A massive reinvention of the 100 block of South Marion got rolling on Monday, which will leave the block in a state of constructive chaos for the next six months.
The Village of Oak Park is investing roughly $5.5 million in the stretch between South Boulevard and Pleasant, adding brick streets, granite sidewalks and an overhead canopy of decorative lights. Officials hope the revamped street will tie the block to its neighbor to the north, where Oak Park conducted a similar project four years ago, and entice building owners to invest in their properties.
Village hall is also replacing the “aging” water and sewer lines under the street. Traffic and parking will be temporarily disrupted during construction, according to a village news release, but businesses will remain open.
The village board approved the project in a 4-3 vote last month. Village officials said they hope the work will be done by Thanksgiving.
