Rooftop deck coming to downtown Wheaton restaurant

Diners at a longtime Italian restaurant in downtown Wheaton will have a chance to enjoy their meal and drinks outside later this year.

Jim Kozik, the city's director of planning and economic development, said the Downtown Design Review Board has approved IL Sogno Ristorante's request to construct a rooftop deck.

Downtown design guidelines state that outdoor dining in the “traditional core area” of downtown Wheaton should be located within the public right-of-way, in front of the restaurant, or beside or behind the restaurant.

However, IL Sogno is located on the second floor of 100 N. Hale St., which means there is no beside or “behind the building, in this case,” Kozik said.

Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop and Elements and Starrs Boutique are located below the restaurant, creating a problem with putting outdoor seating within the public right-of way. Kozik said Kilwins already has plans to put outdoor seating along the public right-of-way this year, and any seating in front of the boutique would block potential customers' view of the window.

In addition, the first floor of the building is “extra tall,” Kozik said, which means food would have to be transported an inconvenient distance if the seating is at street level.

“It wouldn't function well,” Kozik said.

The board approved the request. City staff members had recommended the approval, stating in a memo that although the deck is not in full compliance with downtown design guidelines, they believe it will “substantially improve the appearance and function of the building” and “enhance the character of the downtown.”

The deck design includes a decorative metal railing and wooden trellis. Kozik said it will take up about 1,000 square feet and provide seating for about 50 people.

“It's kind of a unique situation in that it's probably the only restaurant we have in downtown that doesn't have the ability to have outdoor seating,” Kozik said. “I think it's going to be really attractive.”

The owners hope to open the space at the end of April or early May.