Downtown Mundelein is open for business — and growing fast. With over $68 million in new development underway, a median household income above $107,000, and a community that shows up for its local merchants, this is where smart businesses are putting down roots.

By the Numbers

32,600+ residents in the Village of Mundelein (2026 est.)
$107,608 median household income — well above the Illinois average
718,000+ people in Lake County, Illinois' third-largest county
$4.3 million+ in combined investment generated through the Village's BIG grant program since 2015
166 new luxury apartments at Station 250, completed in 2024 — bringing new foot traffic downtown (see living options)
230+ additional units planned through the Flaherty & Collins $68M development

Why Downtown Mundelein?

A Customer Base That Supports Local

Mundelein residents actively choose local. The downtown district benefits from a community-first culture where neighbors patronize neighborhood businesses. Year-round community events — farmers markets, craft beer festivals, arts festivals, and holiday celebrations — drive consistent foot traffic to the district.

Strategic Location in Lake County

US Route 45 (Lake Street) runs directly through downtown, providing north-south visibility and access
IL Routes 60 and 83 connect east-west across the region
Metra North Central Service line — the Mundelein station at 205 N. Archer Avenue connects to Chicago Union Station
40 miles from downtown Chicago with access to the broader Chicagoland market
Lake County is one of the wealthiest and fastest-growing counties in Illinois

Major Investment Is Already Here

Downtown Mundelein is in the middle of a redevelopment wave:

Station 250 — 166-unit luxury apartment community completed December 2024, directly adjacent to the Metra station. Features resort-style amenities including a pool, fitness center, coworking lounge, and golf simulator.
Flaherty & Collins Development — $68 million project bringing up to 230 market-rate apartments, 20 townhouses, a commercial building, and a parking structure to the Village Hall subdivision area.
Downtown Design Guidelines — recognized by the Metropolitan Planning Council's Home Grown initiative as a case study for thoughtful downtown development.
Streetscape and infrastructure improvements — enhancing the pedestrian experience throughout the district.

More residents downtown means more customers at your door.

Grants and Incentives

BIG Program (Big Incentive Grant)

The Village of Mundelein's signature business improvement program:

50% matching grant — the Village reimburses up to half of your improvement costs
Up to $25,000 for interior improvements
Up to $25,000 for exterior improvements
All business properties in the Village are eligible
Annual program budget: $175,000
Since 2015, nearly 75 businesses have been funded, with over $815,000 awarded
Must be pre-approved by Community Development staff and Village Board

Contact: Amanda Orenchuk, Director of Community Development — (847) 949-3282

TIF Districts

Mundelein maintains three Tax Increment Financing districts (TIF I, TIF II, and TIF IV) that dedicate sales tax and property tax increment revenues toward improvements within designated areas. TIF funding can support infrastructure, building rehabilitation, and other development costs.

Contact: Economic Development Team — (847) 949-3282

Lake County & State Resources

Lake County Partners — the county's 501(c)(3) economic development corporation offers Enterprise Zone tax credits, EDGE tax credits, and Industrial Revenue Bonds. Over the past 4.5 years: $810 million in capital investment and approximately 4,200 new jobs.
Illinois Small Business Development Center at College of Lake County — free, confidential one-on-one business advising plus low-cost workshops. Location: CLC Grayslake Campus, 19351 W. Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030. Phone: (847) 543-2033.

Getting Started: 5 Steps to Open Your Business

The Village of Mundelein has a clear, straightforward process:

Verify Your Zoning — Confirm your intended location is zoned for your business type. Contact Community Development at (847) 949-3282.
Check for Special Licenses — Businesses involving liquor, tobacco, secondhand goods, mobile food trucks, or video gaming terminals require additional licensing. Contact the Licensing Coordinator at (847) 949-3285.
Register Your Business — Complete the New Business Registration Application online. The annual registration fee is $35, with renewal due by May 1 each year.
Handle Building Permits — If you're making physical modifications to your space, submit permit applications with plans to the Building Department at (847) 949-3283.
Get Your Certificate of Occupancy — Required before you open your doors to customers.

Business Types Thriving Downtown

Food & Beverage

Farm-to-table restaurants, casual dining, coffee shops, bakeries, bars and pubs, specialty food stores — browse local restaurants

Retail

Clothing boutiques, gift shops, home decor, bookstores, specialty retail, pet supplies

Services

Salons, dental and health practices, financial services, fitness studios, real estate offices

Professional

Accounting, legal, insurance, marketing, and other professional offices that benefit from a downtown address

Join the Downtown Business Community

Mundelein Community Connection (MCC)

Downtown Mundelein's business district is supported by the Mundelein Community Connection, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on economic development, historic preservation, and community vitality in the central business district. Founded in 1993 (originally as "Mundelein Pride," later "Mundelein MainStreet"), MCC organizes the events and initiatives that drive foot traffic to your business:

Farmers markets
Arts and craft beer festivals
Holiday celebrations and seasonal events
Business improvement initiatives
Downtown revitalization projects

Executive Director: Jess Stoffel — (847) 970-9235

Additional Organizations

Mundelein Business Alliance — village-wide business promotion and networking
GLMV Chamber of Commerce — regional chamber covering Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, and Vernon Hills

Benefits of Engagement

Increased visibility through promotional materials and the community website
Event participation to showcase your business at community events
Networking with fellow business owners
Marketing support through cooperative marketing programs
Advocacy and a voice in downtown development decisions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to register a business in Mundelein? The annual business registration fee is $35. Additional costs depend on your business type, required permits, and any building modifications.

Is there help available for improving my storefront? Yes. The Village's BIG Program offers matching grants of up to $25,000 for interior improvements and $25,000 for exterior improvements — covering up to 50% of your costs.

What types of businesses is downtown looking for? The district welcomes a mix of retail, dining, services, and professional offices. Restaurants, specialty retail, and experiential businesses are particularly well-suited to downtown's walkable, community-oriented environment. See what's already happening downtown.

How do I find available commercial spaces? Contact the Village's Community Development department at (847) 949-3282 for information on available properties and development sites. Local real estate professionals familiar with the downtown market can also help.

Is there Metra service to Mundelein? Yes. The Mundelein Metra station (205 N. Archer Avenue) is on the North Central Service line with weekday service to Chicago Union Station. The station is a short walk from the heart of downtown.

Ready to Get Started?

We'd love to help you find your place in Downtown Mundelein. Get in touch or reach out directly:

Downtown Mundelein / Mundelein Community Connection

Phone: (847) 970-9235
Website: mundeleincommunityconnection.org

Village of Mundelein — Community Development

Phone: (847) 949-3282
Website: mundelein.org
Opening a new business: mundelein.org/168

Illinois SBDC at College of Lake County

Phone: (847) 543-2033
Website: clcillinois.edu/businesses/illinois-small-business-development-center

Do Business in Downtown Mundelein