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Mars Brewing pitches $1M renovation and asks council to consider TIF support for Old Western site
Summary
Mars Community Brewing presented a conceptual plan to convert the former Blue Island Beer Company property into a brewery/distillery and programming venue and requested the council consider Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance tied to building-fixed improvements; staff said TIF funds are available but any assistance must be negotiated and legally tied to non-removable building assets.
At the Committee of the Whole, a representative for Mars Community Brewing (presenter identified as Ed and referenced by staff as Mr. Merzki) introduced a conceptual redevelopment plan for the former Blue Island Beer Company property on Old Western Avenue and asked the city to consider TIF support for building-fixed improvements.
Staff provided a background on the Uptown TIF (formerly TIF District 5), noting an available balance in the vicinity of $1.78 million as of the April 30 treasurer's report, and estimated that after current obligations the district may have roughly $1.13 million remaining for future economic-development projects. The presenter said the buildout would total roughly $1 million to $1.1 million, including brewery equipment, fixed cabinetry, structural work and other items and requested that the council consider a TIF-backed agreement that would be tied to the building rather than to removable furniture or soft costs.
"We want to be here because we like the way that you guys operate civically," the presenter said, describing Mars's history owning breweries and hospitality venues and the group's programming model that combines brewing, events and arts. He said the plan envisions a brewery, distillery and wine production capability, regular programming (karaoke, live music, guest-chef pop-ups), and local hiring and promotions that could drive sales and property-tax returns to the city.
Council members and staff stressed two constraints: (1) TIF assistance must be tied to building-fixed assets or permanent improvements under state law and the city's economic-development rules; and (2) the city will require detailed engineering, cost breakdowns and building-department sign-offs on electrical, plumbing and structural work before any negotiated incentive would be presented to the council.
Council discussion also noted that Old Western's east-side electrical capacity has required attention and that ComEd engineering support is already under review for the corridor. Staff said future negotiations would be "line by line" to ensure any support meets TIF rules and produces measurable public benefit.
No council vote was taken on TIF assistance that night; the item was presented for initial discussion and staff follow-up.
