The Homewood Village Board approved a Class 8 property tax relief incentive for 18123 Harwood Ave., which houses Hibbing Hotdogs and Old Fashion Donuts, and for 2345 W. 183rd St., Berkot’s Super Foods, at the May 26 meeting.
According to Noah Schumerth, Homewood interim director of economic and community development, Class 8 eases the tax burden placed on commercial business by Cook County. Under the program, the properties will be assessed at 10% for the first decade, and again for any subsequent 10-year renewal period.
The mixed-use two-story building at 18123 Harwood Ave. had been vacant for about 20 years prior to Joe Peters from JWP Interpris Corporation developing the property, Schumerth said.
Since 2022, Peters has invested approximately $790,000 in interior and exterior improvements for the two restaurants. The work includes upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, as well as plumbing and electrical systems. A commercial kitchen and restaurant interior also were installed, plus site cleanup and parking lot repairs were conducted, Schumerth said.
Without the Class 8 incentive, property taxes would be $46,500, but now will be reduced to $18,600 annually, he said.
The redevelopment of the property will benefit the village by generating sales and eating tax sales, creating about eight job positions and supporting the Downtown Transit-Oriented Development Plan goals by expanding the scale of local businesses, Schumerth said.
As for Berkot’s Super Foods, the incentive request was submitted by Ace Group Inc., which acquired the former Walt’s Food Center property in October 2025, he said.
The company plans to invest approximately $2.65 million in upgrades and renovations to the property. Planned improvements include bringing the building into compliance with current codes, renovating the exterior and replacing or repairing equipment to improve store operations and competitiveness, he said.
According to Schumerth, the investment will increase sales activity. Annual sales are projected to increase from about $19 million in 2025 to $23 million by 2030.
Although Class 8 generally is intended for abandoned commercial properties, Cook County allows municipalities to support applications based on special circumstances. Village officials determined that significant reinvestment is needed to maintain the grocery store and that the proposed improvements would be unlikely without the incentive, Schumerth said.
