How Cooper's Hawk could change Charlestowne Mall

For many, the new vision for the Charlestowne Mall sure seems a lot like the old one — pretty much empty and looking the same as the years go by.

But we can't allow ourselves to feel that the new Cooper's Hawk restaurant at that site will fall into that same abyss on the east side of St. Charles.

If things go as planned, we should start seeing the groundwork and frame of the popular restaurant taking shape next month. It will operate in the vicinity of the On the Border restaurant near Kirk Road and Main Street and hopefully give St. Charles something to boast about in the near future.

Residents understandably haven't put much stock in what Charlestowne owners Krausz Companies have said about plans for what it calls The Quad, mainly because those plans have changed so much and nothing has happened.

But navigating an odd economy and a region not densely populated can do that to retail plans.

Cooper's Hawk might be a different story. Something tells me these folks must know something the rest of us don't. Otherwise, why would they build a new site on what has been a less-than-promising area of the city?

So, here's my best guess. Have you been around or near the Cantera theater complex in Naperville the past few years with its many restaurants nearby? Or even the area just off I-88 at Naperville Road where nice eateries Maggiano's, White Chocolate Grill and Granite City do business? Hold onto that vision.

What if the Classic Cinemas movie theater at Charlestowne ends up being the last man standing? But it somehow is built out into a super movie complex with other entertainment amenities.

In the meantime, maybe developers like those of the quickly growing Round1 bowling and arcade business plop down a new site there (any city official who hasn't heard of Round1 needs to get familiar), and the perimeter area along Main Street and behind the theater simply attracts more great restaurants.

Build that, and the consumers and other retail will come.

Care and hope:

Providing some hope and care to those with life-threatening illnesses or those who have suffered a loss can't always fall on family members.

Fox Valley Hands of Hope is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide that support. But it needs volunteers for its Hands of Hope, Supportive Care and Patient Care programs.

Those interested in training for this role should contact the organization by Thursday in order to be able to participate in the new volunteer orientation on Sept. 8 and the training Sept. 14 at Fox Valley Hands of Hope, 200 Whitfield Drive in Geneva.

It's a late notice from me, but if you are meant to participate in something of this nature to help others, it shouldn't take long to decide.

More information is available by contacting Adriana Torres at (630) 232-2233, ext. 277 or email at atorres@fvhh.net.

Loves those Cubs:

The stories, tall tales and curses of Wrigley Field have had plenty of time to take on a life of their own. It's been 100 years, actually, and authors Dan Campana and Rob Carroll will share what they've uncovered on the fascinating topic of the Chicago Cubs and their home field for the past century at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the St. Charles Public Library.

Registration is required at the library reference desk or by calling (630) 584-0076, ext. 1, or on the library website.

Loves that food:

Reader Jim Resser says he has found great food in large portions at a restaurant in St. Charles.

The words “great” and “large” received my immediate attention.

He's suggesting to try Liu Brothers Chinese Bistro, at 1554 E. Main St. when the opportunity arises. This Chinese restaurant has been in business more than two years, so it seems about time to give it a go — and it puts Liu Brothers on my “to do” list.

“It must be good food and worth the price because the place is packed every evening,” Resser said.

dheun@sbcglobal.net