Sneak Peek: Red Square Opens Soon (PHOTOS)

A steamy, sweaty piece of Wicker Park's history is about ready to come back to life.

Red Square Café Lounge, 1914 W. Division St., should be set to open at the site of the historic Division Street Russian and Turkish Bathhouse by early February, according to owner Alex Loyfman. Once a few permits come through and workers put the finishing touches on some final equipment installation, he plans to announce a grand opening for the new combination restaurant and spa.

"We're approved for a liquor license, but we haven't received it, so we're just waiting for that," Loyfman said. "And then the massage licenses, again, are approved, and we're just waiting for the final OK."

Loyfman acquired the building in late 2011, and construction began in November 2012. The structure, which was originally built in 1906, has been completely renovated on the inside.

"We basically have taken everything out," Loyfman said. "All of the mechanical stuff; everything is brand-new. The plumbing, electrical, heating, everything ... "

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Also new are the amenities and facilities of the spa, which have been updated to modern-day standards. The facility features wet and dry saunas, steam rooms, hot and cold pools, showers and rest areas with flat-screen TVs. It's divided into men's and women's sections but also includes a co-ed common area. More traditional services such like manicures, tanning and spray treatments will also be available.

A flat $30 fee gets customers into the spa and sauna areas, while other services like massages, manicures and pedicures—as well as food and drink services—will cost extra. Patrons are given a waterproof electronic wristband upon entry, which grants them access to the spa and is used to charge additional services while they're there. Loyfman said the wristband is just another way to encourage patrons to relax while they're at Red Square.

"We want to keep the stress to a minimum," Loyfman said. "And the key to do that is to give you something like this, where you can charge everything and get access to things without having too much worry about running for your credit card or tipping or anything like that. We want to relax you."

In addition to the spa services, Red Square features a full service restaurant offering small-plate, tapas-style takes on traditional Russian dishes, such as borscht, from chef David Gebhardt. The restaurant is divided into two sections. One is open to anyone who comes in and wants to eat, while the other section—closed off with a sliding door—is meant for spa patrons as a place where they can grab a bite while relaxing in their bathrobes.

While he hopes to attract new customers, Loyfman also wants to welcome back regulars from the old Division bathhouse, some of whom had been going there for decades. The bath house has a long history beyond the age of its structure. It was frequented by many powerful figures throughout Chicago's history, from politicians to mobsters, and was rumored to be linked to Al Capone while he was at the height of his power. It was also popular with more contemporary leaders and celebrities before closing its doors in 2010.

"The Reverend Jesse Jackson was a regular client," Loyfman said. "You had Russell Crowe (and other) movie stars. A bunch of politicians, mayors, you name it. Besides the gangsters, who were always here."

Loyfman hopes to eventually grow the business model beyond the daily admission fee to include membership packages. There is also a bed and breakfast planned for the building's second floor, although he said that wouldn't be open until sometime in the spring.