Although he wasn’t able to see it himself, Frank Van Buer’s hope for downtown DeKalb becoming revitalized is almost complete.

Van Buer was DeKalb Mayor from 2005 until his death in July of 2008 from pancreatic cancer.

Mary Beth, Frank’s wife, said her husband is still remembered by many people of DeKalb.

“They love him and still talk about him,” Mary Beth said. “I hear others mentioning Frank all the time.”

The Van Buers made their way to DeKalb in 1957 and felt an attachment from the get go, Mary Beth said.

“We fell in love with DeKalb right from the beginning.”

The Van Buers did find themselves leaving the DeKalb area several times due to Frank’s research work overseas in various countries.

Despite having to leave, they kept finding themselves back to the area when the work was done.

While Frank was mayor, his son Derek said his father had the ability of getting others involved.

“He got a lot of different people involved in DeKalb who wouldn’t have volunteered if he didn’t ask them,” Derek said.

Jennifer Groce, executive director for Re:New DeKalb, said when Frank ran for mayor, part of his campaign was to do something about the urban core of DeKalb–the downtown.

“He felt it was a reflection of life and for those who live in DeKalb,” Groce said. “And having a great place to live starts with revitalization.”

Looking at how Re:New DeKalb has changed the look of the downtown area, Groce said it couldn’t have been done without Frank’s vision for its revival.

Due to losing his battle with cancer, Frank wasn’t able to see his vision take action.

After Kris Povlsen, became mayor in 2008, he was looked upon as someone who was able to help carry out Van Buer’s desire for a newer looking downtown.

DeKalb City Manager Mark Biernacki said Povlsen was able to bring forth Van Buer’s goal.

“After [Frank’s] untimely death, Mayor Povlsen did a good job by taking the leadership position,” Biernacki said. “He was able to see the project through.”

Regarding the new downtown look, Povlsen is happy with how things have gone.

“As it nears completion, it’s a very exciting thing to see,” Povlsen said.

When Van Buer was mayor, he gave Povlsen some advice he will always remember.

“He would always talk about making long-term decisions,” Povlsen said. “And that’s something I’ve been doing as well. Looking at long-term decisions and seeing how they’ll impact our future.”