Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series examining the vitality of DeKalb’s downtown area.

DeKALB | Maybe food and vintage clothing sum up downtown DeKalb in three words, but Economic Development Director Paul Rasmussen talks of a “radical” revitalization plan to “make downtown DeKalb a place to live.”

The plan consists of creating a more dense four-block retail area between First Street and Fourth Street and between Lincoln Highway and Locust Street. This retail area will be more pedestrian-friendly with broader boulevards. The roads will be narrowed to make crossing easier for pedestrians.

The revitalization plan relies on making downtown DeKalb more attractive. The plan to eliminate parking lot number two, across the street from the Egyptian Theatre, raised concern from some merchants. This area will be converted into a town square. Replacement parking will be moved nearby.

In addition, the Downtown DeKalb Revitalization Task Force plans to create mixed-use development from Pearl Street east to First Street. The first floor will consist of retail. Above the retail will be residential apartments or condos.

The hope is that within the next 10 years, at least 20 percent of these developments will contain recognizable brand names, such as the Gap.

“[The plan] is expected to go to plan commission in the next 30 days,” Rasmussen said.

The plan, focusing on the direction developments will take in the next 20 years, will be presented to the city council by December for adoption into the comprehensive plan.

“We should see the first glimmers sometime next year,” Rasmussen said.

Although downtown areas are in general failing, Rasmussen is optimistic about DeKalb’s revitalization plans: “[Downtown areas face] natural cycles of ups and downs,” he said.

He also said downtowns discovered by national chains and not just local businesses often see a renewal.

“Retail always follows people,” he said. “The magic number is 50,000. [National chains] look at growth patterns and DeKalb is one of the cities that’s going to grow.”

Some residents don’t believe the dream of revitalization will come true.

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” said resident Robin Koks.

At O’Leary’s Tuesday morning, a consultant listened to and answered the questions of about 35 merchants’ concerns regarding the revitalization plan. Rasmussen felt there was a sense of general agreement.

“[The meeting] went very, very well,” he said.

Stephanie Wise is a City Reporter for the Northern Star.