The Biz Week That Was: SkyZone opens, Billy’s Pancake House ends an era
Indoor entertainment venue Sky Zone opening in Schaumburg; Arlington Heights site planned
Sky Zone, an expanding chain of indoor entertainment venues, was expected to open its ninth Chicago-area location Friday at the former Buy Buy Baby store in Schaumburg with another expected in Arlington Heights next year. The more than 32,000-square-foot Schaumburg site at 580 E. Golf Road features brand favorites such as the Air Court, Boulder Balls and Zip Line, as well as new attractions like two iWalls enabling guests to play immersive games and activities.
‘I’ve got concrete in my blood’: Elliot Construction builds toward a special anniversary
The 1950s were a great time to open a construction business in the Western suburbs. Populations boomed — the United States Census recorded nearly 130% growth in Lombard between 1950 and 1960. In Glen Ellyn, where decades ago a young Rob Elliot founded Elliot Construction Corporation, the population grew 67% in those 10 years. Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, will be a special day for Elliot Construction. It’ll be exactly 70 years since Elliot incorporated the business.
Vacant medical office building in Mount Prospect could turn into apartments
A vacant 1970s-style medical office building just west of the Union Pacific tracks on Central Road in Mount Prospect has been awaiting redevelopment for two years. Mount Prospect village trustees on Tuesday approved extending the zoning approval granted in 2022 for a proposed apartment development at 500 W. Central Road.
‘It’s the end of an era’: Billy’s Pancake House in Palatine closes doors after 5 decades
After more than five decades as a Palatine dining mainstay, Billy’s Pancake House at 440 W. Northwest Highway has served its last meal. Owners John and Tracy Bakopoulos broke the news to its loyal customers Tuesday on Facebook.
‘It really does make business sense’: Lake Zurich firm earns accolade for green practices
A roof strong enough to hold grazing goats didn’t make the cut of sustainable measures being considered by a Lake Zurich business, but the green projects it pursued earned kudos from the village. Alpha Tekniko, which designs and makes products for the health care industry, is the 2024 winner of Lake Zurich’s Green Business Award for integrating eco-friendly practices in daily operations and driving positive environmental change.
State’s largest private water provider to increase rates next year
The state’s largest private water utility, Illinois American Water, will increase customer bills in the new year. The move comes after state regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission on Thursday approved a $110 million increase for the company, a 30% reduction from its original request early this year. Illinois American Water serves more than 1 million Illinoisans in roughly 150 communities around the state.