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Vacant store in Des Plaines may reopen as day care

A long-vacant store on Thacker Street in Des Plaines may soon be reopening as a child day care.

Sylwia Wzorek and her mother Krystyna Wzorek, who operate a small home day care in Chicago, have applied for a special use permit to open a day care for up to 50 children at 275 Thacker St.

The one-story building, just across the railroad tracks from the Prairie Lakes Community Center, has been vacant for the last four years. It previously housed R & J Upholstery, a video store and a convenience store.

Owner Darryl Schellin is selling the 2,400-square-foot building to the Wzoreks, contingent on them getting approval by the city to operate a day care.

"I think it's a good fit for the area," said Schellin, whose family once operated Schellin's Bakery at Lee Street and Algonquin Road in Des Plaines. "It's not a new business for them. They've been around doing this for a while. It's what prompted us to pursue their buy. (They've) got experience. That's more important than just a new place."

The Wzoreks say the 45-year-old building is in need of much remodeling. Also before they can open, they need approval from the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, and they're not sure how long that process will take.

If and when the day care opens, Alderman Denise Rodd said it'll be an improvement from the vacant building that exists now.

"I know overall people in the neighborhood want to see something there. Right now it's kind of an eyesore boarded up," said Rodd, who represents the city's 3rd Ward where the vacant shop is located. "The property is in such a visible location. A new neighbor there will be great."

A hearing on the requested special use permit is scheduled for April 12 before the city's planning and zoning board. That panel will make a recommendation to the city council, which has final say.

  The one-story building at 275 Thacker St. in Des Plaines has been vacant for the last four years. It once housed an upholstery business, video store and convenience store. Christopher Placek/cplacek@dailyherald.com
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