Happy Friday!

Bartlett is eyeing a major transformation. Village leaders are moving forward with plans for a large-scale development at its northern gateway, aiming to turn a long-undeveloped stretch along Lake Street into a new destination with entertainment, housing, and more. 🏗️

☁️ Today’s weather:
Mostly cloudy with a high of 54°F. Just a 10% chance of precipitation, 91% humidity, and winds at 5 mph. Calm, gray, and pretty mild.

📺 The Truth About Living in Chicago No One Talks About: In today’s video, I break down the realities of living in Chicago—what surprises people, what gets overlooked, and what you should know before moving.

🍴 Check out The Foodie’s Guide for this week’s best eats, and scroll down for WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? — your weekend events roundup. 

Let’s dive in!

 —Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs / Realtor with Keller Williams Premiere Properties

In case you missed…

Events

💭 WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? 

This Weekend’s Events…

Faculty Recital Series: Eric Gratz & Susan Chou

Enjoy an evening of chamber music featuring violinist Eric Gratz and pianist Susan Chou performing works by Beethoven and Schubert, along with additional pieces that showcase both lyrical beauty and virtuosity.
📍 Location: Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Apr 17 | 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $7
🔗 More Info

35th Annual DuPage River Sweep

Join thousands of volunteers in this annual community-wide cleanup focused on removing debris from local waterways and restoring streambanks across DuPage County and nearby areas.
📍 Location: Various locations across DuPage County
🗓️ Date & Time: Apr 18 | 9 AM – 12 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free (registration required)
🔗 More Info

Vocal Jazz & Latin Jazz Ensembles Spring Concert

Experience a lively mix of Afro-Latin rhythms and jazz vocals, featuring performances inspired by Cuban son, salsa, and Peruvian music, plus a tribute to Willie Colón.
📍 Location: Madden Theatre, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Apr 19 | 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $7
🔗 More Info

NOT ENOUGH? SEE MORE EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE MONTH!→

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Watch This

🎥 The Truth About Living in Chicago No One Talks About

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News

🏗️ 63-Acre Development Proposed at Bartlett’s Northern Gateway

Driving the news: Bartlett is moving forward with plans for a 63-acre mixed-use development at its northern entrance, aiming to create a new destination along Lake Street.

Details:

• The project could include an entertainment district, hotel, and multifamily housing.

• The village has already purchased 20 acres for $3 million and is working to acquire the remaining land from IDOT.

• A 154-acre TIF district has been established to help fund infrastructure and improvements.

• About 40,000 drivers pass the site daily, making it a prime location for development.

Why it matters: Village leaders see the project as a chance to boost tax revenue, attract new visitors, and create a stronger identity for Bartlett, while giving residents more reasons to stay and spend locally.

The big picture: Unlike traditional suburban development, officials are pushing for a more dynamic, mixed-use approach with varied building heights, walkability, and long-term economic stability.

Between the lines: Trustees want to avoid overloading the area with chain businesses and are weighing how the project could impact nearby schools and downtown Bartlett.

What’s next: Consultants will present three design concepts in the coming months, which will be refined based on public feedback.

The bottom line: Bartlett is eyeing a major transformation, turning an underused gateway into a regional destination that could reshape the village’s future growth.

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🍔 The Foodie's Guide

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Market

📊 Real Estate Insights

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