The landmark Arcade Building is about to have a new owner! As reported in the RB Landmark and Village of Riverside e-flash, the purchaser, Mr. Joe Zapani of Bloomingdale, Illinois will take possession of the Arcade following Village approval of his development plans.
Mr. Zapani advised the Village that he intends to rehabilitate the exterior of the Arcade per the last approved plans (submitted by Wexford) and complete the interior as he is able to fill vacant units. Mr. Zapani, principal of A to Z Roofing and General Construction, has developed commercial and residential units throughout the Chicagoland and suburban area. "I am a fan of historic structures and look forward to restoring this important historic building located on one of the prominent corners of the business district and being a part of the Riverside community," said Mr. Zapani during meeting with village officials.
The Arcade, one of Landmarks Illinois' 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, was recently the focus of a high-profile art initiative resulting in a 2,000 Sq. ft. mural that brought our entire community together. "This Place Matters," is the message residents have been sending of the Arcade and of Riverside. And now, someone with an appreciation of the Arcade's role in our community has come forward to begin the Arcade's return to service. "Mr. Zapani's plan for ground floor retail and mixed-use for the second and third floors in the Arcade will be a driver in helping the Village revitalize our entire business district," said Village President Michael Gorman.
Welcome news, indeed!
Subscribe
Posts
Comments
Join "Save Riverside Arcade" on Facebook
5 comments:
Arcade Building Has It's First Tenant
October 29th, 2010 (Riverside, IL) -- As the historic Arcade Building in Riverside transforms from a vacant structure back into a beautiful historic site, it's not only the outside of the building that's coming back to life. Bellafit, a health and fitness studio owned by Riverside-Brookfield graduate Karen Marzec will be the first tenant to occupy the Arcade.
"I am thrilled that Bellafit will be located within this history-rich pillar of the community", said Karen Marzec. "I frequented the Arcade when the Chew Chew and Grumpy's were located in the building. As the community came together to save the structure I learned more about it's wonderful history. From the vision behind the creation of the Arcade, to the community's passion to save it, and finally Mr. Joe Zappani's commitment to a quality restoration, I couldn't feel better about my business being located here."
Bellafit will offer group fitness, personal training and healthy lifestyle workshops. Yoga, boot camps, weight loss programs and even kids fitness classes will be available.
"Riverside is renowned for its architectural beauty and top notch school system," said Marzec. "Now I'm on a mission to make this town one of the healthiest in the nation."
Set to open in January 2011, the Bellafit Studio will be located on the Quincy Street side of the building.
Grand opening and class information will be available at www.bellafitstudio.com.
Great news!
Riversiders have been watching the restoration of the exterior masonry with growing excitement. Mr. Zappani is bringing the original look of the Arcade back, and it is truly beautiful. How fitting then, that the Arcade's first tenant be named Bellafit; bella meaning beautiful.
What an infusion of energy this brings!
Riversiders have been watching the restoration of the exterior masonry with growing excitement. Mr. Zappani is bringing the original look of the Arcade back, and it is truly beautiful. How fitting then, that the Arcade's first tenant be named Bellafit; bella meaning beautiful.
Riversiders have been watching the restoration of the exterior masonry with growing excitement. Mr. Zappani is bringing the original look of the Arcade back, and it is truly beautiful. How fitting then, that the Arcade's first tenant be named Bellafit; bella meaning beautiful.
Riversiders have been watching the restoration of the exterior masonry with growing excitement. Mr. Zappani is bringing the original look of the Arcade back, and it is truly beautiful. How fitting then, that the Arcade's first tenant be named Bellafit; bella meaning beautiful.
Post a Comment