gephart, Director of Bands at Purdue University, who is always a crowd pleaser.

As a finale, the closing concert finished the season strong with the 50th anniversary rendition of John Zdechlik’s popular Chorale and Shaker Dance. This was music that was reminiscent of the joy found in the simple gifts in life. The music of the Wheaton Municipal Band is truly a gift that the audience treasured all summer long! We look forward to their next summer concert series.

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Downtown Developments-Wheaton
20 May
0

Downtown Developments

by in news

You may have noticed that several projects have been under way in Downtown Wheaton. This is a brief update as to the status of these enhancements. Keep an eye out for more great improvements in our treasured City of Wheaton!

Projects and Businesses:

  • Sandberg Property, WheatonSandberg Property: On the northwest corner of Main and Front Streets: Zoning approval was given Monday, May 16, to renovate the former Sandburg property into a co-working space. Watch for more details.
  • Tents on Hale: The Innovator Hale Street Tents are back and open for your enjoyment all summer long!
  • Three Challenging New Projects: This year the Council has approved three projects on challenging sites, including:
    • a new gas station development on the site of Wheaton Bowl;
    • a new urgent care center and daycare facility on the site of PNC Bank at the corner of Naperville Rd and Roosevelt;
    • and the renovations of the Sandburg building, mentioned above.
  • Other Upcoming Businesses, Housing, and Restaurants Include:
    • a new apartment building at the southwest corner of Liberty and Wheaton Ave.;
    • the construction of a new Culver’s on Roosevelt Rd. west of President;
    • the Jeep dealership on Roosevelt Rd has been sold and will become a storage facility
    • and the replacement of the Macaroni Grill on Naperville with a new Chipotle, daycare center, and Xfinity office.
  • Lola Ristorante is coming to Wheaton: This Italian gem is opening soon and ready to please. From a variety of Italian salads (Caprese, Strawberry Spinach Pecan, and more) through tempting pasta and entrée options (Mushroom Risotto, Herb Crusted Lamb Chops, Chicken Parmesan, to name a few), if you crave Italian, get ready to dive in. Watch for it at 230 W Front St, Wheaton.
  • Downtown Pavilion: You may know this, traditionally, as the French Market location just south of the tracks near Main Street. “What are all those cranes and trucks doing?” Many people have been wondering the same thing. The project is an oasis for residents, shoppers, and anyone who enjoys spending time outside with friends and family within beautiful, historic Downtown Wheaton. The new development will include:
    • beautifully-landscaped areas to gather with friends after a successful morning of shopping at the French Market;
    • an impressive space covered with a modern, elegant canopy that will be used for a multitude of activities, including the French Market;
    • a convenient parking area;
    • easy access to and from the updated Prairie Path;
    • bicycle facilities;
    • and more!

See Downtown Pavilion progress photos, below. Click any photo to enlarge it.

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Wheaton Municipal Band-2022
18 May
0

The Wheaton Municipal Band: Thursday Night Concerts

by in events, live music

The Wheaton Municipal Band’s season opener celebrates the joy of making music in Wheaton’s beautiful Memorial Park. Band students from Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville-South High Schools will join the band for an antiphonal finale that you will not want to miss.

This summer marks the first time since the pandemic that the full-sized band will perform on the new Memorial Park Bandshell stage. All 88 musicians plan to wow the audience with their full concert band sound. (Last year, they performed at half capacity, and we were glad to have the music.) This summer, hold on to your hats, as the full Wheaton Municipal Band sound roars back in style.

See the Wheaton Municipal Band Event for more details.

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News-Upcoming Wheaton Events-2022
15 Apr
0

A Variety of Fun, Family Events on the Horizon

by in events, news

Wheaton will host many family-friendly events in the coming warm-weather days. From the French Market on Saturdays, to Hale Street Tents, to the Wheaton Municipal Band performances, there’s something for everyone.

See the Wheaton Municipal Band’s website for details about all of their performances. We look forward to enjoying their “Evening in the Park” shows on Thursday nights this summer.

The 33rd Annual Ribfest 2022, a perennial crowd pleaser, is also just around the corner. It will be at an all-new location this year—the DuPage Event Center and Fairgrounds. Award-winning ribs will tempt your senses. Come out and indulge in the food, entertainment, and fun!

Opening May 7th, Innovator Hale Street Tents are back in town! Visit Hale Street, in Downtown Wheaton, and enjoy dining al fresco with live music, small-business shopping, and all our historic downtown has to offer.

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