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Finance committee approves license for 'Alchemy Beach' at Waukegan lakefront
Summary
The Waukegan Finance and Purchasing Committee unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a license agreement with Emerge Next Networks LLC to operate a seasonal activation called Alchemy Beach on the Waukegan lakefront; the plan includes a 21-and-older corral for alcohol sales and permits food-truck customers to enter the corral.
The Waukegan Finance and Purchasing Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to authorize a license agreement with Emerge Next Networks LLC to bring “Alchemy Beach,” a seasonal, container-based activation modeled on Washington, D.C.’s Sandlot project, to the city’s lakefront.
Alyssa, a representative of Emerge Next Networks LLC, told the committee the project would launch in summer 2026 and feature converted shipping containers for beverage service, picnic seating and a fenced corral for alcohol sales. Ian, identified in the meeting as the founder of the Sandlot concept, said the organization has placed similar temporary activations on underused parcels in the D.C. area and would work with local partners in Waukegan to program community events.
Committee members asked how the activation would fit with family uses of the beach. Alderman Florian said the corral in renderings raised questions about families visiting the beach; Alyssa and Ian confirmed the plan includes a 21-and-older corral where alcohol would be served and that patrons would be identified (for example, by bracelets). Alyssa also said food-truck customers would be permitted to enter the corral.
Alderman Felix and Alderman Martinez expressed support for the concept as a complement to existing pavilion programming and emphasized the need for clear operational parameters and marketing to attract visitors. Martinez confirmed the proposed use is commercial only and not intended for private weddings or noncommercial private events.
The motion to approve the resolution was made by Alderman Martinez and seconded by Alderman Felix. A roll-call vote recorded Aldermen Newsome, Florian, Felix and Martinez in favor; the motion carried.
Committee members did not detail final license terms such as insurance, hours of operation, or specific public-safety measures in the meeting record; those details were not specified in the presentation and would be handled in the license documents, the presenters indicated. The committee will take no further action in this meeting. The next committee meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2.
