Drive-through coffee business added to car wash in revised development proposal for Vernon Hills site
Vernon Hills officials are on board with the concept of a Mister Car Wash and 7 Brew Coffee as a new development on property fronting busy Route 60.
As proposed, the car wash would be built on the east side of the 2.2-acre site. McAlister's Deli at 99 E. Townline Road (Route 60) would be demolished and replaced with a 7 Brew building and drive-through on the west side.
The recent concept is a revised version of one presented in June that called for a car wash only. That raised concerns for village officials regarding parking and the potential reuse and redevelopment potential of the existing building on the western part of the site.
Build Holding Co. LLC, a Downers Grove-based commercial real estate development firm, is the contract purchaser of the property. The intent was to get a general review and direction to see if the idea was feasible before closing, according to information presented to the village.
In a recent presentation to the village board meeting as a committee of the whole, Jake Sandresky of Build Holding said the revised concept was a “complete project” that would increase sales tax and create a better traffic flow.
He said 7 Brew has 700 locations in 38 states with a customizable menu of 20,000 flavor combinations. “They're extremely popular,” he said.
Mister Car Wash, a privately held company, is the largest car wash operator in the country, according to information presented to the village.
Ashley Astor, project manager for development, told village officials there are 550 Mister Car Wash locations in 21 states, including three in Illinois with four in development.
“The project represents a strong long-term investment for both Mister Car Wash and the village,” she said.
The business would include 15 vacuum stations available at no charge to the public and a system in which 50% of the wash water is captured, treated and reused.
One sticking point for village officials was the idea of creating an entrance off Phillip Road between the two businesses. That’s directly across from the main entrance of the Victory Centre of Vernon Hills assisted living facility. Sandresky said the plans can be adjusted.
Pedestrian safety will be among items addressed in the detailed review of development plans in advance of a public hearing before the village’s planning and zoning commission.
“With some alterations, I like the plan, the idea,” said Trustee Michael Schenk. “Thank you for coming back. You took our feedback, and hopefully we’ve got a winner there.”
mzawislak@dailyherald.com