Kankakee, IL – Downtown Kankakee is thriving and growing. This was the main message at the Kankakee Development Corporation (KDC)’s 57th annual meeting which was held this past Tuesday. The meeting looked a little different this year due to social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time, the annual meeting was livestreamed and can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/kankakeedevco/.

KDC’s Executive Director, Peggy Mayer, opened the meeting. “We are energized and encouraged by the progress that has been made over the years and we hope that everyone continues to support the efforts of growth that our leadership has helped foster in the KDC district as we continue to move forward,” said Executive Director, Peggy Mayer.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong presented a brief update on behalf of the City of Kankakee before the meeting was led by KDC’s Vice President, Scott Smith.

“It has been a long time goal to strengthen the partnership between the City and the Kankakee Development Corporation. Together, we have accomplished much needed improvements for downtown. I look forward to the work we will continue to do as developers have expressed more interest in our community,” Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

KDC’s President, Brad Kuntz, stated that he is proud of the direction of where the KDC is headed, specifically as their strategic plan is being rolled out this year which includes:

• Goal A – Build a strong downtown community for both commercial and residential occupants.
• Goal B – Attract more people into downtown Kankakee for a vibrant and urban experience.
• Goal C – Push for infrastructure that bolsters downtown’s role as an area hub.
• Goal D  – Enhance KDC’s effectiveness through internal improvements.

 

Dave Baron, KDC’s Marketing Chair, says they are currently focusing on expanding their outreach through various media outlets.

“All the attributes that have fed a national resurgence of downtowns exist right here in Downtown Kankakee — in particular, the walkability, livability, and workability of our spaces, and we as a marketing committee have worked to create news ways to showcase these opportunities to numerous audiences,” said KDC’s Marketing Chair, Dave Baron.

Among the new ways of its expanding media, KDC partnered with the City of Kankakee’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Jasmyne Humble, to produce a series of five videos which highlight each objective in the strategic plan for downtown Kankakee. Currently, three of the videos have premiered and can also be viewed on the KDC’s Facebook page at this time. The annual meeting ended with a special presentation on The Currents of Kankakee, led by Staci Wilken, President of the Kankakee Riverfront Society.

New businesses to note in downtown Kankakee are:

• Station Street Café, 150 East Station Street, Unit 1, Kankakee
• Donut Foundry, 150 East Station Street, Unit 2, Kankakee
• LC Nails, 150 East Station Street, Unit 3, Kankakee
• Swanky Home, 150 N. Schuyler Avenue, Kankakee
• Just Between Us, 209 East Court Street, Kankakee 

 

For more information on the Kankakee Development Corporation, visit www.downtownkankakee.com or follow KDC on Facebook.

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The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

Download the Press Release - Kankakee Development Corporation (KDC) Introduces Strategic Plan for Downtown Kankakee