welcome to small town life.

It’s easy to fall in love

with living, creating, and flourishing in a small town with so much history. For the last century, Aledo has been home to beautiful rural surroundings, local farm-fresh food, festivals, and a walkable downtown with local shops and artisans. Windborn is dedicated to reviving Aledo’s historic buildings and telling their stories. We strive to create opportunities that will inspire togetherness, promote small businesses and the arts, providing future generations with their own memories of small-town life.

Overnight stays & Events

  • Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois

    A movie filmed in downtown Aledo last summer will be shown at film festivals around the country.

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  • WRMJ Studios becomes the newest face Downtown

    As of August 2023, WRMJ Studios is now broadcasting live from the downtown Cooper building. They have recently added a neon sign to mark their location.

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  • The Alley Marketplace: a new shopping experience in Aledo

    The former Hall’s Shoe Store houses a marketplace featuring local vendors, specialty gifts and foods, and regular events.

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  • Former Northside Junior High gets a Fresh Start

    Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation announces plans for new innovative housing.

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  • $3M Grant Awarded for a Change of Scenery

    Windborn Initiative partnered with Ratio Design and the City of Aledo to secure funds for a pedestrian-friendly downtown with a new market plaza.

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  • Aledo Wins Landmarks Illinois Award for Tech Center

    Formerly destined to be torn down, the Mercer Carnegie Library has been awarded for its renovation and partnership with HTST.

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  • Windborn Initiative's Opera House

    Renovations of the Aledo Opera House began in April to bring entertainment options back to the downtown.

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