Welcome to Waukegan, where big-city amenities and small-town charm blend to form a community that is culturally rich, economically secure and family-friendly.

The crown jewel and cornerstone for Waukegan’s cultural and performing arts rebirth is the recently renovated Genesee Theatre in the city’s downtown. The theatre celebrated its grand opening on December 3, 2004 and is home to many concerts, world-class performances and events annually.

The latest news downtown includes exciting hip restaurants including Bacci’s Italian Bistro, Bistro 17, Hussey’s Bar & Grill and many more on the horizon. Check out Joplin’s Java and Ragtime Café overlooking the Ravine. Where else can you listen to great music and enjoy your latte or pastry at the same time?

For unique shopping visit Horsefeathers boutique or some of the other wonderful opportunities that Waukegan Downtown has to offer

You’ll also notice several new housing developments are under construction including the Chateau Condominiums and renovations for condominiums at the former YMCA building at 200 N. County.

During the summer months, Waukegan becomes a Midwestern recreational hub with beautiful promenades, parks, beaches, and boat slips to accommodate any craft from sailboats to luxury cruisers throughout a full boating season from April 1st to November 1st.

Waukegan’s west side is being transformed into a $250 million mixed-use development for new retail, dining, and hospitality venues. This area is home to luxury apartments, six hotels as well as many nationally-known retailers and restaurants.

Highly anticipated projects under construction here are Buffalo Wild Wings, Potbelly Sandwich Works and OfficeMax. This corridor along Waukegan Road has also attracted new businesses such as Uline Corporation, WMS Industries Inc., and Yaskawa Electric. With $13 million in new commercial construction and investment, it is quickly becoming one of the largest employment centers in Lake County.

Waukegan is literally “At the Top of Illinois.”

We invite you to take a closer look at our community and experience its beauty, diversity, and growth first-hand and discover what makes us special.

For more information about the latest happenings in Waukegan go to www.waukeganweb.net & www.waukeganvision.com.