Wheeling's Windy City Linens hopes to relocate in town

Wheeling's Windy City Linens could be moving its office and 25 full-time employees about a mile south, if Cook County approves a tax exemption for the new facility at 1150 Willis Ave.

The Wheeling village board Monday recommended county board approval of a 6B tax exemption that helps keep industrial businesses in Cook County. If the county approves it, 1150 Partners will purchase the 34,830-square-foot building, rehab it and lease it to Windy City Linens.

Wheeling Director of Economic Development John Melaniphy expects the county will approve.

Windy City Linens opened in 2008 at 787 Glenn Ave. The company manufactures, rents and cleans linens.

Windy City may add up to five new full-time employees over the next three years, as it expects to expand after the move.

With the 6B property tax classification, the building will be assessed 10 percent for the first 10 years. It will then be assessed at 15 percent for the 11th year and 20 percent for the 12th year. Then, the standard assessment rate of 25 percent will be applied.

Melaniphy says the tax exemption is beneficial for businesses and the village, noting that without it, a growing business might relocate outside the community.

Village President Dean Argiris thanked Windy City Linens for remaining in Wheeling.