The Homewood Village Board approved an amendment to a redevelopment agreement that will give additional time to move forward with the planned restaurant project at 18134-18138 Dixie Highway.

According to Angela Mesaros, Homewood director of economic and community development, the project proposed by Joaquin Anguiano, owner of Casa Catrina in Joliet, plans to bring an authentic and unique Mexican restaurant called Tequila Raizes to downtown Homewood. 

The village originally entered into the redevelopment agreement with Anguiano in December 2024, with a requirement that improvements be completed within one year of the March 25, 2025 property closing, Mesaros said.  

The project has taken longer than expected to advance due to delays in securing financing and building permits. The amendment grants the developer a 60-day extension to allow more time to obtain what is needed to move forward, she said. 

The redevelopment is expected to transform the mostly vacant site and increase downtown activity. The property, which includes Independence Park, is currently tax-exempt, and redevelopment would return it to the tax rolls while supporting continued economic growth in the downtown area, Mesaros said.