Vacant Dominick's site still vexes Lake in the Hills
Several new businesses will be opening in Lake in the Hills in the coming weeks, but the village still faces its biggest challenge: Filling the long-vacant Dominick's property at Algonquin and Randall roads.
Dominick's closed in early 2014. Since then, three retailers eyeing the property have backed out of deals to fill the former supermarket. The latest, Midwestern retailer Big R, gave up its plan to renovate and expand the 72,000-square-foot building last summer after 10 months of discussions with the village.
Village Economic Development Coordinator George Hahne remains optimistic about prospects for the site.
"It's a very large part of our focus," Hahne said.
"We've been in contact with 19 separate businesses, all different kinds of categories," he added. "Obviously, we are still talking to grocery stores, big-box discount stores. Anybody who would be within 200 miles of Chicago that still is healthy, we would be talking to."
Hahne said the village also would welcome developers interested in dividing the building among several businesses.
Village officials are guiding the process since the property is owned and managed by private parties, he added.
Hahne said the development climate is better today than it was two years ago.
"People are returning my calls all the time and listening to what we have to offer," he said. "It's a much more positive situation in the marketplace. I am very optimistic about economic development and about the Dominick's space. It's going to get done."
An upscale sandwich shop called Lucky Penny's no longer is coming to town. The business, which was to include video gambling, was planned for a 3,200-square-foot space off Randall Road, but the developer decided not to pursue it.
Two businesses opening in April are Rock N Grill and Everwash Car Wash.
Rock N Grill, an 1980s rock-themed family diner, will take over the former Chicago Grill at 335 N. Randall Road in the Center at Lake in the Hills strip shopping center, north of Algonquin Road. The 1,600-square-foot restaurant is being completely remodeled. It will seat 34 and is expected to open April 15.
"This is a new venture for me," said restaurant owner Chad Hufford of Crystal Lake. "My wife and I are both big '80s fans. We love rock 'n' roll. I'm kind of making it more of a not-just-your-typical hot dog stand. I'm trying to make it a place that is memorable."
Everwash will replace the former self-serve Super Wash at 2200 W. Algonquin Road. Its predecessor operated at that location for 27 years.
"Over time it just became an outdated model, and we thought the location was great and it just needed an updated and modernized business model," said Everwash owner Thomas Kim of Chicago, who operates another car wash in St. Charles. "We are really looking to be car wash 2.0."
Kim's car wash will have state-of-the-art equipment and offer a monthly membership with a grand opening special of $21 for the first month. It will open mid-April.
Cedarwood Development Inc. has submitted a concept plan for a proposed senior living facility comprising 70 independent apartments, 60 assisted-living units and 26 memory care units to be built on eight acres at the northwest corner of West Algonquin Road and Harvest Gate, across from village hall.
"They are in the planning stages with us right now," Hahne said. "This would be a very nice announcement for economic development."