Homewood Brewing Company got an enthusiastic reception from the Homewood Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday, Feb. 10, for its planned restaurant and brewery, unanimously approving the plan with a few changes.
The company plans to build on the site of the former Bogart’s Charhouse at 18225 Dixie Highway. Co-owner Carmela Wallace said the plan calls for groundbreaking this spring and opening for business sometime in mid to late 2023.
The commission approved the consolidation of five separate lots at that address into one. The legal fragmentation of the site complicated the village’s efforts to acquire the property for several years.
Architect Mike Matthys of Flossmoor, representing the Linden Group, unveiled the design of the two-story, 11,480-square-foot building, which will include a brew house, a taproom, dining room, kitchen and an outdoor terrace seating area. The main entrance will be on the south side of the building facing Miller Court with an outdoor seating area along Dixie Highway.
“We wanted to design something that had a unique image but also fit well in Homewood,” Matthys said.
Several commissioners complimented the design.
“It will be nice addition to the town,” Maureen Alfonso said. “I think it’s going to be a beautiful project.”
“You said your exterior finishes were meant to capture Homewood and I think you did,” Seth Bransky said. “The entryway will tie in nicely with the construction going on at the train station.”
Commissioners had some questions about details of the plan. Most concerns had to do with how the design would account for the tight space. The building will cover nearly all the space between the property line on the north and the line on the south. The property is bordered by a alley on the north side and Miller Court on the south.
Matthys explained the plans for parking and for moving delivery trucks in and out of the property.
Two people who reside near the proposed development spoke during the meeting, not to object to the project but to request some protection for their property from the increased vehicle traffic on Miller Court.
One Miller Court resident said, “I would like a guardrail along the property line. I just don’t want anyone driving through this fence. I like the building. I want thee downtown area to flourish. I would like to protect to my family.”
Commissioners agreed, and added a requirement that the developers add a protective barrier along the south edge of Miller Court.
Commissioners also asked for a revision to the design to improve sight lines on the northwest and southwest corners of the building where vehicles will be entering and exiting the property.
The commission also approved a landscaping variance. The southeast portion of the property will have a smaller percentage of parking islands than required.
Wind Creek Casino garage
The commission also considered a special use permit request from Wind Creek Casino to move a parking garage originally planned for the East Hazel Crest portion of the project to the Homewood side.
The garage would be adjacent to a similar garage already approved by the village.
However, the new garage would be closer to residences immediately west of the development, and commissioners had questions about possible noise problems for residents.
After a lengthy discussion, commissioners asked Wind Creek representatives to return with a noise study, a proposal for improved sound barrier and plans for snow removal and preventing neighborhood flooding.
The request was continued to the commissions Feb. 24 meeting.