Homewood trustees approved three measures Tuesday, Aug. 26, that will help new businesses get established in the downtown area.
The board awarded a bid to Munir Bawadi, owner of Bawadi Construction, for the property at 18155 Dixie Highway, formerly Delanoe’s Pizza. The space has been vacant for more than a decade.
The winning bid was submitted by Munir Bawadi, owner of Bawadi Construction, 18250 Harwood Ave. His offer was to purchase the building for $15,000.
Bawadi told the board he plans to develop a full service Mediterranean restaurant in the space. Bawadi also owns M’dakhan Mediterranean Restaurant in Bridgeview. His proposal is available online.
The former Delanoe’s Pizza on Dixie Highway was reacquired by Homewood after a Mediterranean restaurant proposed several years ago failed to materialize. (Eric Crump/H-F Chronicle)
Two other bids came in, one from Eric Baker for an indoor soft play business and one from Mike Hussain for an Indian/Pakistani cuisine restaurant. Baker’s proposal is available here. Hussain’s proposal is available online.
Prior to the vote on the bids, Economic and Community Development Director Angela Mesaros presented the staff’s analysis of the bids.
The criteria staff used included whether the proposal supports suitable and successful uses, maximizes yield in terms of financial benefit of each project to the village and the community, improves property conditions, ensures sustainable commercial development and responds to community needs.
For four of the five criteria, Bawadi’s and Hussain’s bids were tied for the top rank, but in the sustainable commercial development category, Bawadi’s bid edged out Hussain’s because, according to staff, Bawadi “has a larger, more recent resume of projects that align with the scope of this property.”
Bawadi plans to modernize the building’s facade and completely renovate the interior. Village staff will begin negotiating the sale.
Mitchell and Michaels Plat Du Jour
The board approved a Class 4A liquor license for Mitchell and Michaels Hospitality. The company has been operating its catering business at 18031 Dixie Highway for some time.
Owners David Mitchell and Christopher Pegue planned from the beginning to eventually open a restaurant there.
The restaurant will offer foods rooted in southern heritage and live entertainment, including music and comedy. The restaurant is expected to open this fall.
Beyond the Book
The board approved financial incentives for Tania Davis, who is preparing to open Beyond the Book: A Literary Experience at 18063 Dixie Highway.
The board approved up to $23,007 in eligible financial assistance for compliance with the building code and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The funds will come from the village’s Business Incentive Program because the property is not within a TIF district.
“It will have a podcast studio, and I’m hoping to engage the youth of all ages. There’ll be events for the young folks as well as the seasoned folks,” Davis said.
Davis is planning a grand opening celebration starting at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3. For more information, visit www.beyondthebook.online.
Suzie’s Hallmark building
The board approved financial assistance $1,739 from the Business Incentive Program for Fred Sierzega, owner of the 18065 Harwood Ave., to help offset the cost of replacing the air compressor for the fire sprinkler system on the first floor of the building.
The total cost of the project will be about $3,500.
The building formerly was home to Suzie’s Hallmark, which closed in 2021. The space currently is available for lease or purchase.
Dining and Cooking