Sergio's prepares to take up residence in downtown Geneva
A new restaurant in a highly-visible spot in downtown Geneva will get nearly $14,000 from the city to fix up its exterior.
Sergio's Cantina will receive $13,580, about half of what is needed for demolition, masonry, carpentry, windows, doors, painting, staining, signs, awnings and electrical work at 30 W. State St.
The building, on the southeast corner of Route 31 and State Street, was home to Potter's Place Mexican restaurant and bar. It was built about 130 years ago.
It has been vacant since November 2005. The owner shut it after twice being fined that summer for serving alcohol to minors. In one case, a police sting, it was fined $1,500 and sentenced to a one-day suspension; in the second, after police found three minors drinking there, it was fined $4,000 and given a 10-day suspension.
Lindsey and Sergio de los Santos of Elburn are determined their new place will be much more than a bar.
They bought the building in July and applied for a commercial facade improvement matching grant.
Part of the work will include removing stone that covers a decorative beam over the front doorway, similar to the one above the Little Owl, which is kitty-corner from them.
The emphasis is really on the restaurant,ˆÅ¥ Lindsey said Wednesday, as they worked on rehabilitating the interior, which has been gutted. They hope to open it in six to eight weeks.
Sergio has worked in restaurant management for 15 years.
His family recipes are the best Mexican food, Lindsey said.
And the location? You can't beat it," she said