Village Board considers entering into an architectural and site design agreement for an incubator shops project
HUNTLEY — In a bold move to invigorate the local economy and attract small businesses and budding entrepreneurs, the Village of Huntley will gear up to discuss a proposal that will establish a physical storefront in a retail setting with like-minded business owners for an operating season, without the long-term commitment and expense associated with a permanent brick and mortar location.
This proposal, which will be introduced at the Aug. 22 Village Board meeting, will have the cost of establishing the incubator shops offset through a “Small Business Administration Grant” the village secured in the amount of $974,843 via a Community Project appropriation through the U.S. Congressional office of Representative Lauren Underwood.
According to staff, after reviewing various sites in the downtown area, the village-owned property located at 11879 Main Street (also commonly referred to as the Hackett House) has been selected as the preferred site. The building and land at the corner of Route 47 and Main Street are visible by vehicular travelers and are also walkable to the numerous downtown amenities, including 186 parking spaces located within a short walk to the property.
The proximity to downtown businesses is considered a key benefit, with the expectation that the existing businesses and restaurants will benefit from the increased foot traffic associated with the new shopping district. Village staff also hope that the new shopping district will boost the local economy by gaining the attention of downtown visitors.
The Hackett House was purchased by Huntley in 2013. In addition, the village purchased adjacent land in 2015 and has invested to restore the approximate 55,000 square feet of property to beautify it as it is a key site while entering the downtown area. The building is currently occupied by Naturally McHenry County; however, the current lease term is set to end in March 2025. The conclusion of the lease agreement coordinated well with the timing of the next steps of shop planning and construction, states village staff.
With modifications to the existing floorplan, the initial concept includes the usage of the first floor of the building for two to three shops and public restroom facilities. Preliminary plans also include seven individual newly constructed shops designed to complement the existing building. New pedestrian paths to access the shops will also be made and the parking lot will be reconfigured to allow vehicular access in a right-in/right-out off Route 47.
Staff noted that architectural services are required to prepare plans to be used for construction. The proposed services include an assessment of items including mechanical, structural, and site components and to determine the feasibility of proposed improvements, to finalize a project budget and construction plan.
The village plans to use Job Order Contracting (JOC) as its construction delivery method for this project. JOC is a fast-track delivery method that allows projects to be completed quickly and cost-efficiently through a single multi-year, competitively bid government pursuing cooperative contracts.
Village staff have met with F.H. Paschen representatives, a JOC provider, to discuss the scope of work for the shops project. Huntley has used the JOC division of F.H. Paschen for several projects in the past through a similar cooperative purchasing program, including the asbestos abatement work at the former Catty building in 2021.
If the Village Board authorizes a motion to enter a JOC with F.H. Paschen, design plans for the re-use of the Hackett House and the construction of the shops would be presented to trustees for review at a future meeting. Upon approval of the design, F.H. Paschen would provide a second proposal for construction costs. The proposals will include a list of items and associated costs, from which the board can determine which options will be chosen.
The JOC for the project is expected to not exceed $80,000.
