Economic Development

Sought Out Grounds is a new coffee shop in downtown Joliet that plans to pair live music with a diverse menu.

Now set for May 21, Lion Electric Company is auctioning off its Joliet production plant just two years after Gov. JB Pritzker joined a big grand opening celebration. Meanwhile, the Herscher School District faces uncertainty over future servicing of its 25 Lion-C electric buses.

Over 230 people filled Jennifer's Garden at 555 Gore Road in Morris Monday morning for the annual Grundy Economic Development Council Legislative Breakfast, where local representatives answered questions from an audience made up of the local business community.

Gov. JB Prirtzker four years ago announced Lion Electric, now closed, was coming to Joliet. On Tuesday, he announced that a different Canadian electric bus manufacturer is coming to Peoria.

EquipmentShare construction equipment company is opening a new operation in Rockdale south of Joliet.

City leaders from Sycamore’s schools, parks, business community and city government gathered this week to provide residents with updates on goals for the city and ongoing initiatives.

Two new Jack in the Box restaurants will open in Will County this summer.

Lion Electric Company is auctioning off its Joliet production plant just two years after Gov. JB Pritzker joined a big grand opening celebration.

Marketing director for Joliet casino talks about changes coming at new Hollywood Casino under construction.

The Dixon City Council has approved two contracts that allocate funds to Discover Dixon and the Lee County Industrial Development Association. Both contracts provide a specific amount of annual funding – $325,000 for Discover Dixon and $50,000 for LCIDA.

The Joliet Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee decides on a slogan and logo as it attempts to draw in the public for development of a city comprehensive plan.

The public can see the city of Joliet's proposal for redevelopment around the Gateway center and add suggestions at a May 14 open house.

The city of Joliet provided media tours of the former MyGrain Brewing Co. space in Union Station hoping publicity will draw more potential developers.

Mercedes-Benz is opening a new dealership at 541 S. Weber Road, in Roemeoville.

Constellation Energy, owner of the Byron Nuclear Power Station, plans to invest about $355 million in a lengthy project that will increase the site's power output and extend the life of the facility and its equipment.

The Lockport City Council on Wednesday will review plans for a new auto repair shop and 7-Brew coffee kiosk.

The Lockport Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve plans for a Wendy's restaurant on Tuesday.

The city of Joliet seeks developer to put downtown buildings back to use.

The park is part of the city’s $300 million multiphase Riverfront Reimagined project.

Ron Clewer of developer Gorman & Co. said several hoteliers have expressed possible interest in developing hotels at the Lawrence Bros. and National sites, including representatives from Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and two local hoteliers.

Giada De Laurentiis will have a signature restaurant at the future Hollywood Casino Joliet.

The city of Joliet, in partnership with the Joliet City Center Partnership will showcase 10 Chicago Street businesses in a special event on Friday.

City of Joliet continues to resist plans for cannabis shops on Jefferson Street.

A new hotel, anticipated to be a four-story Hilton TRU, will be located at Weber Road and Normantown Road in Romeoville.

The city of Joliet didn't get any proposals for Chicago Street building, but giving more time may help draw a developer.

Hollywood Casino has two upcoming job fairs as it expands staff for its future location in Joliet at Interstates 55 and 80.

Mayor Terry D'Arcy gives speaks about the city's near and far future in presencation to Joliet Rotary Club.

A new Goodwill donation center is now open seven days a week in Coal City

Penn Entertainment has announced that it is partnering with the celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis for the future Hollywood Casino Joliet.

Business development coming slowly to Rock Run Collection, in Joliet but developer says a 'major lineup' will be announced soon.

Demolition crews are tearing down U.S.Steel buildings in Joliet last used for steel production in 2001.

Two state bills have been filed to secure a designation that, if approved, could provide millions of dollars in additional funding for city development in Sterling.

Officially called the Loughran Building and built in 1890, the downtown Joliet location was last used for Crabigale's comedy club in 2005. The city is looking again to market the building.

Cheryl Lee, president of Northern Illinois Home Builders Association and president of CL Design-Build, Inc., a custom home builder in the Chicago Western Suburbs, said the expanded Trump tariffs “will undoubtedly impact both consumers and the homebuilding industry."

First round of appointments to citizens' committee for Joliet comprehensive plan stirred a backlash.

RJW Logistics Group based out of Romeoville will operate out of a 976,954-square-foot warehouse near Houbolt Road bridge in Joliet.

TIF is a tool used by local governments to encourage economic development in underperforming areas.

The Dixon City Council will vote Monday on three ordinances that expand the boundaries of the Lee-Ogle County Enterprise Zone in preparation for three projects planned in rural Lee and Ogle counties.

Plainfield is slated to see several new businesses begin construction or officially open this year while one IL Route 59 mainstay will be closing its doors.

Priscilla Cordero has left Joliet to take a job as economic development director for the village of Matteson.

Other projects include a new restaurant and bar near Sublette and construction of another building at HA International’s manufacturing plant near Oregon.

Five grants have been awarded so far through the city of Joliet's program to keep downtown businesses going through construction.

City and U.S. Steel officials said they are moving ahead with plans for a new use of the company’s Joliet site. Former credit union building will become the Pilsen Wellness Center.

Foundation to hold Jan. 29 public investment meeting for planned riverfront park.

Will County needs more apartments and affordable housing to keep young people and meet the needs of a growing workforce, the head of the Will County Center for Economic Development said Wednesday.

Morris native Aindrea Hogan will begin her new role as vice president of development with the Grundy Economic Development Council on Wednesday.

Since buying the former Kmart distribution center in Manteno in 2023, Gotion has continued to purchase land surrounding the plant at 333 S. Spruce St.

Arcadia CEO says cold storage facility in Joliet will supply growing demand for refrigerated grocery items.

Arcadia Cold Storage will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for a new facility being built at 251 E. Millsdale Road.

The petition to approve the preliminary and final plats for the Rock Falls Love’s Subdivision will take place during the City Council meeting Tuesday, Jan. 7.