‘This is going to be fun’: Firms hired to restore historic Des Plaines building

The much-anticipated conversion of a historic, city-owned building in downtown Des Plaines into a restaurant took important steps forward this week with the approval of separate contracts for its rehabilitation.

The Des Plaines City Council on Monday agreed to hire Paul Borg Construction Co. of Chicago to renovate the interior of the former bank building at 678 Lee St. The council also agreed to hire Otto Baum Co. of downstate Morton to restore the structure’s facade.

Paul Borg Construction will replace the building’s windows, improve plumbing, install new fire protection equipment and make other upgrades. It will be paid up to $11.4 million for its work.

Otto Baum will anchor and repoint the exterior marble features, repair or replace some of that marble and replace mortar and bricks as needed, among other tasks. The firm will be paid about $1.6 million.

Work should begin by the end of the month, City Manager Dorothy Wisniewski said Wednesday.

“We’re eager to see construction get underway and to watch the progress over the coming months,” Wisniewski said.

Alderman Colt Moylan, whose 2nd Ward includes the former bank building, is excited, too.

“This is going to be fun,” Moylan said.

The two contracts were approved Monday without discussion or opposition as part of the meeting’s consent agenda, which typically is reserved for routine issues.

Originally the Des Plaines State Bank, the 99-year-old building has stood unused since 2019. Des Plaines bought the property in 2024 with an eye on rehabilitation and reuse.

The city council subsequently struck a deal with restaurateur David Villegas’ 10 Scents company to redevelop the site using $12 million in public funds and about $4.5 million in private money. The city put up financial incentives, too, including endorsement of a $3.5 million property tax break.

The new eatery will be called The Dime to honor the building’s past. A 2027 opening is planned.

Des Plaines residents frequently ask city officials what they’re doing to improve the downtown area, Moylan said. This project “solidifies the commitment to answering that question,” he said.

“It’s by far the biggest investment we’ve made downtown,” Moylan said.

rlissau@dailyherald.com