Alderman Moore's Decision on Restoration of Village North Theater Building

Dear Neighbor,

As you may recall, I was asked to support an application for $200,000 in Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District funding for the restoration of the terra cotta exterior of the building located at 6740 N. Sheridan Road (at Columbia).  The building currently houses the Village North Theater, Starbucks and a Thai restaurant.

Anthony Fox of ADF Capital purchased the property last year and plans extensive interior and exterior renovations.  He also plans to keep the theater open after a complete interior renovation of the facility. 

The proposal was reviewed by the 49th Ward Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee.   I also hosted a community meeting on Tuesday, June 3rd, attended by approximately 35 neighborhood residents.  Those attending the community meeting overwhelmingly supported the plan, and the 49th Ward Zoning Committee voted last week to recommend that I support the TIF application.

I have decided to accept the Committee's recommendation and will support the TIF application.  The preservation and restoration of this historic building is in the community's interest, and represents an appropriate use of TIF funds.  The developer's promise to keep the Village North open and renovate its interior, thus preserving one of the last remaining small movie houses on Chicago's north side, provides an additional reason to support the TIF application.

Mr. Fox will move ahead with his TIF application and plans to begin the renovation work very soon. 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any question.

Sincerely,

Joe Moore