The Homewood Village Board approved two special use permits and two business incentives for local business improvements at the April 28 meeting. 

According to Angela Mesaros, Homewood director of economic and community development, special use permits are required when the business spaces in the  B-2 Downtown Transition zoning district exceed 2,500 square feet. 

A special use permit for Signature Smile Arts located at 18114 Gottschalk Ave. was approved for a building expansion. The practice will be expanding its lobby and waiting area, and adding new dental procedure rooms and employee spaces, Mesaros said. 

According to Stefano Fazio of Domani Builders on behalf of the practice, the project will take about six months to complete. 

Another special use permit that passed the board is for the Live Free 999 Foundation, which plans to remodel its office space. The foundation funds and supports mental health services and substance abuse treatment. 

Carmela Wallace, owner of Homewood Brewing, purchased the former Mama and Me Pizzeria building located at 18219 Dixie Highway in 2022, Mesaros said. 

The building will contain office space and conference rooms, and will include a podcast studio and lounge. Wallace plans to make interior and exterior improvements to the property, including a change to the color palette to reflect the foundation’s branding, and lighting and awning upgrades, Mesaros said.

Business Incentive Program funding in the amount of $3,100 to Larissa Shipps was approved to assist with renovations at 2139 W. 183rd St., where she plans to develop a yoga and pilates fitness center. The space was formerly a paint and carpet store, and has been vacant since 2014, Mesaros said. 

Shipps plans to invest approximately $8,500 to upgrade the space by adding new floors and outdoor signage, and staff recommended $3,100 in reimbursement, Mesaros said. 

Business Incentive Program funding in the amount of $1,320 was approved for Mary Jung, a manager at Stepping Stones Child Care Center located at 17560 Dixie Highway. The incentive will cover half of the $2,640 cost for improvements, including installation of solar lighting for signage, Mesaros said. 

Jung plans to invest a total of $4,500 for improvements to the center, which has been in operation for 33 years, Mesaros said.

Related stories:

• Homewood P&Z approves special use permit for Live Free 999 Foundation office (April 12, 2026).
• Homewood planning commission approves dental office expansion on Gottschalk Avenue (April 12, 2026).