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Board signals support for concept review of proposed Aihara restaurant at 550 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Summary
Trustees gave nonbinding consensus support for a proposed major site plan for a new Aihara fine‑dining restaurant on Milwaukee Avenue, praising the exterior redesign and offering input on balcony access and ADA considerations; staff noted the review is conceptual and not a formal approval.
The Village Board provided consensus support on Dec. 15 for a nonbinding concept review of a proposed major site plan for a fine‑dining restaurant at 550 South Milwaukee Avenue.
Architect Jeremy Wilmot and developer Arun Sharma presented exterior remodel plans for the former Tuscany building, including recladding, covered patios, balcony seating and stamped concrete patios. The project is at the concept stage; staff emphasized the nonbinding nature of the review and explained that feedback would guide a future formal application.
Trustees praised the proposed aesthetic updates to a prominent corner site and asked technical questions about balcony access, weather protection and ADA access; the applicant said two exterior stairs would serve the balcony and cited exemptions in the Illinois Accessibility Act for small, under‑1,000‑square‑foot elevated spaces, which staff said they would further review. Several trustees indicated immediate enthusiasm and the board voted unanimously ‘Yes’ on the consensus question of whether the board is in favor of the major site plan concept.
What happens next: the development team will refine plans and return with formal submissions addressing ADA, signage and landscaping details for staff and board review.
