Deerfield Massage Spa Seeks Special Use Permit, License

DEERFIELD, IL — A reflexology massage and massage therapy business hopes to open this spring in the site of a former Baskin Robbins on Waukegan Road near the center of Deerfield. Owner Kai Liu, who has spent the past four years working as a massage therapist with Jia Foot Spa, says the 671 Waukegan Road location is a perfect place to start her business, Kay Foot Spa.

The spa will "encourage, enhance and facilitate the establishment and ongoing vitality" of Deerfield's village center, according to the plan commission application. "The favorable hours and flexibility in the schedule of Kai Liu and her staff of licensed massage therapists is sure to promote wellness and relaxation through professional and affordable services."

The business will be staffed with four licensed massage therapists and one receptionist, according to its application for a special use permit. Plans for the spa include four massage tables in one area and a pair of tables in a separate area for couples massages.

The 877-square-foot space will also include a reception area with room for five customers and a gender-neutral restroom. The spa would share a parking lot with Merit Cleaners, Salon 675 and the vacant former site of the interior design company InHouse in the 1968-built structure south of the intersection of Waukegan and Deerfield roads.

Under the terms of a Deerfield village ordinance that took effect last August, anyone seeking to "carry on the business of massage" or give a massage for money must receive a massage business license.

"The regulation of massage establishments is a matter of growing importance affecting the public health, morals and welfare of the residents of the Village of Deerfield including, but not limited to, the prevention of such establishments from being used for the purposes of prostitution and the spread of disease through unsanitary practices an facilities," according to the ordinance, which passed the village board unanimously in May.

Liu, a Chicago resident currently working in Glenview, said her specialty was foot massages. Her new spa would also offer massages of arms, heads, necks and shoulders, Pioneer Press reported. An lawyer working on her behalf assured the plan commission Liu would seek a village license and ensure all employees have proper credentials, according to the Deerfield Review.

“The only clothing they will remove will be their shoes and socks,” said attorney Chance Badertscher. The Plan Commission is set to hold a public hearing on the application at its next meeting Jan. 24, according to the Deerfield Review. Liu said she hopes to open up shop by April.