CRYSTAL LAKE – A $2 million renovation project has transformed the Crystal Lake Plaza shopping center along Route 14 into a fresh retail destination and helped bring new businesses and shoppers to the area.

In addition to significant parking lot improvements and exterior remodeling, the year-long overhaul added new benches, lighting, brick paver sidewalks, awnings, landscaping, and an electronic messaging sign that is shared by merchants.

The result is a more pleasing and shopper-friendly environment, said tenant Katie Van Diggelen, the owner of New Balance Crystal Lake and Achieve Footwear and president of the Crystal Lake Plaza Merchants Association.