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Commission approves special-use permit for K Bar Hinsdale (Bar Method) at Gateway Square
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a special-use permit allowing a Bar Method franchise studio, K Bar Hinsdale, at 777 N. York Rd., Unit 19. Applicants emphasized community fitness aims and franchise compliance; commissioners asked about parking and early-morning operations.
The commission voted unanimously Jan. 8 to grant a special-use permit for K Bar Hinsdale, a Bar Method franchise that will occupy Unit 19 at 777 North York Road in Gateway Square.
Applicants Kate and Chris Karam, prospective owners and local residents, described the studio as a community-focused, instructor-led Bar Method location offering 45- and 60-minute group classes in five class formats. “Our mission is to fulfill each transformative class, each empowered client, and every meaningful connection that helps make our community stronger 1 movement at a time,” Kate Karam told commissioners during the public hearing.
Commissioners and staff discussed parking and early-morning arrivals. Commissioner Scott (last name not specified) said parking calculations looked compliant but asked staff to confirm, noting class sizes and arrival patterns. Staff replied that, based on gross-square-foot calculations, the property had approximately 33 to 48 spaces available and that the submitted parking calculations met the code requirements for this use.
Commissioners also asked about logistics for teachers and early classes. The applicants said their earliest class would be either 6 a.m. or 7 a.m.; they said employees and instructors would likely use rear or interior lot parking where feasible to minimize disturbance to adjacent residences.
The commission opened a brief public hearing, swore in speakers and heard supporting comments from local residents who said the studio would complement nearby restaurants and salons. Commissioners praised the application as an appropriate use for a partially vacant shopping center and welcomed the prospect of local jobs and foot-traffic generation.
Outcome
After closing the public hearing, the commission approved case A-44-2024 (special-use permit for a physical fitness facility) on a roll-call vote: Commissioners Curry, Kirillenberger, Cernovich, Willoughby, Moore and Chairman Cashman voted aye. Staff noted applicants will return for signage review if they proceed with storefront graphics.
Why it matters
The approval brings a franchise fitness studio to a commercial center with noted vacancies and could increase weekday and daytime activity in Gateway Square. Commissioners emphasized balancing new commercial uses with parking availability and neighborhood compatibility.
