Good morning, DuPage! It's a beautiful Sunday with a high of 63°F and a low of 40°F, perfect for a stroll under the clear skies.

Demolition crews have officially begun interior work on the long-vacant Family Square Plaza, a significant step toward redeveloping a key corner of downtown Lisle. The shopping center, located at Main Street and Ogden Avenue, has been closed for approximately six years and is expected to be completely razed in the coming months. Workers recently completed asbestos removal and are currently finalizing utility disconnects before moving on to the exterior demolition. The site was acquired last fall by Flaherty & Collins, an Indiana-based real estate firm that previously saw its redevelopment plans stalled due to local political opposition.

Current concept plans for the site feature a mixed-use development including 224 residential apartments, 13,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, and a 426-space parking garage. While the project faced previous vetoes from former leadership, current Mayor Mary Jo Mullen supports the move, emphasizing that a mix of walkable residential units and retail is essential for a thriving downtown. The project is expected to utilize roughly $10.5 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, with village officials currently seeking a 12-year extension of the downtown TIF district to ensure the developer has adequate time to realize the project's full financial benefits.

Ticket sales have officially launched for the 2026 Downtown Wheaton Mac Fest, scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 16. The festival offers attendees unlimited samples of diverse macaroni and cheese creations from a variety of local restaurants, all competing for the coveted "The Big Cheese" title through popular vote. In addition to the fan favorite, a panel of judges will award the "Nifty Noodle" distinction to the most impressive cheesy concoction of the day. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with live musical entertainment provided by The Prissillas and special promotions available at various downtown shops.

General admission tickets are priced at $25 per person, though members of the Friends of Downtown Wheaton group can secure entry for a discounted rate of $20. Check-in for the event will be held at the Front Street "W" Tent between noon and 4 p.m. on the day of the festival. Organizers encourage early registration, as the popular tasting event often draws significant crowds to the downtown area for an afternoon of food, music, and community competition.

The Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation (IACT) is set to host its annual Green Drives Conference & Expo on Thursday, May 14, at the Danada House in Wheaton. Recognized as the premier gathering for alternative fuel and clean transportation in the Midwest, the event is hosted in partnership with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. This year’s theme, “Navigating Change: Trends, Technologies and Best Practices on the Road to Next,” focuses on providing government officials, fleet managers, and sustainability professionals with the latest strategies for reducing emissions and adopting cost-effective green solutions.

Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring industry experts, policymakers, and manufacturers who will share insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable transport. In addition to educational speaker sessions and networking opportunities, the expo will feature an extensive outdoor display of the latest clean-energy vehicles. Highlights include customizable electric trucks, vans, and passenger cars, as well as specialized equipment powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), propane (LPG), and renewable fuels. The event offers a hands-on look at the technologies helping regional fleets transition toward a zero-emission future.

See our Calendar of Events Here!

On this day in 1974, the Terracotta Army was discovered in Shaanxi province, China, unveiling a treasure trove of history that has captivated the world ever since. This incredible find, consisting of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, was buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife.

Westmont is the birthplace of the Ty Inc. empire. In 1986, Ty Warner started his toy company out of his home in Westmont. A few years later, he launched Beanie Babies, which triggered a global collecting craze unlike anything the toy industry had ever seen. While the company eventually moved its headquarters to nearby Oak Brook, the "Beanie Baby" phenomenon officially started on the streets of Westmont.

Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow, and remember to always support your local businesses!

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