• Our Commercial Corridors

  • Berwyn's Four Business Districts

    Berwyn’s original developers marketed their new community as “the place for homes and business,” and that statement remains true over one hundred years later.  Although merchants, restaurants, service providers and industrial uses can be found throughout the city, Berwyn possesses four distinct business and shopping areas, each with its own unique architectural identity and economic vitality. These geographic areas, featuring Tax Increment Financing (TIF) incentives, provide a wide assortment of products and services for area residents, commuters and visitors. To find out more about TIF assistance programs available for businesses, click here.

    Cermak Road - Berwyn's Main Street

    Cermak Road, long heralded as Berwyn's Main Street boasts locally owned small businesses, national favorites, a rich history, and a bright future. Berwyn's principal commercial area, extends across the city from Harlem Avenue to Lombard Avenue. An eclectic mix of historic treasures and modern vitality, Cermak Road offers a unique collection of goods and services in a charming, world-class setting.

    Cermak Road Marketing Flyer

    Harlem Avenue - The Gateway to Berwyn

    Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road in Berwyn is one of the most heavily traveled commercial corners in the near western Chicago suburbs. The western end of the corridor is anchored by the iconic Cermak Plaza shopping center, which is home to a new Tony's Fresh Market grocery store, LongHorn Steakhouse, K&G Fashions, Gap Outlet, Ross Dress for Less, Avenue and more.  At the northeast corner, Berwyn Gateway Plaza is in its second phase of development. The first phase includes Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, Chipotle Mexican Grill, The Vitamin Shoppe, Verizon Wireless and Five Guys Burgers and Fries. The second phase includes Starbucks, Blaze Pizza, Fifth Third Bank, Sprint and has more national chains on the way.

    Harlem Avenue Marketing Flyer

    Ogden Avenue – Historic Route 66

    Ogden Avenue comprises a portion of historic US Route 66, America's original "Main Street".  In Berwyn, Ogden Avenue is a vibrant reminder of times past and a present-day nod to all our town has to offer. Streetscape improvements incorporate a 50's/automotive theme, and history lessons are available along the way. Stop and read the byway wayside exhibits to explore a stretch of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway and the start of "fast food" restaurants, the automobile-based economy, and our uniquely American car culture. Berwyn's stretch of Ogden Avenue also plays host to the annual Historic Route 66 Car Show, which attracts over 500 participating cars and over 10,000 attendees each year.

    Ogden Avenue Marketing Flyer

    Historic Depot District – Transit-Oriented Downtown

    A vibrant, and walkable city center is a perk of living - and visiting - Berwyn. Our downtown, the Depot District, makes the best independent shops, restaurants, and bars easily accessible by foot, car, bike, or from one of the three Metra stops and many bus routes. A historic, traditional commercial district featuring large display windows and unique building facades, it is also home to two of Berwyn's newest developments, Century Station Condominiums and a 5-story parking deck, both of which include ground level retail.

    Depot District Marketing Flyer

    Roosevelt Road – The Veltway

    Roosevelt Road, or 12th Street in Berwyn, marks the border between the Village of Oak Park and the City of Berwyn. Acts head here to play live music venues that all fall within just a few walkable blocks of one another. Each offers something unique, and together they make what locals call The Veltway, a place locals and visitors alike flock. The true spirit of Berwyn is in full display at these venues, as each space champions one another to make this a known destination for live music - and it's working. Historically, Roosevelt Road was home to many bars and nightspots in the days when neighboring communities prohibited the sale of liquor, Roosevelt Road has since developed into an important commercial corridor with a nightclub, restaurants, a wholesale and retail bakery, and diverse retail and service businesses.

    Roosevelt Road Marketing Flyer