The Biz Week That Was: Sears HQ meets the dust, restaurant turnover, and new residential developments
Demolition of massive former Sears HQ in Hoffman Estates reaches completion
Just under a year after it began, structural demolition of the 2.4-million-square-foot Sears headquarters in Hoffman Estates ended Tuesday with the final stairwell of the east parking garage coming down. The work will be completed by end of August. That’s when the 273-acre site at the west end of the village will transition to a construction site for Compass’ five hyperscale data centers.
Rolling Meadows sports bar owner rolls on, even with closing of Palatine location
The owner of Rep’s Place sports bar in Rolling Meadows has closed his Palatine location, Rep’s Burgers. But owner Mike Reppe remains optimistic about the future of his Rolling Meadows operation and its expanding food truck business.
Garden Berry Cafe starts new tradition at former Billy’s Pancake House in Palatine
With an expansive breakfast and lunch menu, Garden Berry Cafe plans to bring new life to the former location of Billy’s Pancake House in Palatine. John and Tracy Bakopoulos closed Billy’s at 440 W. Northwest Hwy. in December. The business had been a mainstay in Palatine, both at that location and in a plaza downtown where it also was known as the Palatine House Restaurant. Now owner and chef Jose Jasso is starting a new tradition at the Palatine location, not only trying to bring back Billy’s’ clientele, but also attracting new customers.
Design plans for Mount Prospect data center changing
Cloud HQ is seeking to alter the look of its approved data center development in Mount Prospect, proposing to build taller and along Algonquin Road. The $2.5 billion project officially broke ground in 2022 on the former United Airlines headquarters site, but it is still far from completion.
Algonquin’s Cucina Bella celebrates 20 years of serving up Italian family recipes
For the past two decades, Cucina Bella has been bringing a piece of Italy to downtown Algonquin. On Thursday, the restaurant celebrated its 20th birthday. Owner Tony Colatorti opened the downtown Algonquin Italian restaurant on July 24, 2005. He originally operated the Luke’s Italian Beef locations in the area.
Former Gurnee Holiday Inn being renovated and converted to apartments, boutique rooms
A prominent Lake County family business spanning generations for more than 40 years and known for its restaurants and projects is venturing into a new hospitality venue. In its largest project, Khayat Enterprises is renovating and converting the former Holiday Inn, 6161 W. Grand Ave., just off the Tri-State tollway, to Ten Hotel Convention Center and Residences.
Buffalo Grove hears plan for 189-unit residential development
An established homebuilder in the Chicago area is planning a residential development at Aptakisic and Prairie roads in Buffalo Grove. M/I Homes wants to build 152 townhouse units and 37 single-family homes on roughly 35 acres in unincorporated Lake County on the 16000 block of Aptakisic Road in the Kenley Subdivision. Buffalo Grove trustees Monday sent the project to the planning and zoning commission for review before it comes back to the village board for annexation proceedings.