Economic Development @ Winthrop Harbor IL

Positioned at the heart of the Chi-Waukee Corridor, between two of the nation’s largest economic markets—Chicago and Milwaukee—Winthrop Harbor and the surrounding Prairie-Harbor Region offer strategic advantages for businesses and investors seeking growth and long-term success.

With access to major transportation routes, including Highway 173, I-94, and Metra rail service, and proximity to Waukegan National Airport just 10 minutes away, this region provides exceptional connectivity for commerce and logistics.

Winthrop Harbor has adopted a forward-thinking regional approach to development, working closely with neighboring communities to maximize economic opportunities and strengthen cross-border business relationships. This collaborative strategy enhances workforce availability, increases consumer markets, and supports shared infrastructure improvements.

Winthrop Harbor’s business-friendly administration also provides direct support through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts, municipal incentives, and expedited permitting processes. Major investment opportunities include:

• Commercial Redevelopment along Sheridan Road, utilizing TIF incentives to revitalize prime business corridors.

• Tourism and Waterfront Development, anchored by North Point Marina—the largest marina on the Great Lakes—drawing over 1 million visitors annually.

• Retail and Dining Expansion, supported by strong market data indicating unmet demand in food services, specialty retail, and hospitality sectors.

• Residential Growth Potential, including plans for new housing developments and luxury rental opportunities near the marina and lakefront.

Neighboring Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, is experiencing significant residential development, further enhancing the region's appeal:

• Highland Estates Subdivision: A 275-acre development featuring 705 residential units, including 449 single-family homes, 88 two-family lots, and 40 two-unit condominium buildings. Construction is set to begin in early 2025, with the first phase delivering 108 single-family lots and 7.5 acres of parkland to expand Village Green Park’s recreational space and amenities.

• Inspire Prairie Springs Apartment Development: A 66.2-acre project planning 710 residential units across eight three-story apartment buildings. Construction is expected to commence in spring 2025, with full project completion by 2028 .

With a welcoming community, robust infrastructure, and clear economic growth strategies, now is the perfect time to invest in the future of Winthrop Harbor and the Prairie-Harbor Region!

Welcome to the Prairie-Harbor Sub-Region, a thriving bi-state area where the charm of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, meets the lakeside allure of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois. Perfectly situated along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan and directly on the Illinois-Wisconsin state line, this region offers unmatched accessibility—just 50 miles north of downtown Chicago and 40 miles south of downtown Milwaukee.

With a combined focus on quality of life and economic growth, the Prairie-Harbor Sub-Region is rapidly emerging as a premier destination for businesses and families alike. Offering a diverse range of housing options, excellent schools, and vibrant recreational amenities, the region is equally attractive to companies looking to expand or establish new ventures.

Development Opportunities for Businesses

The Prairie-Harbor Sub-Region presents strategic advantages for businesses seeking growth in a connected, business-friendly environment. With proximity to major transportation corridors, including Interstate 94, Metra rail services, and just a 10-minute drive to Waukegan National Airport, businesses can easily access regional, national, and international markets.

Available development sites, TIF District incentives, and forward-thinking municipal leadership create a welcoming climate for investment. Transformative projects like the Triangle Plan in Winthrop Harbor and ongoing commercial expansions in Pleasant Prairie offer prime locations for retail, hospitality, light industrial, and corporate office developments.

Whether you’re a startup, retailer, or corporate enterprise, the Prairie-Harbor Sub-Region delivers the right combination of location, workforce availability, and a high quality of life to ensure long-term success.

*5 min drive radius from Winthrop Harbor population is  12,927 

Pleasant Prairie, WI

Pleasant Prairie stands out as a rapidly growing and economically thriving community at the heart of the Chi-Waukee region. With a youthful median age and one of the highest household incomes in the area, Pleasant Prairie attracts professionals, families, and entrepreneurs seeking opportunity and lifestyle balance.

The community is known for its forward-thinking approach to development, with significant investments in residential housing, commercial hubs, and healthcare facilities. Residents benefit from top-rated schools, well-maintained parks and recreational amenities, and a strong business climate supported by modern infrastructure.

Strategically located along major transportation routes and within easy commuting distance to both Chicago and Milwaukee, Pleasant Prairie offers the perfect combination of suburban tranquility and big-city accessibility. As new developments such as Inspire Prairie Springs and the Main Street Market project come online, the community is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of sustained growth and prosperity.

Winthrop Harbor, IL

Winthrop Harbor offers a unique lakeside living experience, combining small-town charm with direct access to the region’s greatest natural resource—Lake Michigan. With a mature median age and high homeownership rates, the community has established itself as a stable and welcoming environment ideal for retirees, growing families, and anyone seeking a peaceful, close-knit atmosphere.

The presence of North Point Marina—the largest marina on the Great Lakes—anchors the community’s economy and lifestyle, making it a year-round destination for boating enthusiasts and visitors. Winthrop Harbor’s focus on revitalization efforts through its Sheridan Road Commercial Corridor and tourism initiatives like the Harboring Great Tastes campaign are attracting new businesses and visitors, while preserving its strong sense of community.

Winthrop Harbor is guided by a forward-thinking, business-friendly administration with an aggressive economic development plan. This proactive approach encourages investment and entrepreneurship, while leveraging the community’s strategic location and unique waterfront assets to drive sustainable growth. Additionally, the community benefits from significant disposable income generated by both local residents and seasonal guests drawn to North Point Marina. This influx of visitors creates vibrant opportunities for local businesses, particularly in retail, dining, and hospitality sectors.

