Vernon Hills board approves outdoor-dining changes, turf agreement amendment and multi-year tournament contracts

The Vernon Hills Village Board approved several permits and agreements at its regular meeting, including modifications to two outdoor-dining areas, a first amendment to a turf-license agreement that transfers rights to a private operator and raises the license payment, and multi-year contracts for large tournaments at the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex (VHAC).

The action came after brief presentations by village staff and representatives of the affected businesses and operators. Director Jennings described the requested outdoor-dining expansions and modifications and recommended board approval. Roman Rosales, representing Hacienda Real at 371 Townline Road, said extending outdoor heating would “give us an opportunity to offer more options to our guests” and the board raised no substantive objections before approving the permit modification unanimously.

The board also reviewed a modification for Yard House’s beer garden, a staff-recommended modification to authorize five perimeter-mounted televisions. Steve, representing 41 North Contractors on behalf of the Darden Group, described plans for five 55-inch TVs mounted on the west railing and said the screens would face the building; questions from trustees focused on whether sound would be played and potential residential impacts. Trustees approved the Yard House modification unanimously.

In a related set of items, the board approved a first amendment to the 2020 turf license agreement that transfers SMP Development LLC’s rights and obligations to 3 Step Sports and increases the total license payment from $900,000 to $1,342,500, with installment payments beginning in August 2025. According to the staff presentation, proceeds are intended to recoup additional construction costs, fund future turf replacement (the turf has an approximately 10-year lifespan), and better align rates with market conditions in the Chicagoland area. The term of the agreement remains through 2030, and staff noted an option to extend the agreement for an additional three years at the end of the term.

The board also approved five‑year agreements with 3 Step Sports to operate two large tournaments hosted at the VHAC — the Pipe City Lacrosse Festival and the Chicago Cup Soccer Tournament — each with a 3% annual increase in fees and a pricing structure intended to recover roughly 75% of village direct personnel costs while recognizing economic benefits to the community. The Pipe City agreement includes a 10% administrative fee (listed in the staff materials but noted as waived in practice for the Chicago Cup because of its local affiliation with the Vernon Hills Soccer Club).

Votes at a glance • Resolution 2025-035 (Hacienda Real outdoor-dining modification): approved, roll-call unanimous. • Resolution 2025-036 (Yard House beer garden modification): approved, roll-call unanimous. • Resolution 2025-037 (first amendment to turf license agreement; transfer to 3 Step Sports; license payment increase to $1,342,500): approved, roll-call unanimous. • Resolution 2025-038 (Pipe City Lacrosse Festival agreement): approved, roll-call unanimous. • Resolution 2025-039 (Chicago Cup Soccer Tournament agreement): approved, roll-call unanimous.

What it means The approved changes allow local restaurants to expand outdoor service configurations and amenities, subject to any operational restrictions the village or staff impose (for example, on sound). The turf amendment moves long-term operating rights to a private, nationwide tournament operator and increases the operator’s required contribution; village staff said part of that increase will fund future turf replacement and help recoup prior construction cost overruns. The tournament agreements formalize a cost-sharing approach intended to recover most, but not all, village personnel costs while preserving the economic benefits the events bring to Vernon Hills.

Next steps Staff will finalize the license amendment and tournament contracts and implement the approved permit modifications consistent with any conditions set by the village. The board did not schedule further action on these items at the meeting.