Even though construction on the long-awaited Darien Pointe strip mall project is almost complete, developers are now faced with the task of finding businesses to move into the vacant storefronts there.
An Italian restaurant, ice cream shop and bakery are on the city’s wish list for the site near 75th Street and Cass Avenue in Darien.
“We would like businesses that will attract people to the mall site,” said Dan Gombac, director of community development. “We are hoping to see some (business) movement at the site by late August early September.”
A former dilapidated strip mall at the site that was owned by the city was demolished last fall. The city sold it to a private developer for $1.2 million last year, according to city records.
Some businesses at the former mall included a liquor store, a laundromat and a butcher store, among other shops. Gombac said the developer and city is working with a broker to bring more upscale businesses to the site.
The strip mall site also includes an adjacent park with a clock tower. The developer contributed $50,000 and the city paid $163,055 for the park, which was part of the development agreement, according to city records.
The park was completed in early spring and includes a water fountain, a drinking fountain and landscaping. It also has a brick-paved courtyard, ornamental plants, park benches and natural stone accents. While all aldermen supported the idea of the park, some objected to the cost, which was paid out of the general fund.
Gombac said he believes the strip mall and the park will revitalize that corner and become a gathering place for those who visit the adjacent businesses. Darien Mayor Kathleen Weaver has said the clock tower and park will help the city, which has no downtown area, find a sense of place.
The city purchased the strip mall property for $2.7 million in 2007, according to city records.
The city also acquired an adjacent property, a former BP gas station site, for $1.2 million in 2006 and cleaned up hazardous material there. Chase Bank purchased the gas station property for $1.9 million in 2012 and built a new bank, according to city records.
Joseph Ruzich is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.
More Top Picks Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Rsd A Parents Guide
Twitter: @TribLocal