New business could be coming to Metropolis in downtown Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights officials are creating a liquor license category that would pave the way for a new business on the third floor of the Metropolis building, a space that's been empty for a decade.

The license, which will allow a downtown business on the second floor or higher to sell alcohol without requiring a full kitchen, comes after a request from a proposed business called Arlington Ale House.

According to the business plan, Arlington Ale House would take up all 10,000 square feet of the third floor at 111 W. Campbell Street, with bags, pool, darts, music and an outdoor patio and allow customers to order or bring in food from nearby restaurants.

Previously, Arlington Heights liquor code did not allow restaurants to sell alcohol without serving or preparing their own food.

“I would like to have a kitchen in there, yes, but it's not financially feasible,” said Kevin McCaskey, president of MBM Realty, which is seeking to develop Arlington Ale House. “If it were, someone would have done that years ago. I live in Arlington Heights as well, and we just want to create a fun place for everyone to go.”

McCaskey said the venue may develop relationships with several local restaurants to allow patrons to order food or bring it into the business.

Village President Tom Hayes called the change “a very exciting possibility for Arlington Heights” that “furthers our commitment to being more business-friendly and creating and even more vibrant downtown.”

“It's an awesome space and great opportunity for somebody to develop, but it's going to take a little foresight from us,” said Trustee Jim Tinaglia. “I think this is a great step forward.”

Arlington Ale House will still need to go through the approval process for a special use and a liquor license, during which the board will get more details about its business plan and how food will be served or brought in.

Arlington Heights officials have been in the process of reviewing the village's liquor code and the board recently approved a category that will allow Starbucks to serve alcohol.