Rejuvenation Plans For The Berwyn Hotel!

Plans for the 4th Floor Addition, Canopy, and “Rejuvenation” of
the Berwyn Hotel at 3133-3141 S. Oak Park Ave. recently passed
the zoning Board unanimously. Mr. Bushouse is going to keep the
original façade and discussed bringing back the historic lighting, etc.
His plan also includes removing the back fire escape and installing
an elevator. The 4th floor addition will be set back, so the roofing line
will remain the same. He has also discussed the possibility of a
restaurant in the retail space on the first floor. He plans to keep
the building as a hotel. He already has done this type of
“rejuvenation” and owns a 65 room hotel – The Write Inn
at 211 N. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park. www.writeinn.com
The "rejuvenation" project will cost over $2 Million.

Berwyn's newest restaurant additions!

You have waited long enough! Berwyn now has a Thai restaurant!
Bodhi Thai Bistro is now open! www.bodhithaibistro.com
Time Out Chicago has already given Bohdi Thai a 4 of 6 star review!
Time Out Chicago review. The restaurant is located at
6211 W. Roosevelt Rd. The reviews have been great so far.
Stop in and let us know what you think. Centerstage Chicago review

Berwyn has also recently added a "Wings" restaurant to it's selection
of great new restaurants. Wings Fire House recently celebrated it's
Grand Opening! Make sure to stop in and give it a try!
Wings Fire House is located at 6535 Cermak Rd.
We are always looking for your reviews!

Berwyn's "Super Block" is Moving Forward!

As of April 1st The Berwyn National Bank is no longer owned by
the City of Berwyn, it is now in the hands of Berwyn Center, LLC.
After narrowly escaping the wrecking ball 5 years ago, the much
anticipated renovation of the Berwyn National Bank Building is estimated
to begin in late Spring of 2009 with an expected completion date in
the Spring of 2010. Construction of a new mixed use building adjacent
to the historic bank building is expected to commence in the Fall of 2009.
The original agreement was approved last Spring but changes in the
national economy caused the need to shift the development program
and project financing. Changes to the original agreement bring the same
high quality development to fruition but use TIF assistance in lieu of a
Class L property tax exemption in order to jump-start the bank
rehabilitation work. Also, Healthcare Development Partners has been
brought into the agreement to build a new Class A medical office building
with ground floor retail instead of the originally proposed residential
condominium building.

New Century Station in the Depot District


Have you seen the new condo/retail development in the Depot District?
Take a look at the $20 million, five-story development on Oak Park
and Stanley avenues. You can see it is well on its way. Once finished,
the development will include 52 condominium units and four to
eight retailers. Drywall and framing is now complete on all floors
throughout the building. The plumber has finished all rough plumbing.
All rough electrical work is installed on residential floors and permanent
power is in the building. Cabinets and flooring are installed on most
floors. The building has passed all rough inspections with the city.
The exterior is completely enclosed with all windows and patio doors
installed. The Mason has finished major work on the façade and has
minor detailing left to complete. More info at www.newcenturystation.com

Berwyn's LaVergne METRA station make over

You have waited long enough! Berwyn's LaVergne METRA station
is getting remodeled with a raised platform and a heating station!
This work should be finished by Spring '09!

New Quiet Zone for Trains in Berwyn!

After many years of waiting! Neighbors living near the train tracks
in Berwyn, Riverside and North Riverside will be getting a little more
peace and quiet! U.S. Congressman Dan Lipinski, 3rd District,
of Western Springs, will be joined by North Riverside Village President
Richard Scheck, other local mayors, railroad officials, and residents
to announce an agreement to establish a quiet zone in North Riverside,
Riverside, and Berwyn. The event will be held at 10 a.m. Monday,
March 16, 2009 at the North Riverside Fire Department,
2331 S. Des Plaines Ave. Thank you also to Berwyn's 3rd Ward Alderman,
Mark Weiner for his persistant work on this issue!

Train whistles at all hours of the day and night have been a long-time
problem for residents in the vicinity of the Des Plaines Avenue and
23rd Street rail crossing.

16th Street Fire House make over

The new, state of the art, Fire House at 16th and East
had it's Grand Opening on Saturday, May 2nd!
Watch a video tour of the new building here.

Cermak Road Street Scaping

If you didn't notice, Cermak Road has been getting a "face lift"
with new street scaping throughout the center median. It doesn't
take much to notice the vast improvement over the former idea
of "street scaping" in the center median. Several of the old planters
have now been moved into the Depot District where they are able
to give a much more positive visual impact.

Had you picked up the 2007 Summer issue of
American Bungalow Magazine?