As Naperville moves closer to the full opening of the newly constructed Water Street District, more and more businesses are taking up residence in the complex managed by Marquette Companies.

After 10 years spent working on the project, the company is gearing up to celebrate the opening of the highly anticipated development.

The Hotel Indigo occupies the  upper levels of the complex. The 148-room luxury boutique hotel had a limited opening back in November. The entire facility is functional and open for reservations.

The Elements at Water Street, the banquet halls attached to the hotel, are already booked with events, including 80 weddings throughout the year.

Doug Kelly, Director of Sales and Marketing, is excited for the potential business opportunities the centralized location of the hotel brings.

“There’s a lot of different markets this hotel is going to reach,” Kelly said. “From business travelers to weddings to stay-cationers, this hotel appeals to a lot of different clients.”

The Indigo brand is focused on local culture. This particular hotel features all things Naperville. From murals of Naperville streets, to fresh chocolate from Naper Nuts and Sweets, all the food is locally sourced from nearby farmers, and the lobby design is reflects the downtown scenery.

Although the hotel is the main attraction of the complex, many other foreign businesses are setting up shop in Naperville for the first time as well. Southern Tide, a southern style fashion brand based in South Carolina, opened its first signature shop in the Midwest.

This new location is the only one outside of its home state of South Carolina.

Store manager Rachel Wiencek is excited about the growing awareness of the brand in large metropolitan areas like Naperville.

“The brand Southern Tide really appeals to a lot of the demographics that Naperville has to offer,” Wiencek said. “From trendy young adults to older people who are looking for something comfortable to wear, everyone has something here.”

Many more brands are set to move into the new Water Street District in the coming months. Boutique retailer London Skye looks to open up shop in the next month. A wine bar by the name of 64 is opening in May. It is owned and operated by the same owners of the Southern Tide store.

Additionally, another sushi bar by the name of Blue Sushi Sake Grill will venture into Naperville.

Lastly, a Mexican bistro occupies the corner plot of the district. The Bien Trucha Group operates the newly opened Quiubo.

Senior Matt Davenport is happy new stores are moving into town.

“These new restaurants and clothing stores are making Naperville even better,” Davenport said.