Crystal Lake’s downtown Depot Park is seeing major changes with a multimillion-dollar renovation – including a new holiday tree that pays homage to a distinguished family name with deep local roots.

Planted by the city last week, the hybrid spruce tree will be known as the Heisler Holiday Tree, named after Jim Heisler the long lineage of the 118-year-long Heisler Bootery business.

Heisler decided to sponsor the tree because it sits within eyesight of the original Heisler business on Woodstock Street, a spot the Judith Svalander School of Ballet now occupies. The tree will be the meeting place for special occasions like the annual tree-lighting during the Festival of Lights parade.

As a third-generation owner of the business, Heisler said the tree can stand as a legacy for the family far into the future.

“It kind of makes it complete,” he said.

His grandfather, John Heisler Sr., started the harness and shoe shop in 1908. Back then, the area of downtown Crystal Lake was referred to as North Crystal Lake until it officially became a part of the city in 1914, Heisler said. The current Heisler Bootery shop is around the corner at 50 N. Williams St. after moving locations in 1966.

Heisler’s grandfather came to America at age 19 from a part of Romania that is now Hungary. He started working as an ice cutter for Knickerbocker when the ice harvesting industry was booming in Crystal Lake’s namesake lake.

The Heisler leather business was born shortly after John Heisler Sr. was laid off by the ice harvesting company. Working out of a small workshop, he specialized in creating leather horse harnesses because they were widely used for farming before tractors became a staple.

Over the years, the family leaned more into shoemaking and repairing. Leonard and Dorothy Heisler took over the store from John Sr. and then Jim, one of four brothers who grew up working in the store, took over from them.

The key to success is the same answer Jim, a retired music teacher, gave to the Northwest Herald in 1998.

“We just don’t give up. You just find a way to keep on going,” he said. “We are always looking for what big box stores aren’t doing.”

With a love for local history, Heisler said he plans on hosting a history tour this year on the lake with help from the park district.

Depot Park has been under construction since March of last year. The space, located by the Crystal Lake Metra station, near North Main and East Woodstock streets, will feature a covered pergola with metal swings, two fountains, added seating, a performance space, landscaping and increased pedestrian access to “promote community gathering,” according to city documents.

In total, the project is estimated to cost nearly $6.7 million, over $1.5 million more than originally predicted.