Committee backs Soul Spot loan agreement for Fox Valley Mall; forwarded on consent

City economic development staff and Fox Valley Mall representatives presented a loan agreement April 1 to support the opening of Soul Spot, a soul‑food restaurant proposed for Unit E4 at Fox Valley Mall; the Committee of the Whole placed the item on consent with no objections.

David Debo, director of economic development, introduced the project and said staff used the city’s transformation fund for the proposed loan. “These are dollars that does not come from the general fund. They're not taxpayer dollars,” Debo said, describing the source as proceeds from a prior city transaction intended to be reused for local redevelopment projects.

Patty Ryan, who manages Fox Valley Mall tenant relations, said the mall and its ownership support the entrepreneur and will contribute $112,000 toward the build‑out. “This space was vacant for 7 years,” Ryan said; members of the discussion varied in how long the unit had been unoccupied, and staff later described the vacancy as occurring for several years.

Priscilla Roscoe of the mayor’s office of economic development described staff follow‑up steps taken after the item was held previously in committee, including site walkthroughs by building‑permits staff and project managers to identify construction and code issues. Roscoe said staff worked to confirm cost estimates and contingencies so the city would not be exposed to unexpected overruns.

Omar Perez, one of the city’s project managers, said walkthroughs had identified construction items that required attention, including a grease trap whose clean‑out components were “basically welded shut,” and issues with the gas meter that needed resolution before work proceeded. The presentation also referenced assistance from the Waubonsee Small Business Development Center and the city’s project management team.

The applicant team included entrepreneur Delisha Bowling and Darris Butler; after the committee’s review, the chair called for consent. A council official stated “Consent,” and there were “No objections,” after which the chair confirmed the item will appear on the city council consent agenda.

The loan amount to be provided by the city was not specified in the committee discussion transcript. Staff said they have contingency plans and oversight in place and will return with required documentation to city council as part of the consent packet.