The Biz Week That Was: New housing developments, a brunch spot, and Christmas shopping with AI help
Will 2026 be the year for this stalled downtown Arlington Heights apartment project?
Facing rising interest rates, difficulty in raising equity capital and higher construction costs, a developer’s plan for a six-story, 135-unit apartment building with a ground-floor restaurant in Arlington Heights remains in limbo two years after receiving zoning approvals. But Joe Taylor of Barrington-based Compasspoint Development expressed confidence that 2026 will be the year to get shovels in the ground and transform the long-vacant office building site on the edge of the village’s downtown.
Mount Prospect buys St. Mark property for downtown parking, redevelopment
In a move aimed at securing additional downtown parking and creating another site for redevelopment, the Mount Prospect village board this week voted to buy about an acre of land from St. Mark Lutheran Church. The board dipped into its general operating fund for the $1.45 million purchase of the St. Mark gymnasium and parsonage at 205 and 208 S. Wille St.
Brunchy’s opens in former Panera spot in Buffalo Grove
A new brunch restaurant is helping to fuel the revival of a Buffalo Grove strip center near Dundee and Arlington Heights roads. The west side of Strathmore Square is still mostly empty, as developer Manny Rafidia works to fill vacancies. But it is a lot less lonely now that Brunchy’s Pancakes & Cafe, 1224 W. Dundee Road, is bringing new life to a dormant space.
How to up your Christmas shopping game with AI tools
Shopping assistant chatbots were a novelty a year ago. Now, they’re everywhere. After rolling out AI-powered assistants, online retailers and tech companies have been adding more artificial intelligence features to make online shopping easier and more convenient.
Pulte proposes 66-unit townhouse development in Lisle
The homebuilder behind a new residential subdivision in Lisle wants to develop a townhouse community to the east of the former Family Square, an empty shopping center at the gateway to the village’s downtown. Pulte Homes Co. envisions 66 townhouses spread across 14 buildings.
ComEd launches new discount program for low-income customers
ComEd has launched a new program designed to reduce costs for low-income customers. The Low-Income Discount program will provide price breaks starting Jan. 1 to qualifying households in its service area. Households with an income up to 300% of the federal poverty level will qualify for benefits on a tiered schedule. Those with incomes less than or equal to 50% of the federal threshold will see the largest discounts.
From sweets to eats, Libertyville businesses recognized for excellence
Every year, Libertyville recognizes businesses nominated by residents and others for their contributions to the community and economy. For 2025, the third year of the program, 11 businesses in six categories were recognized and honored for excellence at a recognition breakfast last month.