Former trustee plans restaurant in downtown Lombard

A former trustee and her husband have plans to open a new restaurant in downtown Lombard, with hopes it will help liven up the area.

Dana Moreau, who served on the board from 2007 to 2011, said she always felt the downtown area would "never be truly revitalized" until there was some development at the old bank and hotel buildings on the southeast and southwest corners of St. Charles Road and Park Avenue.

That hope has become a reality, with renovation work under way in both buildings.

Moreau reached out to the new owner of the old hotel building, located at 101 W. St. Charles Road, and inquired about opening a "local American eatery" - a dream she always had with her husband, who has worked in restaurants most of his life - in the corner storefront.

They agreed to rent out the old Cafe 101 space, along with a portion of the former Slick and BJs store and the basement of the building. The new restaurant will open in the corner space, but eventually may expand into the other spaces in phases.

The hope is to open the restaurant in about six months, but "given that it's a very old, historic building we're prepared for surprises," Dana said.

Still, the Moreaus like the character of the old building and have even made a nod to its history with the restaurant's name: Babcock's of Lombard. It refers to the town's original name, Babcock's Grove, and the original name of the hotel, Babcock's Grove House.

"We're trying to really embrace Lombard history," Dana said.

Dana said the response she has received since announcing plans for the restaurant last week has been "fantastic."

"I think everybody really wants to see the downtown come back to life," she said. "They're so excited."

A menu is still being developed and an opening date is yet to be determined, but the Moreaus are encouraging anyone interested in staying up to date on the restaurant to follow "Babcock's of Lombard" on Facebook.