Vision for Vacancy: The Wellington Restaurant and Banquet Hall

Formerly The Wellington, the vacant, 20,000-square-foot building sits on 4 acres of land at 2121 S. Arlington Heights Road. 

Due to financial difficulties, the popular restaurant and banquet hall at the south end of Arlington Heights went up for sale in 2009, then shut down for good when the lender took posession of the property August 1, 2012. 

For sale for nearly four years and vacant for about four months, the iconic building that once hosted lavish dinner parties and extravagant receptions has become what could be see as an eye sore in the community. 

John Melaniphy, business and development coordinator for Arlington Heights, said the village has been looking for a new restaurant or banquet hall to fill The Wellington's spot since the property became available.

In an aggressive approach to attract new businesses to Arlington Heights, Melaniphy said the village has reached out to hundreds of restaurants, but none have taken a serious interest in the property. 

Restaurants that have passed on the location include the Tilted Kilt, Houlihans, Golden Corral, Bandana’s BBQ, Miller’s Ale House, Jameson’s Steakhouse, Quaker Steak & Lube and Ram Restaurant & Brewery.  

Melaniphy said these options could be revisited in the future. 

Given the age of the building along with upgrades likely needed to reopen the facility, Melaniphy said it's been challenging to fill the vacancy.

Size is another aspect that has proven difficult to work with. With roughly 300 parking spots, a dining room and large banquet hall both sized to accomodate 250 people, and three private banquet halls, the building has been difficult to sell. 

"This is a terrific location," said Melaniphy, "It's in our southern gateway into the village with immediate access to the interstate." 

Melaniphy said the lender and current owner are looking for a brokerage firm to represent, and hopefully sell the property. 

Melaniphy said in the meantime, the village will continue to actively and aggressively market the property.

Though the business and development coordinator believes the best use of the property would be a restaurant or banquet hall, the village is willing to look at any and all possible alternatives. 

Arlington Heights Patch wants to know, if you had a say, what would you like to see come into this property? Share in the comments section below!

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