Elmhurst Bar Gets City Facade Subsidy

ELMHURST, IL – The trio of businesses that took the place of the old Fitz's Spare Keys is getting $60,673 from the city government.

The money is going for the building's improved facade and life safety upgrades, which the city said cost the businesses $125,345.

The building is at 119 N. York St. and consists of Elmhurst Hall, Ever Onward Bar and Kindred restaurant. They are under the same ownership.

In a memo, the city said it has given such subsidies to several businesses since its facade program started in late 2018.

Only one other business – Elmhurst Dentistry for Kids, 311 N. York St. – has received a grant of more than $60,000 for a new facade and life safety upgrades such as more bathroom accessibility and improved sprinklers, according to the memo.

The money comes from the city's downtown tax increment financing district, or TIF.

The city's documents include photos of the building before and after the facade improvements.

The pictures show evidence of the fresher look. But the older photo was taken on a cloudy day, framed by trees with bare branches. The newer one was shot on a sunny day, with trees full of leaves.

The City Council voted unanimously for the subsidy, with aldermen James Nudera, Tina Park and Mike Honquest absent.

Alderwoman Marti Deuter voted "present." She said she was following the city code to avoid a potential conflict of interest.

She did not identify what the conflict may be.