Homewood will provide downtown businessman Larry Kane partial funding to cover the cost of a new air conditioning unit at Jonathan Kane Salon and Spa, 18065 Harwood Ave.

At the Homewood Village Board meeting Oct. 28, trustees approved a $3,786 reimbursement through Homewood’s Business Incentive Program to Larry Kane of Jonathan Kane Salon and Spa.

The payment covers 50% of the total $7,572 cost to replace the failing second air conditioning unit on the salon’s first floor, Homewood Director of Economic and Community Development Angela Mesaros said.

According to Mesaros, Jonathan Kane Salon and Spa is an Aveda Concept Salon that has been recognized 13 times as one of the Top 200 Salons in the U.S. in Salon Today magazine. Kane said that the salon has operated in downtown Homewood for nine of its 15 years in business, after relocating from Flossmoor.

The Business Incentive Program is designed to promote reinvestment in commercial properties outside of tax increment financing (TIF) districts. The program annually budgets $25,000 for non-TIF businesses, and offers up to 50% reimbursement for eligible expenses related to property improvements and enhancements, she said.

According to Mesaros, the goal is to help business owners upgrade and maintain their buildings while strengthening the local business environment.

The $3,786 reimbursement will come from the village’s Assigned Fund Balance. A budget amendment was required to make the payment because all non-TIF incentive funds for fiscal year 2025-26 have already been allocated. The incentive will be paid only after receipts and proof of payment are submitted and approved by staff, Mesaros said.

The project also helps ensure compliance with fire and building codes while enhancing the property’s viability, Mesaros said.