OUR PLACE
The empty lot on Center Street may not be empty for long.
Last year, about this time, Thomas and Kathy George, owners of many downtown businesses, purchased the old funeral home at 252 Center Street and had a wonderful plan that was easily accepted and approved by city officials. Well, the plan did not go as expected. Originally the old building would be razed after the busy season and turned into a green space for all to enjoy, and then the new building would start and be completed before the next busy season began. The razing took place as expected, but only after it was graciously borrowed to the local service departments for training…and then nothing.
The lot has been a disappointing, although fenced, bit of an eyesore. The green space never happened, and the ground has been fenced off with a big hole in the ground just inside the fences. Work finally started last week, and the property is getting prepped for the building to begin. After talking to the city building and zoning department it appears that the holdup was caused by many things, but it was mainly a shortage of materials and the increased price of it all, as well as the contractor’s shortage of laborers.
Hopefully, the challenges have been overcome and the building can move forward smoothly. The new building is almost certain to be a lovely addition to that part of the downtown community and very pleasing to the eye. The upstairs will consist of two apartments, or vacation rentals, while the main floor will have a lot of space for the Georges to utilize as an assembly area for Brick & Mortar’s outdoor furniture. The front of the main level will have a couple of retail or office spaces available for leasing to anyone interested.
We just find places sometimes that are out of this world.
No advertising, no inducement, and nothing for free. Dinner at Psistaria in Lincolnwood, Il., was simply the best since that wonderful Greek place closed in downtown Chicago. Our publisher celebrated his grandson’s graduation there over the weekend.
Peter, the owner, actually waited tables. The lamb, but not before the most excellent octopus I’ve had since cooking my own years ago in Hawaii. Call them and get down there. Yes, it’s all the way down on Touhy but you will not be sorry. When you get to this restaurant it’s valet parking only, but there’s no charge for that unless you want to tip the very experienced guys out front (they are all pros up from the big valet operations in downtown Chicago.)
