Case Study

Strategy Built for Action

Partners: 353 Court LLC + Reader Area Development, Inc.
Client: City of Aledo, Illinois
Timeline: 2019–2022

The Context

Downtown Aledo had strong bones, a newly designated historic district, and years of unrealized potential. Progress had stalled not due to lack of interest, but due to limited local capacity to engage developers, support small businesses, and coordinate long-term reinvestment.

City leadership was ready to act, but needed structure, market clarity, and trusted partners to help move from aspiration to execution.

The Work

Reader Area Development partnered with 353 Court LLC to provide the City of Aledo with sustained, hands-on downtown revitalization leadership.

The engagement included:

  • A comprehensive downtown building inventory and market assessment

  • Interviews with more than 30 property owners and business operators

  • Community engagement and surveys to ground decisions in local priorities

  • A Downtown Strategy Report presented to City Council and formally adopted

  • Ongoing administration of building stabilization and business support programs

  • Direct engagement with developers, property owners, and entrepreneurs

  • A multi-year action plan focused on buildings, businesses, and branding

This was not a one-time plan, but a multi-year commitment to implementation, iteration, and visible progress.

Download >>> 2019 Downtown Aledo Report

The Results

The strategy was funded, expanded, and put into action.

Key outcomes included:

  • Transition of a significant downtown property portfolio into new, responsible ownership

  • Concentrated reinvestment through demonstration blocks and prioritized catalytic sites

  • Expanded use of TIF and incentive programs to stabilize historic buildings and activate storefronts

  • Increased confidence among private investors due to consistent public commitment

  • Formation of a new public–private partnership between the City of Aledo and Aledo Main Street

  • A clearer downtown identity supported by placemaking, events, and coordinated branding efforts

Over time, downtown Aledo has shifted from stalled potential to steady, visible momentum.

Why This Matters

Aledo demonstrates what happens when strategy is paired with capacity and follow-through.

What we were able to accomplish:

  • Serve as a trusted intermediary between the municipality, developers, and small businesses

  • Translate historic designation into a practical economic development tool

  • Move beyond planning into administration, deal-making, and implementation

  • Build long-term systems that outlast individual projects or personalities

The result was not just a plan, but a stronger downtown ecosystem built to sustain growth.

Ready to move from planning to progress?
If your community has the will but needs the structure, capacity, and steady leadership to move forward, Reader Area Development can help.

Let’s talk about what’s possible!

Check your Downtown Momentum Score and book an appointment today.