October's National Community Planning Month offers a look at how Villa Park is changing, from new places to live and shop to major investments in parks and recreation.

The Village's Community and Economic Development Department has highlighted projects completed or advanced between 2024 and 2026, along with the local business openings that have accompanied that activity.

One of the largest undertakings is The Union Villa Park, a seven-story mixed-use project now under construction near downtown.

The development calls for 238 apartments above approximately 7,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, plus public parking intended to serve the surrounding area.

Residents are also expected to have access to a swimming pool, fitness facilities and a clubhouse.

Completion is currently targeted for late 2027, meaning the construction activity visible today represents a longer-term addition to the community.

On the recreation side, the Villa Park Recreation Center welcomed visitors in 2025 following a roughly $20 million investment.

The facility brings together a gym, an elevated walking track, fitness space, preschool classrooms and a demonstration kitchen.

Locker rooms, showers and a rooftop terrace are among its other amenities, broadening what residents can do in one public facility.

Another village investment can be found at Lufkin Park, where improvements brought a new playground and splash pad.

The park's work also included a band shell, pier, walking trail around Lufkin Pond and landscaping designed to make the grounds more inviting.

Local business activity is another part of the planning picture.

At 600 N. Villa Avenue, the village annexed the property associated with Rose Paving, allowing the company to establish its new headquarters in Villa Park.

The village says that annexation adds to its tax base, while Rose Paving has more than 1,000 employees across the country.

Small businesses are represented in the redevelopment efforts, too.

The burger restaurant 302 Villa Park, at 324 E. Central Boulevard, received a 2026 Tax Increment Financing facade grant that helped with signage and awning improvements.

Those changes illustrate how an existing storefront can benefit alongside larger new construction.

The Village also shared figures that help put its business growth into perspective.

In 2025, 40 new businesses opened in Villa Park, including four restaurants.

Through the date of the Village's October 2026 update, another 28 businesses and six restaurants had opened this year.

Looking ahead, Villa Park's Comprehensive Plan provides a framework for future land use, zoning and neighborhood improvements.

Approved in 2025, the plan looks ahead to 2045 and includes recommendations for different districts and potential redevelopment sites.

That long-range approach connects decisions about housing, local commerce, historic places and recreation rather than treating each project in isolation.

The Village also continues to recognize historically significant buildings through its annual Historic Preservation Award.

For residents, the projects show where public facilities, new housing and the local business landscape are already changing.

Anyone considering opening a business in Villa Park can contact the Community and Economic Development Department at 630-433-4300 for guidance and its business starter kit.