In a major step toward rejuvenating Hazel Crest, Illinois’ historic downtown, the village is capitalizing on a $150,000 grant from the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) to kickstart a transit-oriented development (TOD) initiative. With an additional $15,000 contributed by the village, the project aims to breathe new life into the area around the Hazel Crest Metra station (the village’s historic downtown) through a combination of improved transportation infrastructure and a redeveloped arts district.

“The TOD plan is a key building block,” explained Nicholas Greifer, Director of Municipal Economic Development at the Southland Development Authority (SDA). “It’s an important strategic tool for municipalities, particularly those that have transportation assets. Once you have a TOD plan in place, it makes it a lot easier to go after specific funding for projects such as streetscaping, arts programming, pedestrian and bike safety improvements, or ADA-accessible crosswalks.”

The grant has already drawn attention for its potential to spark growth and set the stage for long-term improvements. Hazel Crest Village Manager Dante Sawyer called it “a significant contribution” to the village’s development strategy. “It’s a worthwhile investment to engage the public and identify a roadmap which we can use moving forward,” he added.

Combining Arts with Economic Renewal

One of the unique aspects of Hazel Crest’s TOD plan is its integration with a new creative arts district—a vision that matches up with the village’s goal to bring vibrancy back to its historic center. Hazel Crest Mayor Vernard Alsberry Jr. emphasized this focus in a statement, saying: “Over the years, the historic part of town lost a lot of businesses and suffered economic development decline as the community began to grow to the west and south. My goal is to revamp and re-energize the area through the arts center and art district, which has been proven to generate economic vitality for a community.”

The transformation is already underway. The village’s Creative Arts Center, which was formerly a vacant shopping plaza, recently had a soft opening. “We totally gave it a facelift,” said Sawyer. “The exterior and parking lot have been substantially improved, lighting has been added to make it more visible and prominent along the Dixie Highway corridor.  Beautiful new signage has been added to round out the exterior upgrades.” Assistant Village Manager LaVern Murphy made note of the momentum the project has created: “We’ve had businesses open, including A.P. Deli and Sweet Creations, with more on the horizon. It’s starting to create a really positive synergy for the economic development there.”

The SDA’s efforts extend beyond TOD planning. By partnering with the South Suburban Land Bank, they’re working to make vacant properties more attractive for redevelopment. Sawyer explained, “The Creative Arts Center itself is something we worked with the land bank to obtain. That site is going to be an anchor for the village as we continue to reinvest and build out that corridor of the village.”

Greifer touched on the importance of having a well-defined plan in place. “When a foundation, community trust, or grantor looks at a TOD plan, they want to see that the applicant has a credible strategy,” he said. “The TOD plan does all that. It’s going to reflect the interests and needs of the community through extensive public engagement.”

Murphy shared the same sentiment, pointing out how these plans streamline access to additional funding. “A lot of times, you can’t just pull something out of the air,” she said. “Having a plan in place helps obtain grants a lot easier. One, we recently obtained—huge thank you to SDA for helping us with this was (obtaining) the CN-America in Bloom grant for $25,000. Only three communities in Illinois were awarded this grant.”

Despite early successes, challenges remain. “One challenge is getting folks that are Chicago-based to look at the suburbs, particularly the south suburbs,” said Greifer. “Whether it’s architects, developers, or contractors, it’s about getting them to see the opportunities here in the Southland.”

Still, Hazel Crest officials are not waiting for the TOD plan’s completion to make progress. “We’re flying the plane while we’re building it,” Greifer said. “We’re already moving ahead with projects like the Arts District and infill development. We know these are going to be reflected in the TOD plan, but we’re not waiting nine months to get started.”

For the Hazel Crest community, the early signs of transformation are clear. New businesses, improved infrastructure, and a commitment to the arts are paving the way for a better future. As Murphy succinctly put it, “With change comes positive synergy. And we’re definitely seeing that in the area.”

The TOD plan’s continued development will keep Hazel Crest moving forward. “This is about leveraging transit-oriented development and an arts district to revitalize the last part of our village,” Sawyer confidently concluded.

How to Join the Southland’s Revitalization Efforts Now

The SDA and SSLBDA invites community members, contractors, and investors to join in the Southland’s revitalization movement. For more information on upcoming projects or ways to get involved, visit the SDA and SSLBDA websites. Together, we can create lasting change. One property at a time.

About the Southland Development Authority (SDA)

The Southland Development Authority is a nonprofit business organization launched in 2019 by business, civic, and political leaders from around the Southland who recognize the potential of the region’s people, businesses, and real estate. Our mission is to bring the resources and capacity needed to achieve transformative, inclusive economic growth for the south suburbs with a focus on investments in the Southland’s communities, industry, housing, and workforce.

We work steadfastly to connect Southland business owners, investors, and individuals with key resources to operate and thrive in the region, from equipping mid-size and small businesses in our Business Growth Services program with customized advice and consulting services, to helping local residents access the tools needed to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. With a deep institutional knowledge of the Southland’s people, markets, and history and our multifaceted, experienced team, the Southland Development Authority is a powerful partner for any individual, business, or investor.

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