January 29, 2026 

Nik Duffle, Director of

Economic Development 

As we begin the new year, this issue of the Business Brief highlights momentum and opportunities throughout Normal and the broader McLean County community.

This issue features a proposed multi-family development near School and Willow Streets that reflects ongoing demand for housing and reinvestment in established neighborhoods. We also share updates on the Moratz Facade Grant Program, an important tool supporting building improvements, historic preservation, and small business vitality for businesses in Uptown Normal. Finally, with warmer months ahead, this issue provides an overview of Uptown Normal on-street dining permits, outlining opportunities for restaurants to enhance outdoor dining experiences and activate public spaces.

Together, these updates reflect the Town’s ongoing efforts to support economic growth and placemaking, creating the high quality of life Normal has grown to love. 

A new multi-family residential development is being proposed at 401 N. School Street, 302 W. Willow Street, and 304 W. Willow Street, three adjacent parcels part of the historic Capen & Co. subdivision dating back to 1898.

The properties located near Illinois State University have long served as off-campus student housing in the form of rooming houses.

The property owner is proposing to consolidate the three lots and construct a four-story, 68-unit multi-family apartment building. Existing structures at 302 and 304 W. Willow Street would be demolished as part of the project, following the demolition of 401 N. School Street earlier this year.

Project Overview

The proposed development includes a mix of unit types to support a variety of housing needs:

The Town Council established the Moratz Façade Grant Improvement Program in 2003 as a way to assist property and business owners with the restoration of the historic building facades that play an important role in the overall charm and vitality of Uptown Normal.

General Guidelines

Grants may be awarded for up to 50 percent of the total cost of a qualified façade rehabilitation, repair or restoration project, with a maximum grant award of up to $1,000 per one foot of street or alley frontage per project.  The minimum grant request is $250 and the annual budget for this program is $75,000.00.

Applicants must match the grant with cash. No building may receive more than two grants per fiscal year, and no applicant may receive more than five grants per year. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis only after applicants demonstrate full compliance with the grant award.  

Eligibility 

The Moratz Façade Improvement Grant Program seeks to encourage façade improvements ranging from minor projects to complete façade renovation. The grant will not fund projects that constitute as routine maintenance or interior projects. 

To learn more, review information about the application process and eligibility requirements, terms and conditions. To apply, complete the Uptown Design Review Moratz Façade Grant Application.   

The Uptown Normal on-street dining initiative is a Town sanctioned program designed to enhance the vibrancy and appeal of the Uptown Normal business district by allowing restaurants and cafés to extend their operations into public spaces.

Under the program, qualifying food and beverage establishments may set up outdoor café spaces either on sidewalks or in designated on-street parking spaces to serve seated customers.

These outdoor dining areas must meet specific design and operational guidelines set by Town ordinance, including requirements for hours of operation, signage, materials and weather-permitting service at least five days per week.

Sidewalk cafés use adjacent public sidewalks or plazas, while on-street cafés occupy public parking spaces and require a slightly higher fee depending on whether electrical service is used.

For more information on the program and learn how to apply, visit the Uptown Normal On Street Dining.

While January experienced frigid temperatures, the Normal economy is heating up, with strong momentum across new retail openings and celebrated milestones.