Vision for Vacancy: Former Alemars Restaurant

Gail Artrip December 11, 2012 at 11:34 am

I'd like to see a pizza/soups/muffins/beer pitcher place that had an outdoor eating deck and ice rink and catered to mountain bikers and cross country skiers who use our local gem, Deer Grove, recreationally. Young families too.

Melanie Santostefano (Editor) December 11, 2012 at 11:43 am

Good morning Gail, that is totally creative and sounds great! Have an awesome day!
Melanie

Laura Keslinke December 11, 2012 at 11:50 am

Good idea. Not a chain restaurant, please. Something family owned would be wonderful. Wish list: Serves great hot chocolate for everyone using the Deer Grove in winter. Would be nice if it had a fireplace to warm up after cross country skiing. Or taking a nice brisk walk when its cold. Pitcher of Beer in summer to cool off.

Jim Wilson December 11, 2012 at 12:35 pm

I assume that very High Cook county real estate taxes would make most of these good/fun ideas impractical. Anyone know what the taxes are on this commercial building?

Matt December 11, 2012 at 01:29 pm

How about a Big Boy!

C. Johnson December 11, 2012 at 01:34 pm

If Barndt's is around 50K this property is probably higher couple that with to the sales tax in Cook and you're looking at an expensive restaurant. It's sad that there are so many great ideas and people with drive, but who have looked at the tax numbers and say "no way."

upton December 11, 2012 at 01:35 pm

Naugles Tacos restaurant

Bill D December 11, 2012 at 01:58 pm

How about a TIF so someone could have a chance at a start-up? rather then sit empty. But, it's funny that someone would ask what would be best there,when I've noticed people mulling around inside carrying blue-prints and the trees and grass have been cut. Not to mention,the for sale sign is gone. Please tell us what you know!

Melanie Santostefano (Editor) December 11, 2012 at 02:00 pm

Hi Bill,
I don't know anything! When I asked the village, I was told there have been no updates on the status of whether a business is coming in or not, I've seen the cars there too, which caught my interest! Melanie

Ken December 11, 2012 at 02:47 pm

If the property taxes are anything close to Brandt's, which is 1 mile directly south, (ref: Patch article from 2 days ago), leavit it blank. The parking lot is in horrible shape, and no business on the planet deserves that tax bill. Atlas Shrugged in the making here, as the public sector is really taking its toll as costs & deficits run out of control, while household incomes remain near flat.

Ken K. December 11, 2012 at 03:13 pm

Wasn't pleased with Alemar's food when I once went there. When it closed, I always thought that the most obvious move would be to a breakfast/lunch place like Billies. Those type places are always busy and get good profits. Maybe Billies could be convinced to open a 2nd place there.

Mike K December 11, 2012 at 05:05 pm

Don't forget ice cream in the summer. It definately looks like someone is doing something with the property - they cut down all the trees and the house that's on the lot appears to be vacant and ready to be torn down.

Linda Aylward December 12, 2012 at 12:45 am

How about a cross country ski and bike repair/sales shop shared with Gail's idea of a locally owned diner that caters to the bike and foot traffic out of Deer Grove Park! Sort of a ski lodge for winter sports! Wi-fi, places to sit and warm up with a fireplace and an outdoor deck for the summer would be so great. Also a little shop would sell gloves, hats, sweatshirts, jackets, rain jackets. Now can the Park District subsidize or give special tax status to the business? Or annex it for a "staging" area for the recreational traffic with a nature center. BTW, make the building LEED certified in keeping with the outdoor park across the way and many people throughout the region will visit to see how it was designed!

Craig December 19, 2012 at 04:06 pm

They knocked down the house today

Joe Clark December 20, 2012 at 11:45 pm

I believe this property has already been sold and there are plans for another restaurant there. I heard a breakfast and lunch only. Property taxes are high, but I am sick and tiresd of hearing about the sales tax in Cook county. The only village that made a big deal about it was Palatine and it has more vacancies than any other town around. I didn't hear any crying from Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling or Northbrook and they have very low vacancies. Keep crying and you will keep driving businesses out of Palatine.

Mary Jane April 16, 2013 at 06:19 pm

April 2013, they are redoing the entrance does anyone have an update?