The Biz Week That Was: Teardowns, business closings and new beginnings are among highlights
A long-shuttered Applebee’s restaurant, drive-through bank, Cash for Gold business and five-story office building at the southern gateway of Arlington Heights are no more. Demolition crews last week completed the most visible teardown — the 48-year-old office structure — on the southeast corner of Arlington Heights and Algonquin roads. An eight-story, 301-unit apartment building with streetside retail is the first phase of a full-scale redevelopment.
Iconic restaurant Port Edward sails into new era 60 years after opening
Some impactful changes have been made to the longstanding downtown Algonquin restaurant Port Edward. Its dark wood walls are now a bright white, many mirrors reflect the Fox River and clutter is out of the way after 50 years without a revamp.
Graham’s 318 coffeehouse in downtown Geneva to close
The Graham’s 318 coffeehouse in downtown Geneva is closing after 19 years in business. The shop had been closed in 2019 for a major renovation but did some business out of a pop-up space nearby. It reopened in February 2020 but was closed or had limited indoor seating due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions starting in March 2020.
In early May, work to refresh the exterior of a vintage building in Libertyville is expected to get underway, an initiative of a business that has followed a simple philosophy for five generations. Replacing deteriorated wood and siding and getting the old brick ready for a new coat of paint are among the tasks as Zengeler Cleaners continues a complete makeover of the building at Park Avenue (Route 176) and 4th Avenue it has occupied since 1962.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille opens in Vernon Hills as key component of Hawthorn 2.0
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, considered an important component in the ongoing evolution of Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills, officially opened for dine-in service Monday. The 11,000-square-foot restaurant can seat up to 350, including patio dining. Construction of the free-standing site at the southwest corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Ring Drive began last spring.
Barrington considering TIF district for downtown redevelopment
Barrington is taking its first steps toward creating a new tax increment financing district to spur redevelopment in the “Golden Triangle” area of the village’s downtown.