THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2008
Next Stop Sugar Bowl?
Choo-Choo Owner Likes Idea Of Moving Downtown Diner Closer To Tracks
By TODD WESSELL
Journal & Topics Editor
The owner of the Choo-Choo Restaurant in downtown Des Plaines said Wednesday that she would be willing to move her business to the site of the Sugar Bowl Restaurant if the city could arrange financing and duplicate the charm, size and atmosphere of the existing building.
Since recently learning of the city's interest in purchasing the property where the Choo-Choo stands at Lee and Jefferson streets, owner Jean Paxton has expressed concern about the future of the popular eatery. City officials have mentioned the possibility of moving the restaurant to a nearby site on River Road, something Paxton opposes. Her main concern is that the possible new location would not attract enough interested customers. The Sugar Bowl site on Miner Street between Lee and Pearson streets, however, may be acceptable, said Paxton, especially if the city can guarantee that the facility will be nearly the same as the existing Choo-Choo building or that the current building can be safely moved. The charm and size of the building along with its close proximity to the commuter railroad tracks is critical to the businesses success, said Paxton. Moving it to Metropolitan Square or a city-owned parcel on River Road near Perry Street would not be desirable, she said.
About a month ago, the Journal & Topics Newspapers reported exclusively that the city is interested in buying the Choo-Choo property. At the same time, officials have said they want to do whatever they can to make sure the business remains in Des Plaines.
"I'd be a happy camper if this building was moved to the Sugar Bowl site," said Paxton. She said Mayor Tony Arredia recently asked her if she would be willing to move the Choo-Choo to the Miner Street location.
Des Plaines aldermen have discussed in closed executive sessions the possibility of purchasing the nearby Choo-Choo property, the old Masonic Temple building at Lee and Miner streets, and a two-story building located between the Temple building and City Hall. Discussion has included the possibility of building a new police headquarters on that property or making it available for private development.
Officials have said they like the idea of buying that property because Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds can be used to pay for the acquisitions and other related expenses rather than money from the city's General Fund.
No final decision has been made on whether to buy any property or what to use it for.