Pros, cons of businesses using historic homes
Take a peek down Main Street in West Dundee and you'll see stately old homes that now house a funeral home, banks, insurance agencies, law offices and a gift shop.
It's not by accident.
For years, West Dundee has taken a great amount of pride in the street's historic character and officials have tailored their redevelopment efforts toward its historic preservation, Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said. #8220;We truly believe that those historic structures that exist, particularly on Main Street and within our business districts, provide for some very unique character, architectural details that just don't exist in, regrettably, in current construction or architecture,#8221; Cavallaro said. #8221;It's that character that really sets these businesses apart and gives them their charm and distinction.#8221;
In some cases, the business owners live inside the house.
Bill Metcalf, general manager of Metcalf and Associates, a law firm of immigration attorneys, has a six-second commute to work, because his living quarters are right upstairs.
#8220;It's very convenient,#8221; he said.
Metcalf bought the 1871 Italianate revival house six years ago to expand into the Elgin market #8212; the firm's main office is in Hoffman Estates. The house differs from the office space in Hoffman Estates because it gives clients the feeling of being at home. Its tall, skinny windows let in plenty of natural light, it's well ventilated and its sharply raked roof keeps the snow off.
#8220;That building will last another 200 years because it's very well constructed,#8221; Metcalf said, adding that the house is very easy to find. #8220;The location cannot be purchased ... It's been easy to get to since 1871.#8221;
Sue Berna, of West Dundee, owns Ladybug Lane, a quaint gift shop about a block away from the law office. Walk into her store and she'll offer you cookies, cider or whatever else she's got brewing. Easy listening music, like tunes from Frank Sinatra or Michael Buble, plays throughout the store.
You just won't get that at the larger retailers.
#8220;We try to nourish all the senses,#8221; Berna said. #8220;People feel very comfortable coming in here because it feels very warm and inviting and unlike the big-box stores, we're hear to answer questions, provide excellent customer service.#8221;
Ten years ago, she and her late husband Mel opened the store, which is housed in a Victorian home built circa 1880. They'd owned the house for 20 years and for the first 10 years, a dentist, real estate agent and chiropractor set up shop in the office space.
But the Bernas, after working on Main Street programs to encourage small businesses to pull together, wanted to take a chance on opening their own place, #8220;So we decided we'd open a retail shop and see what happened,#8221; adding that the best part of the business is befriending customers.
But these old houses come with major responsibilities.
In Metcalf's case, maintaining the house has been an ongoing process.
Before moving in, Metcalf did an extensive remodel that included removing the three dangerous fireplaces throughout the house. Most recently, he upgraded the wiring on the main floor that dated back to the 1920s.
#8220;It's just every couple of weeks we're doing something,#8221; Metcalf said.
Berna also cites repeated maintenance as a drawback, but visibility is more of an issue for Ladybug Lane because the business is set back from Route 72.
And because the business is in the historic district, Berna is limited in how she can attract attention to it, when it comes to lighting and signage.
#8220;It's very difficult to come up with displays that will bring people in, as opposed to being downtown where you are right there at eye level and walking very close to it,#8221; Berna said. #8220;I guess the best we could do is get into costume and stand outside.#8221;