The Homewood Village Board approved the sale agreement for $15,000 with Munir Bawadi, the new owner of the former Delanoe’s Pizza, 18155 Dixie Highway, at the Oct. 28 meeting.
The board selected Bawadi’s proposal at the Aug. 26 meeting after receiving three submissions in response to the village’s solicitation for bids.
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The former Delanoe’s Pizza on Dixie Highway was reacquired
by Homewood after a Mediterranean restaurant proposed
several years ago failed to materialize. A new owner plans
to develop a Mediterranean restaurant in the space.
(Eric Crump/H-F Chronicle)
According to Homewood Director of Economic and Community Development Angela Mesaros, Bawadi plans to renovate the property and develop a Mediterranean restaurant.
The one-story building, owned by the village, has remained vacant for many years with delinquent property taxes and deferred maintenance. Bawadi’s proposal includes interior renovations and an updated restaurant build-out, Mesaros said.
Under the terms of the agreement, Bawadi will have 30 days for due diligence once the contract is signed and 180 days to secure zoning or other approvals. The sale closing is expected by Nov. 21. The village will retain a reverter deed, allowing it to reclaim the property if the restaurant fails to open within 12 months, Mesaros said.
Before closing, Bawadi must obtain a connection permit from the Thorn Creek Basin Sanitary District. He must also submit a stormwater detention plan and provide architectural plans for review by the Homewood Appearance Commission, she said.
Homewood also plans to support the project with a Cook County Class 8 tax incentive, which reduces the property’s tax assessment for 12 years to encourage commercial redevelopment. This incentive helps bring the tax rate more in line with neighboring counties, she said.
Mesaros said the project is expected to “bring new life to a long-vacant space on Dixie Highway” and return it to the tax rolls.
Dining and Cooking