A Fresh Look for a Wilmette Classic: Plaza del Lago’s New Renovations

If you’ve ever driven down Sheridan Road in Wilmette, you’ve definitely seen Plaza del Lago — the iconic Spanish-style shopping center with its red-tiled roofs, white stucco walls, and the tall clock tower that’s impossible to miss. It’s one of the oldest outdoor shopping centers in the entire country, dating all the way back to the 1920s, and it’s been a landmark in our community ever since. For years, the plaza has been this mix of nostalgia and local pride — a spot where people grab coffee after school, meet up for dinner, or stop on their way to Gillson Beach. Recently, the whole place got a major renovation, and the results are honestly impressive. The new Plaza del Lago feels like the same place we’ve always known, just brighter, cleaner, and a lot more alive.

The renovation project focused on updating the plaza without erasing its history. The most noticeable change is how refreshed the space looks — new brickwork, repaved walkways, and updated lighting that makes it glow in the evening. The landscaping has been completely redone too. There are now clusters of green planters, soft trees, and small seating areas that make the plaza feel more open and inviting. Even the fountain area has been cleaned up and surrounded by benches, making it an easy place to hang out on a sunny afternoon. It’s clear that whoever led the redesign wanted to protect the original architecture — the arches, the courtyards, and that Mediterranean vibe — but they also wanted it to feel new again, something that matches how people actually use the space today.

The shops and restaurants have gotten updates too, which helps tie everything together. A few newer cafes and boutiques have opened (with more announced to come), adding more variety to the plaza. Longtime favorites like Convito Café & Market fit right in with the updated look, keeping that sense of familiarity that locals love. The outdoor dining areas look especially nice now — with new furniture, string lights, and a cleaner layout that makes the whole place feel more social. Even the parking situation has improved, with better flow and added bike racks near the main entrance. Small details like that show how much thought went into making the plaza more practical and enjoyable for everyone, not just shoppers but also people who come to walk around or meet friends.

What’s most impressive, though, is how the renovation manages to balance the old with the new. Plaza del Lago could’ve easily been turned into something generic or overly modern, but it still feels like Wilmette. The Spanish Revival design is still front and center — you can see it in the restored tiles, the detailed stucco work, and the warm color palette. It’s the same charm that’s been there for decades, just better preserved and more welcoming. The plaza doesn’t just look improved; it feels like it has more energy now. On weekends, you’ll see more families and students walking through, sitting by the fountain, or grabbing lunch at one of the outdoor tables. It’s like the renovation brought new life into a place that already meant a lot to the community.

In the end, Plaza del Lago’s renovation is about more than just new paint or landscaping — it’s about keeping a piece of Wilmette’s history alive while making it ready for the future. The plaza has always been one of those places that connects generations — grandparents remember it from decades ago, and now students like us get to enjoy it in a new way.

Whether you’re there to get food, shop, or just take pictures by the tower after school, the new Plaza del Lago is proof that even the oldest landmarks can evolve without losing what makes them special. It’s a reminder that history and modern life don’t have to compete — they can actually work together to make something even better.