'We feel that this center can be revitalized': How Buffalo Grove hopes to update shopping center

Buffalo Grove's Cambridge Commons shopping center — clinging to a single occupant and considered an eyesore by residents — will receive a complete makeover and new anchor tenant.

Village board members Monday got their first look at a plan for a new 24 Hour Fitness club in the 35,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Dominick's and Rogan's Shoes, in the shopping center on the southeast corner of Dundee and Buffalo Grove roads.

Trustees referred the proposal to the village's planning and zoning commission, which will make a recommendation on rezoning and special use permits needed to move forward.

Headquartered in San Ramon, California, 24 Hour Fitness has 4 million members at more than 400 gyms across the country. The health club would be open 24 hours and include a pool and a half basketball court.

Christopher Stilling, the village's community development director, said planned improvements to the center include a new facade, landscaping, signage, an upgraded parking lot and a new roof.

Shopping center owner Svigos Asset Management is investing about $4 million in improvements, said its attorney, Lawrence Freedman. The company previously tried to put a Fresh Farms grocery into the space, with an incentive from the village, but the deal fell through.

Freedman noted the building has been vacant since 2013. The only tenant on the site is a dentist.

“We feel that this center can be revitalized,” he said.

The new anchor and improvements could attract more tenants to fill vacant spots in the center, he said.

Asked whether Svigos is seeking any form of financial assistance from the village, Svigos Vice President Nick Vittore said, “We would love one, but we are not looking for one.”

Trustee Joanne Johnson asked how busy the round-the-clock facility would be at night.

Vittore said the busy times would be in the morning before most people start work and immediately after work.

“I do not personally expect there would be huge amounts of traffic at night,” he said.

Johnson urged the planning and zoning commission to make sure that nearby residents are properly screened from parking lot noise.

“I'm certainly happy to see something going into this location and to see the improvements on this location,” she said. “I think it will draw other retailers to this spot and rejuvenate this intersection, but we want to be respectful of our neighbors right next door.”