Why Choose Wheeling?
Business growth and construction are on the rise in Wheeling. From multi-million-dollar mixed-use projects to major corporate expansions, Wheeling stands out as a strategic location to do business and the Village is committed to helping companies get set up for success with advantages including a skilled workforce, outstanding community support, access to regional transportation systems, and an established quality of life. As proof that our efforts are working, permit construction values have surpassed $300 million in the past four years, and companies such as Richelieu Foods, SG360°, and Wieland Metals have either recently located to or expanded in Wheeling.
Wheeling is a smart community for a business to call home, as transportation infrastructure and accessibility are among our strongest assets. Wheeling is also home to Chicago Executive Airport – the third-busiest airport in the Chicagoland area. In terms of location, the Village is within just a few minutes of interstate highways and O’Hare International Airport. Below are some additional facts that make Wheeling prime for investment, development, and business growth.
Patrick Ainsworth, Director of Economic Development
(847) 499-9094
pmainsworth@wheelingil.gov
Wheeling is a smart community for a business to call home, as transportation infrastructure and accessibility are among our strongest assets. Wheeling is also home to Chicago Executive Airport – the third-busiest airport in the Chicagoland area. In terms of location, the Village is within just a few minutes of interstate highways and O’Hare International Airport. Below are some additional facts that make Wheeling prime for investment, development, and business growth.
- Over 17,000,000 SF of industrial, office, hospitality, and retail space exists within Wheeling, encompassing over 800 businesses.
- There are several zoning districts to help set up the Village for commerce, including:
◦ Nearly 1,400 acres zoned Industrial
◦ Over 340 acres zoned Business
◦ Over 450 acres zoned Mixed-Use
That’s a total of nearly 3.5 square miles of land area dedicated to industrial, office, commercial/retail, and hospitality uses.
- Four active Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts totaling over 800 acres exist to assist community-defining projects such as the Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel and Conference Center, Wheeling Town Center, Fresh Farms Plaza, and Uptown 500.
- Several financial assistance tools are available to help start your business, including the Wheeling Restaurant and Retail Build-Out Grant, which can offer up to $150,000 to build out your dream sit-down restaurant and up to $50,000 to build out your new retail store or other food and beverage operation.
- Five arterial roads with ADTs exceeding 20,000 vehicles per day run through Wheeling, including Milwaukee Avenue, Lake Cook Road, and Dundee Road. Wheeling is also conveniently located near I-294, IL-53, and other major roadways.
- Metra’s North Center Service Line, which includes stops such as O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Union Station, has a train stop in the heart of Wheeling.
- There are over 20 shopping centers throughout the Village, ranging from 5,000 SF neighborhood centers to 150,000+ SF regional centers featuring major retailers such as Super Walmart and Target.
- Over 80 food and beverage businesses serve customers from Wheeling and throughout the region, including iconic eateries such as Bob Chinn’s Crab House, Saranello’s, Superdawg Drive-In, Cooper’s Hawk, and Boston Fish Market.
Patrick Ainsworth, Director of Economic Development
(847) 499-9094
pmainsworth@wheelingil.gov