The Village of Arlington Heights announced Tuesday June 2, 2020 that it is excited to announce the opening of ‘Arlington Alfresco’ — bringing back some vibrancy to the downtown hub of Vail Avenue and Campbell Street now that the State of Illinois has loosened some restrictions in Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan.
al fres·co
/al ˈfreskō/adverb: alfresco
(especially with reference to eating) in the open air.
“in the unlikely event of some sunshine you can even dine al fresco”adjective: alfresco
done or eaten in the open air.
“al fresco supper”origin: mid 18th century: Italian, literally ‘in the fresh (air)’.
Arlington Alfresco, is an open-air dining and shopping zone in a downtown area that enables restaurants, stores and businesses to expand their capacity into designated zones within the Arlington Alfresco footprint. The plan includes an 18-foot pedestrian walkway in the center of the streets. The dining areas are fenced in and there will be many signs to help alleviate gathering concerns as it relates to Coronavirus COVID-19 infection and illness.
The Area of Closed Streets
Vail Avenue closed at the south end of Harmony Park, roughly just north of the north entrance to the parking garage at 22 South Vail AvenueVail Avenue closed at the south curb of Wing Street
Campbell Street closed at the west curb of Dunton Avenue
Campbell Street closed at approximately the east curb of Highland Avenue
The streets closures, which will last all summer through Labor Day weekend are roughly the same as the Taste of Arlington and the Mane Event block party closures. However, these annual events have been canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the State of Illinois. The current release on restrictions on festivals requires a COVID-19 vaccine or treatment to be readily available.
Reservations are encouraged for those interested in dining at Arlington Alfresco. As part of Phase 3 of Restore Illinois, groups of people should be limited to 6 or fewer for dining.
When visiting Arlington Alfresco, please follow the COVID-19 health guidelines, such as not entering the zone if you exhibit symptoms related to the virus, do not congregate in groups of more than 10 people, follow the 6-foot social distancing guidelines and wearing face coverings is encouraged. Please do not bring any pets into the zone.
It’s important to know that while the area is blocked off to vehicular traffic and outdoor dining spaces will be expanded, no open alcohol can be consumed consumed in public spaces, which includes Harmony Park and the pedestrian walkway. Also, no open alcohol can be taken outside of the Arlington Alfresco zone. You may get a friendly reminder from the mayor or village manager if you take alcohol outside of Arlington Alfresco-designated areas.
For those preferring to use curbside pickup for dining or shopping, there will be designated areas at the entrances of Arlington Alfresco, on the first floor of the Vail Garage and in a nearby parking lot. Delivery services for businesses and residents living within the zone will also have a designated areas. Several changes have been made to allow for 2-hour parking in Lot E, along Davis Street, and on the first floor of the Vail Garage. Temporarily, ADA parking spaces have also been located near each of the four entrances to Arlington Alfresco.
As businesses begin to reopen during this phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arlington Alfresco zone will be open daily until 11 p.m. Arlington Heights Police and Village staff will monitor the program and continue to make accommodations when necessary, according to the village of Arlington Heights.
Entrances to the Vail parking garage and to parking lots and garages of condominium or apartment buildings within the zone will remain accessible.
Restaurants outside of the downtown who want to use part of their private property for outdoor dining can fill out the Outdoor Dining on Private Property application.
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For more maps, street zones, food pickup zones, and ADA parking, see “Enjoy Dining & Shopping at Arlington Alfresco” from the official Village of Arlington Heights website.