Mundelein recreation center gets village grant for new sign
A recently renovated bowling and recreation center in Mundelein is the latest beneficiary of a grant program for local businesses.
The village board has agreed to give $5,000 to Lakeside Recreation Center, 900 S. Lake St. Owner John Wing requested the money to help pay for a new monument sign.
The sign, which will be equipped with an LED display, is expected to cost $44,917, according to village documents.
The grant comes from Mundelein's Business Incentive Grant program, which aims to help local businesses or commercial landlords improve the appearance of their properties or replace old signs.
Wing renovated and renamed the business - formerly called Lakeside Lanes - in late 2016. New features include a large arcade, a two-story laser tag facility and a room for banquets and professional conferences.
Wing received a $25,000 village grant to help pay for the renovation.
Mundelein trustees unanimously approved the latest grant Monday. Wing was appreciative.
"It's certainly helpful to local businesses trying to make improvements to their facilities," he said. "It's nice to see the community believes in you like you believe in them."
The grant program has a $100,000 annual budget. Instead of getting money up front, recipients are reimbursed for up to half their expenses, with funding capped at $55,000 per recipient.
Grants for sign replacements like the one planned for Lakeside are capped at $5,000.
Since the program launched in 2014, 26 grants totaling nearly $293,000 have been awarded, officials said. They've helped fund nearly $2.2 million in improvements.
In addition to Lakeside, recipients have included Greg's Frozen Custard, Luke's of Mundelein and Tina G's.
Mayor Steve Lentz called the program "a critical piece in improving the aesthetics and image of Mundelein."
Mundelein grantsMundelein officials have awarded 26 grants totaling nearly $292,716 since launching the Business Incentive Grant program in 2014.
2014-15: 1 grant of $6,800.95
2015-16: 6 grants totaling $75,999.47
2016-17: 10 grants totaling $117,837.88
2017-18*: 9 grants totaling $92,077.22
*Fiscal year ends April 30, 2018
Source: Mundelein village hall