Affordable housing options, strong community values, and an unparalleled waterfront lifestyle make Winthrop Harbor a hidden gem along the Lake Michigan shoreline and a key part of the Chi-Waukee region’s future.

The presence of North Point Marina—the largest marina on the Great Lakes—anchors the community’s economy and lifestyle, making it a year-round destination for boating enthusiasts and visitors. Winthrop Harbor’s focus on revitalization efforts through its Sheridan Road Commercial Corridor and tourism initiatives like the Harboring Great Tastes campaign are attracting new businesses and visitors, while preserving its strong sense of community.

Affordable housing options, strong community values, and an unparalleled waterfront lifestyle make Winthrop Harbor a hidden gem along the Lake Michigan shoreline and a key part of the Chi-Waukee region’s future.

The regional housing market across Pleasant Prairie, WI, and Winthrop Harbor, IL, is experiencing positive growth and encouraging new development, driven by strong economic fundamentals and rising demand for diverse living options. Pleasant Prairie continues to lead with major residential projects like the Inspire Prairie Springs development, adding 710 upscale apartment units with resort-style amenities, and the Highland Estates Subdivision, which will introduce 704 new housing units over the next decade, including single-family homes, duplexes, and condominiums. Meanwhile, Winthrop Harbor offers some of the region’s most attractive and affordable lakeside living, with homeownership rates exceeding 85% and initiatives like the Sheridan Road Corridor Revitalization and the Triangle Plan, which proposes new 55+ housing options near North Point Marina. Together, these communities are shaping a vibrant, future-focused housing landscape that meets the needs of families, professionals, and active adults alike.

Pleasant Prairie, WI

Pleasant Prairie’s housing market remains strong and stable, driven by ongoing development projects that meet the needs of a growing and diverse population. With median home values ranging from $307,500 to over $400,000, the community offers a wide variety of high-quality housing options, including single-family homes, luxury townhomes, and new apartment communities.

Major residential projects like the Inspire Prairie Springs development and the Highland Estates Subdivision are introducing modern housing options designed to meet demand for upscale living with convenient access to retail, healthcare, and recreational amenities. These projects also prioritize walkable neighborhoods and greenspaces, contributing to a vibrant, livable community.

• Inspire Prairie Springs: This development will consist of 710 multifamily apartment units, featuring a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Amenities include two clubhouses, a pool, pickleball courts, a playground, a putting green, a dog run, and a one-mile walking path.

• Highland Estates Subdivision: This expansive subdivision will add 704 new housing units over seven phases spanning the next 5 to 15 years. The subdivision will include 489 single-family homes, 85 duplex units, and 38 two-unit condominium buildings.

• The village’s strong local economy, excellent schools, and family-friendly environment continue to attract new residents, keeping the housing market active and future-focused.

Winthrop Harbor, IL

Winthrop Harbor offers some of the most affordable and desirable lakeside living options in the region. With median home prices ranging from $262,750 to nearly $290,000, the village provides excellent value for homebuyers looking for charming neighborhoods, mature landscapes, and close proximity to Lake Michigan.

Homeownership remains a hallmark of the Winthrop Harbor community, with over 85% of homes owner-occupied—a reflection of the area’s strong community roots and long-term residential stability.

While specific large-scale housing developments are not currently underway, the village's comprehensive plan emphasizes revitalizing the downtown district and diversifying housing options:

• Sheridan Road Corridor Revitalization: A focus on enhancing the downtown area, which includes plans for mixed-use developments and multifamily housing to attract new residents and businesses.

• Triangle Plan: A proposed development at the entrance to North Point Marina, envisioning 55+ housing options such as condominiums or luxury rentals. This initiative aims to provide upscale living accommodations for active adults, capitalizing on the marina's amenities and the scenic lakeside setting.

These strategic initiatives aim to modernize the housing landscape, offering varied options to meet the needs of current and prospective residents.

Pleasant Prairie, WI

• Inspire Prairie Springs: $175 million luxury apartment community with 710 high-end units, featuring pools, coworking spaces, fitness centers, and walking trails.

• Highland Estates Subdivision: A master-planned community of over 700 residential units with expanded park space and modern amenities.

• Eli Lilly Expansion: A major industrial growth project adding 133 new jobs, enhancing the region’s growing life sciences sector.

• Main Street Market Development: Retail and healthcare expansion including a 60,000 sq ft grocery store and a new United Hospital System medical facility.

Winthrop Harbor, IL

• Sheridan Road Commercial Revitalization: Utilizing TIF District incentives to attract new businesses and redevelop commercial corridors.

• Tourism Marketing Expansion: Winthrop Harbor has recently become a member of Visit Lake County, the official destination marketing organization for Lake County, Illinois. This partnership aims to enhance the village's visibility as a tourist destination, leveraging its unique assets such as North Point Marina and Illinois Beach State Park to attract visitors and boost local economic development.

• Parks & Waterfront Investments: Ongoing improvements to recreational areas, including boat launch facilities and public parks.

• Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization Project: A $73 million initiative funded through the Rebuild Illinois capital plan to protect the state's last undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. The project constructed 22 offshore stone breakwaters along 2.2 miles of shoreline to combat erosion, restore habitats, and enhance recreational spaces. This effort has not only preserved critical ecosystems but also earned national recognition, including the 2024 "Best Restored Beach Award" from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association.

• Proposed Waukegan National Airport Expansion: A $186 million project aims to replace the existing 6,000-foot runway with a new 7,000-foot runway to meet FAA safety standards and accommodate larger aircraft. The expansion is intended to support corporate aviation and enhance the airport's role as a reliever for O'Hare International Airport.