Story posted Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Hot Rod Restorers Like What Niles Has To Offer
Windy City Rods and Restoration is looking to peel out of their home on Chicago's Northwest side and relocate to Niles.
Negotiations are underway for Windy City to purchase a building at 6143 W. Howard St., said company owner Paul Bellisario of Park Ridge. Niles Development Director Chuck Ostman said the company would do about 20 high-end auto restorations per year.
Bellisario said he wants to hold car shows in conjunction with the Rolling Meadows Car Club.
The space at 6143 Howard would be limited but Bellisario said he would like to hold car shows at the adjacent Howard Commons parking lot or another similar space. Negotiations with Howard Commons are pending.
Plan commissioners had some concerns about security and other logistics of car shows where as many as 800 people might attend.
Niles plan commissioners gave their approval for the business last month.
To hold car shows Windy City will need to seek a special event permit through the mayor's office. Village trustees will consider Windy City's request for use of the building at their board meeting later this month.
The company's custom hot rod work has been featured in several hot rod magazines.
Bellisario told plan commissioners that permit and inspection fees are rising in Chicago and gentrification in the neighborhood has made it increasingly difficult to stay in the city.
Speak Out!
Comments are edited first by Journal staff before running in print and appearing online.