Plans brewing to convert Rolling Meadows’ original firehouse into coffee shop

A shuttered firehouse in the heart of Rolling Meadows could become a coffee shop, bakery and event space that serves as a community hub to work, meet and gather, under plans revealed by city officials.

The city has a tentative deal for an adaptive reuse of its original downtown Fire Station 15 that would turn the 67-year-old brick building into a “place of hospitality,” according to proprietors of the proposed Abide Coffee & Bakery.

The name “Abide” means to dwell, remain or stay.

“Abide is designed as a space where families, professionals and neighbors can come together and stay awhile,” husband-and-wife business owners Michael and Emily Schumann of Arlington Heights wrote in their proposal to Rolling Meadows officials. “The name reflects our hope that Abide will become more than a cafe. It will be a hub for comfort, conversation, creativity and community life in Rolling Meadows.”

The city plans to sell the two-story, 10,800-square-foot building at 3111-3113 Meadow Drive to the Schumanns for $250,000. The couple then plans to pour $1.4 million to transform the first floor — the old bays where fire trucks used to park — with food and beverage preparation areas, space for retail sales and customer seating.

They describe the interior design as a “timeless European farmhouse aesthetic.”

Menu offerings range from beverages like espresso, pour-overs and teas, to baked goods made in house like cinnamon rolls, scones and muffins. Other breakfast items like quiches, sandwiches, artisan toasts and bowls are on the menu, too.

Outside, a tree-lined patio with shaded pergola and cafe lighting is planned in front, while a smaller patio will be on the side of the building.

Future plans on the second floor call for leasable office space, counseling suites and event rental areas. But the whole building will be brought into code-compliant condition right away, officials say, with installation of a fire alarm system, sprinklers and elevator.

A redevelopment agreement — which passed initial muster by the city council last week but faces a final vote Dec. 16 — contains provisions to ensure the city retains control of the property if the project isn’t completed as planned.

The 38-page document also has a restriction on residential uses there — including hotels and short-term rentals — for up to eight years. That’s a key stipulation sought by aldermen and residents still upset over the firehouse’s 2019 closure and loss of commercial users on the Kirchoff Road corridor long regarded as the city’s traditional downtown.

The developer also can’t seek a property tax exemption for eight years, according to the agreement. Another provision, however, allows the city to waive the restrictions.

An earlier plan to convert the vacant fire station into a food hall fell through in 2023 after city leaders determined the project brought by a different developer wasn’t economically viable. The plan called for an eatery with six booths leased to independent vendors and restaurants on the first floor, an event space and bar on the second floor, and an outdoor covered patio dining area.

The city then commissioned a 110-page Kirchoff Road Corridor study and again solicited development proposals for the city-owned property, leading to the selection of Abide Group LLC.

“This redevelopment is consistent with the corridor study by preserving an important historic structure and by activating it with a lively, pedestrian-focused business desired by the city’s residents,” city staff wrote in their endorsement of the plan.

Michael Schumann, a licensed professional counselor and photographer, and Emily, a dietitian, are working with Elgin-based Viator Coffee Co. as their coffee beans supplier; mentor Lou Rubin, who has opened four Hometown Coffee & Juice cafes on the North Shore; and Win Win Redevelopment, a contractor with experience in historic building renovations.

The coffee shop is scheduled to open in about a year.