Mount Prospect will help pay for Blues Bar conversion
Mount Prospect will fund some of the renovation costs to turn the former Blues Bar site downtown into a new restaurant called Bar 145.
The village board Tuesday agreed to spend $25,000 out of the Facade Rebate Program to help pay for the estimated $200,000 Bar 145's owners are spending on the project. The rebate program offers matching grants to businesses making improvements to downtown storefronts.
Bar 145, at 34 S. Main St., will be operated by Mount Prospect residents Lenny and Deana Rago. Part of an Ohio-based chain named after the perfect temperature to serve a medium-rare burger, the restaurant is expected to open in early December.
According to village documents, the renovations include replacement of exterior signs, modification to interior lighting, resurfacing of floors and updating the heating and air conditioning systems. Of the $200,000 being spent, $80,000 is eligible for reimbursement through village programs.
Community Development Director William Cooney said a budget amendment will be necessary to cover the $25,000, since spending for the facade program has exceeded projections this year. However, he said, there are sufficient funds in the downtown Tax Increment Financing district to support the request.
"We have put $100,000 a year in this account now for the last five years, and I don't think we have spent over ($50,000) in any of those years," Cooney added. "We'll be pushing about $150,000 this year."
Trustee Steven Polit said it is exciting to see more businesses request facade rebates, because it indicates the village is meeting its goal of business growth in the downtown.
"I think that is a tremendous thing to have happen for the downtown area and the TIF," he said.