The DeKalb Plan Commission and Chamber of Commerce are laying out the framework for what in future years may transform downtown DeKalb into a college hotspot.

As part of the five-year Streetscape program created by the Plan Commission and Main Street/DeKalb, renovations to the DeKalb downtown district eventually could pave the way to attract future businesses and restaurants that may appeal to NIU students.

The Streetscape plan was implemented to improve downtown DeKalb’s aesthetic beauty and financial appeal by promoting quality development, maximizing a partnership with NIU and making DeKalb a community focal point as a clean and active environment.

All three goals then combine as one when thse renovations and beautification of the downtown district is complete, said Chad Bryden, DeKalb economic development planner. The city then will want to attract new businesses that would appeal to the NIU community, he said.

The kinds of new businesses that may pop up downtown would be non-retail stores, or more of the cracker jack businesses like quaint coffee houses, eateries and book and antiques stores. Eclectic specialty stores would appeal to college students because of their modest prices and unique environment, Bryden said.

Bryden also anticipates luring upscale, second-hand clothing stores that aren’t privately owned and aren’t large retail chain stores like Abercrombie & Fitch or American Eagle.

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Kim Kubiak said leadership within the chamber focuses on NIU.

“NIU is our biggest employer by thousands,” Kubiak said. “We need to do something in return.”

The focus for the city is to bring attractions that would keep students in DeKalb on weekends, breaks and during the summer, Kubiak said.