Two buildings that date to the late 19th century in downtown Elgin are being updated for retail and residences, but with a definite nod to their history.
Developer Don Rage is rehabbing 19-21 Douglas Ave., once home to Keeney’s Sporting Goods and Beck’s Office Supplies.
"I’m excited about what’s going on in downtown Elgin," Rage said.
He purchased the formerly baby blue storefront that was Keeney’s about a year ago for $35,000, and the Beck’s space 11 or so years ago for $135,000, he said.
New look Mike Danahey / The Courier-News Developer Don Rage and Elgin Historic Preservation Planner Christen Sundquist stand on the new upstairs deck for 19 – 21 Douglas Ave. Developer Don Rage and Elgin Historic Preservation Planner Christen Sundquist stand on the new upstairs deck for 19 – 21 Douglas Ave. (Mike Danahey / The Courier-News)
Pat Keeney, who co-owned Keeney’s Sporting Goods and PK’s Antiques (in the basement) with her mother, Kathryn, died several days before her mother in December 2010. Keeney’s family had been in business in Elgin since 1883, first running a general store, later a drug store and then the sporting goods shop, which was along Douglas from about 1945. The store was known to generations as the place to buy gym uniforms and letter jackets.
Rage said health issues and the recession delayed any work on the Beck’s building.
"But I held onto it with some hope," he said. "I had thoughts that downtown Elgin could redevelop like downtown Naperville did."
Elgin Historic Preservation Planner Christen Sundquist said the buildings apparently date to the 1880s. Her research showed the first tenants at 21 Douglas Ave. included a dry goods crockery with a saloon in the basement and H. & C.’s Clothing Store at 19 Douglas Ave. By 1897, 21 Douglas Ave. was a cigar factory, while 19 Douglas Ave. continued as a dry goods store and saloon.
Rage noted that at one time there were vaults under the city sidewalks which merchants used as storage space.
"The cigar factory remained in business at this location until at least 1913 — possibly longer, though, there is a gap between Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps that we have available- – and by 1950, it’s described as a variety store," Sundquist said. "By 1903, 19 Douglas Ave. developed into a ‘racket store,’ known for carrying an assortment of merchandise, and remained a general variety store up until Keeney’s."
Photos: A history of ElginOpen link
Though Rage’s project is not considered a restoration, Sundquist said she and other city staff are working with him "to incorporate design elements that would typically be seen on historic storefronts of this time period while maintaining a modernized layout to allow for maximum use of the space inside."
Much of the historic storefront was altered sometime between the 50’s and 60’s, and there were later additions that covered up the original Luxfer Prism Glass, Sundquist said. That company is known for its association with architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Rage claimed the second floor of Keeney’s building was in such disarray that Keeney wouldn’t go there. The roofs of both buildings leaked, and the leak for Keeney’s had water flowing into a stairwell and the basement, he said.
On the plus side, the buildings have an easement between them, which can serve as a hallway for the apartments Rage is putting on the second floors of both. And there is an off-street parking lot. Each apartment will have two bedrooms and two bathrooms and probably rent for between $1,200 and $1,300 per month, Rage said, adding he has people ready to sign leases once work is complete, which he hopes will be by summer.
The street-level main floors will be available for retail. While open to restaurant use, Rage said he would prefer not having a spot that is more of a bar than an eatery. And the intention is to keep many of the old main floor features of the two spaces, such as tin ceilings and library-like shelving along the walls in what was Beck’s.
Already, Rage said workers have gutted the upstairs of both buildings, removed old facade, put in new windows and unboarded others, took bars off windows, put in a new deck for the second floors, paved the back parking lot and removed musty carpeting.
Historic storefront City of Elgin / Handout Don Rage is rehabbing 19 – 21 Douglas Ave. in downtown Elgin to hold retail on the main floors and apartments upstairs. Don Rage is rehabbing 19 – 21 Douglas Ave. in downtown Elgin to hold retail on the main floors and apartments upstairs. (City of Elgin / Handout)
Rage, a former Kane County Board member and a current Rutland-Dundee Fire Protection Board member, said he is discussing with city staff about ways to be compliant with Elgin’s fire codes, particularly sprinkler requirements. He said he hopes the city will consider using downtown TIF money to help developers fund expensive undertakings such as sprinkler systems.
He is optimistic about the redevelopment of downtown Elgin, believing it appeals to millennials because of the urban-like setting and proximity to public transportation.
"Look at things down here already," Rage said. "There’s a lot more foot traffic than there was even 10 years ago."
Mike Danahey / The Courier-News Developer Don Rage is rehabbing 19-21 Douglas Ave. in downtown Elgin to hold retail space and loft apartments. Developer Don Rage is rehabbing 19-21 Douglas Ave. in downtown Elgin to hold retail space and loft apartments. (Mike Danahey / The Courier-News)
mdanahey@tribpub.com
Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.
