Happy Friday!

Naperville’s gearing up for a busy year. From a $120M park district vote to new housing, dining, and Riverwalk upgrades, 2026 is packed with projects that could reshape how locals live, play, and connect. Big changes are on the way, and it’s worth keeping an eye on what’s coming. 🛠️

☀️ Today’s weather:
Sunny with a high of 44°F. Just 10% chance of precipitation, 80% humidity, and winds at 11 mph. A crisp but bright Friday, get out there if you can.

📺 Major Projects That Will Change Chicago Forever: In today’s video, I break down the biggest developments happening across the metro area: what’s planned, what’s possible, and what it means for the region.

🍴 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

Events

💭 WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? 

This Weekend Events…

Phantom in Concert

A haunting concert-style presentation of the musical by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit, inspired by Gaston Leroux’s classic novel. Featuring lush orchestrations and a powerful retelling of love, obsession, and music beneath the Paris Opera House.
📍 Location: Madden Theater, North Central College, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Jan 9 – 18
🎟️ Tickets: Check venue for pricing and availability
🔗 More Info

Meet You On The Ice

A new outdoor ice skating experience at Block 59 in Naperville, offering festive winter fun for all ages. Skate, then enjoy special food perks at select on-site restaurants.
📍 Location: Block 59, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Jan 4 – 18
Mon–Thu: 4 PM – 9 PM
Fri–Sat: 1 AM – 1 PM
Sun: 1 AM – 8 PM
🎟️ Tickets:
🔗 More Info

Snapshots in Time: 250 Years of Elmhurst History Lecture

A special lecture by Elmhurst History Museum Executive Director Dave Oberg, exploring 250 years of local history through key moments and generations in under an hour.
📍 Location: Elmhurst History Museum, Elmhurst
🗓️ Date & Time: Jan 11 | Flag Raising at 1 PM, Lecture at 1:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free for members, $8 non-members
🔗 More Info

SEE EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE MONTH→

Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored

Free Home Buying Seminar Tomorrow!

Learn how to buy a home in Chicagoland in a relaxed, easy way.

Jesse Furrow and I are hosting a free home-buying seminar on January 10 at Ko-Ze Wine Room in Glen Ellyn. You’ll get practical tips, market updates, and answers to your questions. Coffee and bagels are on them. A great chance to learn, meet people, and feel confident about your next move.

News

🛠️ Naperville in Motion: 6 Developments to Track in 2026

Naperville is heading into 2026 with key developments that could reshape how locals live, learn, relax, and connect.

From major infrastructure investments to leadership changes, here are six stories to watch:

• Park District referendum: Voters will weigh in on a $120M bond proposal this March to fund an activity center, indoor pool, new trails, and land acquisition. The focus: expanding facilities in south Naperville.

• Mental health response team: The police department’s new Mobile Crisis Intervention Team (MCIT) launches with $1.1M in funding. It’ll include six specially trained officers to handle mental health emergencies.

• Riverwalk upgrades: Work begins this spring on two projects—one extending the Riverwalk south to Edward Hospital, another building a new park near downtown. A third project is under review for the Grand Pavilion area.

• New leadership at IPSD 204: John Price steps in as superintendent on July 1, following Adrian Talley’s departure. Price is known for his people-first leadership and focus on academic progress.

• New Block 59 dining options: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Cava join the growing lineup at this Route 59 hub. A med spa focused on wellness is also on the way.

• New housing and parks: Four new developments—spanning rowhouses, townhomes, and single-family homes—are planned for both north and south Naperville, with new green space and a playground in the mix.

Why it matters: These projects reflect Naperville’s push to meet growing demand for recreation, housing, mental health support, and educational stability.

They also offer residents new ways to connect,whether it’s through a meal, a trail, or a neighborhood gathering spot.

The bottom line: As one of Illinois’ largest suburbs, Naperville is positioning itself for a more connected, inclusive, and amenity-rich future. Voter decisions, community feedback, and leadership transitions will all shape how 2026 plays out.

 🎉JOIN THE FUN ON INSTAGRAM 🎉

Find us on Instagram @LivingChicagoSuburbs where 90,000+ people love the content! ⤵️

🍔 The Foodie's Guide

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

Watch This

🎥 Major Projects That Will Change Chicago Forever

📦 Moving to the Chicago Suburbs or thinking about buying or selling a home?
We’d love to help!
Just send us an email at [email protected] or fill out the form here!: https://livinginchicagosuburbs.com/contact/

Market

📊 Real Estate Insights

The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.

Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.

Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.

🗞️ In Other News…

• Developers proposing shops at former Pheasant Run ask for $3.3M in incentives from St. Charles
  

• High-end fitness center, retail coming to old Dominick’s site in Buffalo Grove
  

• How a planned bike path will close a key gap in central Lake County

Until next Friday, take care and stay curious! 
—Brandon

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