Fall 2024 Newsletter

This month we wrapped another terrific season at the Mundelein Farmers Market! We welcomed over 50 different vendors throughout the season and hosted different community organizations weekly. Our sponsorships were at an all-time high, and we could not be more grateful for this support. This season we had a total of 35 wonderful and generous sponsors.

The market continued to host theme days and special guests throughout the season including live music by Mundelein locals, flamenco dancing, story time readers, MHS sports team visits, Youthage Culinary cooking demonstrations, a board breaking tournament with Action Martial Arts and so much more.
We are so grateful for everyone who joined us this season and look forward to seeing you next year!

Becca Merkau

Join us for an enchanting winter celebration as we combine MCC’s Winterfest with the Village’s Tree Lighting into one spectacular event! Hosted by Mundelein Community Connection, the Mundelein Park and Recreation District and the Village of Mundelein, this year’s festival promises to be more magical than ever!

Event highlights include:

The evening culminates in a thrilling Countdown to the Tree Lighting followed by a dazzling Fireworks display!

Follow the Winter Tree Lighting Festival on Facebook for updates and more details. Sponsorships are available through the Village and MCC.

For 25 years, Park on Park cruise nights have been held on the commercial streets of downtown Mundelein once-a-month, for 5 nights over the summer—May thru September. Much has changed over the years —businesses come and go, parking lot and street repair projects, residential construction, street closures, a pandemic, etc. But, one thing that has remained constant over the years, is the cars invited to participate. Since the beginning, Park on Park has been restricted to Pre-1977 Classic Cars.

At the request of our business sponsors, car owners, and visitors, this long-standing requirement is being re-considered. A decision has not yet been finalized, but it is likely that the model year restriction will be modified for the 2025 season. The discussion is centered on whether or not to leave the pre-1977 requirement in place, or switch to something else. If you have any thoughts on this matter that you would like to share, please email us at info@mundeleincommunityconnection.org.

Located at 890 US Rt. 45 on the south side of town, Dover Straits has been a loyal supporter of MCC, and an MCC business member for many years. Owned and operated by the Metropolis brothers: George, Arias, Spiros, Louie, and Art, Dover Straits has been central to fine-dining in Mundelein since 1978. The restaurant is named for the Straits of Dover between England and France, a body of water with just the right temperature for all types of seafood to thrive. The name was chosen for the restaurant to reflect the wide range of high-quality seafood available.

Although famous for seafood, Dover Straits offers a wide array of dining options. The comfortable dining area is complimented by a classic “old-school” bar, with cozy booths, live music and dancing on the weekends. Private rooms are available for special occasions. Friendly service is always on the menu.

The Mundelein Tool Library, (MTL), our volunteer-operated, not-for-profit 501 (c) 3, tool-lending organization, is moving to a new location in downtown Mundelein. MTL is in need of financial support to finance the necessary rent and remodeling expenses.
Instead of lending books, this “library” loans tools for “do-it-yourself” home improvement jobs and special projects. It opened in June 2021 with about 450 tools. The collection grew to over 1,700 items. The Tool Library has loaned 9,200 tools to more than 1,300 members in 42 zip codes.
The architect estimates that $45,000 is needed to make the new vision a reality. A Go Fund Me account has been established. Donations will directly support the build-out and rental costs to open the new storefront. To contribute, please visit: www.gofundme.com/f/help-build-the-new-mundelein-tool-library. To volunteer with the project, or for more information contact office@mundeleintoollibrary.com or call 224-475-0435.

Luke’s was recently selected to the Vienna Beef Hall of Fame. Owner, Mike Majestic, has been in downtown Mundelein for 25 years and at the current location for the past 10. A great sponsor and member of MCC, Luke’s serves homemade Italian Beef, meatballs, Chili and an array of Vienna Beef Sausages, burgers, chicken sandwiches, subs and salads. All with a motto of “freshness, friendliness and cleanliness”.

Operators become eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame based on how long they have been serving Vienna Beef products, their contribution to their community, and overall commitment to the quality of their product and the satisfaction of their customers.

MCC is proud to recognize Mike Majestic and Luke’s of Mundelein for great food, service and community support!

Several apartment projects that have been under construction for a couple of years are now finishing up and starting to lease, greatly expanding the housing opportunities and appearance of downtown. These include:

Station 250: 250 Plaza Circle; 165 units; 1BR and 2BR; gym, pool, sauna, business center and more; contact – station250.com.
Cardinal Square: 300 Anthony Ave; 90 units; Studio, 1BR and 2BR; gym, security system, indoor parking; contact – zappa@tredev.com.
Morris Station: Morris & Park St., 139 units; 1BR, 2BR, 2BR+Den; direct access, private garage, luxury finishes; contact – morrisstation.com.

Each of these redevelopment projects has transformed under-utilized, industrial or vacant properties into vibrant, market-rate residential centers, transforming the shape and feel of downtown in a positive direction