Downtown Naperville
Description
Suburban Charm Elevated
Nestled in the heart of the Chicagoland suburbs, this vibrant retail corridor blends historic character with what some would label modern sophistication. Offering a refreshing alternative to the regional mall model, Downtown Naperville is a thriving walkable destination – on
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street Details
Annual foot traffic
500,000 people/year
Daily vehicle traffic
15,000 vehicles/day
Population
25,000 people within
Day time population
35,000 people within
Household income (median)
$75,000.00 annually
Age (average)
> 35 years old within
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Sample Space 1
1000 SF
Suitable for retail, restaurant, office
Sample Space 2
1500 SF
Suitable for retail, restaurant, office
Sample Space 3
2000 SF
Suitable for retail, restaurant, office
Market Intel | Naperville, IL — Block 59
For more information on Downtown Naperville, contact Brandmarch’s Local Expert, William Winter
Naperville’s Route 59 corridor continues to validate itself as a destination F&B node.
CAVA will open its first Naperville location on Jan. 12 at Block 59 (Aurora Ave & Route 59). The fast-casual Mediterranean chain has hundreds of locations nationally, and this deal represents a standard suburban infill, not a format shift. The store will employ 25–40 people and operate full daily hours.
This opening follows a clear clustering strategy at Block 59. In just the past year, the center added Velvet Taco, CRISP & GREEN, Yard House, Piccolo Buco, Stan’s Donuts, First Watch, Cheesecake Factory, and Shake Shack. That’s not coincidence. It’s landlord-led concentration of proven, traffic-driving dining concepts.
Zooming out, Naperville’s momentum isn’t limited to one center. Along Route 59 and downtown, the market is absorbing:
- Shibam Coffee, a 6,000 SF Yemeni coffee concept with event space
- Slyce of New York, a New York–style pizza and street food operator
- Incoming retail including Free People, Lilly Pulitzer, and Barry’s Bootcamp
Read-through: Naperville remains one of the Midwest’s most reliable suburban markets for experiential retail and scaled restaurant brands. Demand is real. Absorption is happening. The data supports it.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/06/cava-naperville-yemeni-new-york-pizza/
Barnes & Noble continues its extraordinary comeback with its reopening in Downtown Naperville. As Downtown Naperville is considered the best of Chicagoland’s pedestrian-oriented suburban downtowns, it is logical that Barnes & Noble would reopen here.
Barnes & Noble plans return to Downtown Naperville
Fidelity to move into portion of former Barnes & Noble in Downtown Naperville
Rowan, the popular piercing studio, to open this spring in Downtown Naperville, Ill.
Abercrombie & Fitch store to open January 31st in Downtown Naperville, Illinois
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Local Expert Analysis
Market Positioning and Leasing Trends
Ranked among the top high streets in the Chicagoland MSA, Downtown Naperville is a magnet for retailers seeking visibility in a thriving suburban environment. With gross rents ranging from $50 to $75 per square foot, the area offers a compelling value proposition for brands looking to tap into a well-to-do customer base without the premium costs of downtown Chicago. A vacancy rate of 5-10% highlights the district’s desirability, while stable leasing activity underscores its strength in Chi-Town’s shopping scene. Post-pandemic, Naperville has drawn high-caliber tenants, including Nike Live, Sweetgreen’s Infinite Kitchen, and Lovesac – continuing its grow
New Developments
Downtown Naperville’s growth trajectory is supported by key developments aimed at enhancing its appeal. Bucksbaum Properties is revitalizing the River District at the intersection of Chicago and Washington, promising fresh retail and dining options. Meanwhile, the potential expansion of Kite Realty’s Main Street Promenade could increase retail space and attract new tenants. In addition, about three miles west from downtown Naperville, an 82,500-s.f. development called Block 59 is expected to open its first tenants this spring, including Shake Shack and The Cheesecake Factory.