Business Resource Links
Once your business is up and running, OPDC’s continuing efforts to maintain a favorable business climate will help you prosper and grow. We work with the business community and the Village on zoning, liquor licensing, tourism and other economic development issues.
OPDC is at the heart of an active business network that includes Village Hall, the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, Oak Park Board of Realtors, the Oak Park Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, the Residence Corporation of Oak Park, the Oak Park Area Arts Council and business associations throughout Oak Park’s Commercial districts. The result is a support system that helps make Oak Park a great place to do business.
Local Government Links
- Village of Oak Park general www.oak-park.us 708.358.6400
- Business & Liquor Licenses Clerk@oak-park.us 708.358.5675
- Business Services Dalyl@oak-park.us 708.358.5648
- Development Services Clements@oak-park.us 708.358.5644
- Building & Property Standards (Zoning) Building@oak-park.us 708.358.5430
Business Districts
Oak Park has numerous commercial districts, each as distinct as the neighborhood it serves. Both pedestrian and bicycle-friendly, its business districts house an assortment of retailers, restaurants and offices. Local business associations serve most of the districts. Several districts are located in tax increment financing (TIF) areas, with additional attractive economic incentives. The business districts are broadly defined as:
- The Avenue
Oak Park Avenue, Ontario to Pleasant and Lake Street, Euclid to Kenilworth
Contact: Nick Gambino, Cucina Paradiso 708-296-0987 - CARBA
Chicago Avenue, Ridgeland to Boulevard Association
Contact: Bob Gerger, Gerger & Greco Landscaping, 708-848-5296 - Chicago Avenue at Harlem Historic District
Chicago Avenue, Marion to Harlem Avenue
no contact - Downtown Oak Park
Lake Street, Marion Street, Harlem Avenue
Contact: Patricia Zubak, 708-383-4145 - Garfield at Harlem District
no contact - Lake Street
Austin Boulevard to East Avenue
no contact - Madison Street Business Association
Austin Boulevard to Harlem Avenue
Contact: Dennis Marani, Marani Landscaping, 708-524-0371 - North Avenue Business Association
Austin Boulevard to Harlem Avenue
Contact: Dan Finnegan, Frank L. Sassetti & Co., 708-386-1433 - Oak Park Arts District/Harrison Street Business Alliance
Harrison and Ridgeland Avenue
Contact: Laura Henderson, 708-445-8000 - Roosevelt Road Business Association
Austin Boulevard to Harlem Avenue
Contact: Paul Zimmermann, 708-774-8606 - South Marion Association
Marion Street and South Boulevard
Contact: Greg Melnyk, 708-386-8599 - South Town Business Association
South Oak Park Avenue between Van Buren Street and Lexington Avenue
Contact: Adam Szetela, Westgate Flowers, 708-386-0072
For more information on each district: www.greatneighborhoodsoakpark.com.
Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce
For information on monthly networking events, membership, member list, Chamber calendar and more.
www.oprfchamber.org | 708.848.8151
Oak Park Area Visitors Bureau
For information on local attractions, calendar of events and more.
www.visitoakpark.com | 708.524.7800
Oak Park Board of Realtors
To locate a realtor, for information on buying or selling a property, member benefits, affiliate members and more.
www.oakparkrealtors.org | 708.386.0150
Oak Park Area Arts Council
For calendar of events, workshops, list of artists and membership information.
www.oakparkareaarts.org | 708.386.5690
Oak Park Regional Housing Center
For assistance to building owners on keeping apartment buildings marketable, free referral services to apartment seekers, business member information.
www.apartmentsoakpark.org | 708.848.7150
Oak Park Residence Corporation
A community-based non-profit housing development corporation; promotes Oak Park as a diverse and economically balanced community; rental and property management information.
www.oakparkrc.com | 708.386.6061