The Nicholas Awards are named in honor of Robert E. Nicholas, a pioneer commercial developer in the early 1900s in downtown Oak Park. In selecting winners, an OPDC committee considers the amount of each business investment, its innovative product or concept, the prestige the business brings to the community and the ripple effect created by a new or expanding business. Many award winners received support from OPDC.

For a list of winners from years past, visit our Previous Award Winners page.

2011 Nicholas Award Winners

• Best Vacuum – 148 N. Oak Park Avenue
• Hutong – 1113 Lake Street
• Munch – 104 N. Marion Street
• Stinger Golf – 200 Lake Street
• Seven Ocean – 122 N. Marion Street
• Oak Park Vintage Market – 1117 Chicago Avenue
• 109-111 N. Oak Park Ave Façade Improvement
• Cheryl’s - 1018 Lake Street
• 1053 Lake Street Building Restoration
• 97 N. Harlem Ave Renovation
• Sugar Fixé Pâtisserie – 119 N. Marion Street
• Oak Park Segway Experience Center – 715 Lake Street
• 312photobooth and The Vintage Photo Shop – 128 Harrison Street
• Heritage Tile of Oak Park – 146 N. Oak Park Avenue
• Scoville Block #1
• 902 S. Ridgeland Ave Building Renovation
• Lake Street Kitchen + Bar – 1101 Lake Street