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Trustees review Bar Method special-use request for Gateway Square; zoning vote set for next meeting
Summary
Applicants for a Bar Method boutique fitness studio described operations and parking arrangements at Gateway Square; trustees heard concerns about early-morning parking facing nearby residences and were told the zoning application will be voted on at the board's next meeting.
HINSDALE, Ill. — K Bar Hinsdale Inc. described plans Feb. 4 for a boutique fitness studio — the Bar Method — in Unit 19 at Gateway Square (777 N. York Road). Trustees reviewed site details and parking during a discussion of a special-use permit; the board will take a formal vote at its next meeting.
The studio would occupy a small retail unit within two one‑story, multi-tenant buildings that share 246 parking spaces. Staff said the village code requires between 98 and 213 parking spaces for the mix of uses on the property depending on the uses, and that Gateway Square currently meets the parking requirement.
Why it matters: The planned studio adds to Gateway Square’s tenant mix, responds to vacant storefront concerns, and raised neighborhood parking questions because some early-morning classes may draw commuters who park near residential backyards.
Applicant presentation and neighbors’ concerns
Kate (last name not provided in the transcript) and her husband, Chris, representing K Bar Hinsdale Inc., said the studio will offer group classes — barre-method, flow, restore, strength and cardio — throughout the day. "We're Hinsdale residents ourselves, so we're excited to bring it to the community," Kate said.
Staff told trustees that no exterior changes are proposed and that any future signage would be reviewed by the plan commission. The village noted that a plan-commission public hearing on Jan. 8 drew no resident speakers. Trustees discussed potential early‑morning parking behavior and the possibility that headlights from cars parked near homes could face into residential yards; applicants and staff said they expect the lot will be used by studio customers and does not foresee significant noise from early classes.
Process and timing
Zoning items in Hinsdale undergo two readings; staff advised the applicants that the board will vote on the special-use permit at the next meeting in two weeks. The applicants told the board they hope to begin construction and open in June, pending franchise approvals and required construction documents.
Ending
The board did not vote on the special‑use permit Feb. 4; trustees deferred the final decision to the next meeting after the statutory two‑read process.
