SkokieNews - Oakton bridge project, Titanic exhibit, and more!

February 20, 2024

Oakton Street Bridge Replacement Begins In March

Next month, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is anticipated to begin a phased replacement of the Oakton Street bridge over the Edens Expressway.

Scope: The project will include full bridge and roadway replacement, a new 10-foot-wide shared-use path, and accessibility and safety improvements.

Traffic impacts: Two-way traffic on Oakton Street will be maintained throughout the project; however, lane closures will be implemented. Sidewalk access will be maintained on one side of the bridge at all times.

Timeline: Construction is anticipated to begin in March and be completed in fall of 2025.

Westfield Old Orchard Announces Redevelopment Plans

The owners of Westfield Old Orchard have announced Focus as the co-developer for the first phase of the center’s landmark transformation, which will include construction of approximately 400 apartments and street-level retail, along with a park and event space, in the northern section of the property.

Background: In March 2022, the Village Board approved designation of Old Orchard – the Village’s premiere sales tax generator – as a business district, catalyzing transformational investment in the property. Since then, numerous new or expanded restaurant and retail concepts have opened, including Bloomies, Bar Siena, Louis Vuitton, Alo Yoga, Vuori and more.

Supporting the continued growth of sales tax and other revenues has helped the Village maintain its historic property tax freeze, which has been in place since 1991. Since then, the Village’s share of a typical property tax bill has decreased from 16 percent to less than 6 percent.

Coming soon: Construction is already underway on the former Lord & Taylor space. New tenants expected to open in 2024 include home furnishing brands Arhaus and Pottery Barn; high-tech mini golf experience Puttshack; and fashion brand ZARA.

Titanic Exhibit Sails Into Skokie

Titanic: The Exhibition is now open at Westfield Old Orchard! The immersive, interactive experience takes visitors on a journey into history.

Peek into the porthole: Get an inside look at the exhibit on the Explore Skokie Facebook and Instagram channels.

Book your voyage: Tickets are now available.

Youth Art Contest: Decorate Skokie’s New Refuse Truck

Help call attention to the Village’s Environmental Sustainability Plan goal of reducing landfill waste community-wide!

Skokie students in grades 5-12 are invited to share their original artwork inspired by the theme, “Reducing Waste.” Two winning submissions will be featured on the Village’s brand new refuse truck. Submissions are due by March 15. View the contest guidelines.

Next Week: Bundle Up for BINGO!

Explore Downtown Skokie businesses on a BINGO adventure on Leap Day, Thursday, February 29! Enjoy light bites at participating locations, take advantage of shopping discounts, and earn entries for a BINGO prize raffle, including the chance to win four VIP tickets to Titanic: The Exhibition!

Included with your ticket: All participants will receive a knit Skokie hat and the first 100 will take home a stainless steel coffee mug.

Photo: Pita Inn on Dempster Street.

Share Your Favorite Skokie Dining Experience With Us!

Have a favorite Skokie dining destination? Share a photo of your food or a selfie on location using #DineAroundSkokie and tag @ExploreSkokie on Instagram this February. You’ll be entered for a chance to win a full day of food and fun in Skokie ($150 value).

Throughout February: Take advantage of delicious deals at Skokie restaurants as part of North Shore Restaurant Month.

Photo by Rich Cahan.

Continuing this Week: Parkway Tree Pruning

The Village’s tree pruning contractor, Advanced Tree Care, will continue routine parkway tree pruning in southeast Skokie this week.

Why prune? Trees are pruned for clearance, deadwood, and structure only. If low branches aren’t pruned, trees can be damaged by trucks, plows and other vehicles, sometimes requiring the removal of an entire tree.

Upcoming Events

Navigating Solar Options, February 20

Join the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and the Village for a free presentation on solar energy programs, incentives and benefits!

Join us: Navigating Solar Options will take place tonight, Tuesday, February 20, 6 p.m., at Sketchbook Brewery. All attendees will receive a token for $1 off purchase of a beverage!

Community Job Fair, February 22

Attend a community-wide job fair at Oakton College - Skokie Campus on Thursday, February 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event is presented by Skokie Chamber of Commerce, Oakton College and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Stand out in the crowd: Career services and resume support will be available on site.

Artists Networking Event, February 27

Skokie artists and creatives are invited to attend an Artists Networking Event hosted by the Village's Fine Arts Commission at Sketchbook Brewery on Tuesday, February 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Connect and create: Meet other Skokie artists while learning how the Fine Arts Commission supports the arts in Skokie.