Onward, upward for St. Charles real estate firm

Knowing that the economy was in the toilet two years ago, I touched base with a commercial real estate company that appeared to be moving forward with plenty of optimism.

Don Wickman, president of Wickman Properties in St. Charles, and his son and business partner, Eric, almost sounded too bullish about the next few years - but they apparently continue to practice what they preach. And it's a nice change from the general doom and gloom of the past year that has permeated in the translation of business barometers and the growing number of folks out of work.

Eric Wickman kept his eye on some foreclosures for nearly two years and worked with all parties involved in helping Wickman Properties eventually put down $4 million to purchase two buildings - 3805 and 3815 on East Main Street in St. Charles.

But Don Wickman knows what the key factor is for any of his commercial buildings. While things may be fine for those who purchase distressed real estate, it is not so good for those who want to lease the space.

"What makes us different," Wickman said, "is that we really help our tenants and cross-promote their businesses."

In a news release Wickman distributed about his new properties, he explained his philosophy about "good-good" and "bad-good" deals when acquiring troubled buildings.

"A bad-good deal is priced right but is bad property because it deserves to be - poor location, appearance, construction or function," Wickman stated. "Good-good deals are priced right and not lacking in those vital ingredients but are probably simply a result of poor management."

With these new purchases being so close to his current holdings, including the Odyssey Restaurant, Wickman figures to be able to cross-promote often.

One of the buildings may be well known to some because it housed the Daily Herald's Tri-Cities office before the company's consolidation of some staff in an Elgin office. Wickman sees that portion of the building at 3805 as a good retail prospect because it is so visible to East Main Street.

Wickman Properties now boasts of leasing office space to 80 tenants, and Wickman views his extensive holdings as a huge plus for his tenants.

"The amount of office space has always allowed us to move tenants between offices as their space needs change," Wickman said.

Along the trails: No one would categorize me as a true "nature nut" or "tree-hugger," but I do appreciate the county's forest preserves and network of hiking and biking trails. Anyone who doesn't visit these enjoyable sites isn't getting close to a decent return on their tax dollars.

As such, individuals and especially families with small children should take advantage of the Kane County Forest Preserve District's "Take a Hike" program this year.

Those who participate are given a sheet that outlines 10 forest preserve hiking sites and accompanying activities. When all of those trails have been blazed, the completed activity sheet is returned to the Nature Center at Tekakwitha Woods and the participant is given a commemorative patch.

That should get families out doing something together, other than the obvious - going to watch one of the kids in a soccer or baseball game.

Information about the program is available at kaneforest.com.

Politics of shoveling: Hiking on trails might be more adventurous than any of us imagined - if this ridiculous snow won't stop falling.

But a small swath along the Fabyan Forest Preserve trail remains clear. As noted before, a Fermilab employee who rides his bike to work every day uses a small snowblower on the back of his bike to clear the way.

And then there's the politics of shoveling or snow-blowing this stuff off your own driveways and sidewalks. If your spouse has to leave the house before you do, does that mean you still have to get up and shovel?

I have taken the brave step of saying "no" to that notion. My reasoning is that the snow will still be there no matter what time I get up or when I have to leave the house. My wife is a little more nervous about such a prospect, so she'll tackle shoveling chores on her own quite often - and then let me know about it in no uncertain terms.

But it's snowing enough for the both of us now, and I rarely am able to fully escape this annoying fact of winter in the Midwest.

Another source of help: The Lazarus House homeless shelter in St. Charles picked up another supporting friend for this year.

The Fox Valley Newcomers and Neighbors Club has targeted Lazarus House as the beneficiary of fundraising efforts for 2010. The club chooses a different charitable organization or agency each year to be recipient of any funds.

Members of that club are also going to find out more about how to keep themselves healthy this year, as Dr. Martin Plotkin of Wellness Concepts in St. Charles will be the speaker at the club's monthly luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 20 at La Za Za Trattoria in St. Charles.

Those interested in attending can get more information from Beth Hayes at (630) 262-0665. Cost is $25 and reservations must be placed by Tuesday.

A signal for restaurants: And another fine barbecue bites the dust. I was pleased when Hopper's first opened in Campton Township a couple of years ago because my first encounter with their tasty barbecue was in the Fabyan Forest Preserve when Hopper's was serving from a mobile kitchen.

But its closing last month is another one of those signs that this economy can't support all of the eateries - and another signal to restaurant owners in general that they really have to have their fiscal house in order in addition to offering great food and service.

dheun@sbcglobal.net