124 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 Since its inception in 1836, McHenry has undergone consistent growth and transformation, evolving from a favored 1920s resort destination to a hub for various industries like boatbuilding, automotive components, electronics, and metalworking after World War II. Today, with a population of 27,000 residents, McHenry boasts a diverse business landscape while retaining its small-town charm and natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a friendly and engaged community that offers continued growth and quality of life opportunities. A Vision for Business Expansion Currently, the city is pursuing various avenues for business attraction and community development. Noting that retail is high on the list, Director of Economic Development, Doug Martin shares, “We’re always looking to expand our business footprint. We get a lot of requests for restaurants, and entertainment type uses for families and children. We’re looking to attract a grocer to the South side of town, and we’re looking to expand our downtown offerings with redevelopment. Some other areas of town need commercial redevelopment that we’re also looking to expand. We get a lot of requests for different types of businesses, and we do the best we can.” Revitalizing Downtown McHenry The revitalization of McHenry’s downtown core is a top priority, with initiatives like the Riverwalk and the development of Miller Point Park playing a pivotal role. Derik Morefield, City Administrator, relays, “McHenry realized many years ago that there were opportunities for redevelopment. The downtown established a tax increment finance district back in the early 2000s, which we were able to extend through the year 2037. So, that’s kind of the umbrella that covers two of our three downtown areas.” The focus of this financing has been on leveraging the scenic riverfront as an economic driver, creating a riverwalk to connect two downtown districts. A vacant riverfront property, which was MCHENRY, I LL INOIS
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