Exciting New Pizza Spot and Entertainment Venue Set to Transform Downtown DeKalb!

DeKalb city leaders are considering extending public incentives to revitalize two important buildings downtown. This includes plans for a new pizza restaurant and an entertainment venue.

If the DeKalb City Council approves these plans, the development agreements would offer financing to improve the former Eduardo’s building at 206 E. Lincoln Highway and the McCabe’s building at 323 and 333 E. Lincoln Highway. Eduardo’s closed its doors in December 2019, leaving a noticeable gap in the area.

City Manager Bill Nicklas emphasized the significance of these buildings, stating they are key spots viewed by many residents and visitors each day. The proposal comes from Tom Cottingham, who represents the Balli ownership group. He aims to open Iniga, a new restaurant featuring a full bar and a pizza oven in the old Eduardo’s space.

For this project, Cottingham has requested a $98,000 TIF loan to assist with funding. Nicklas expressed enthusiasm about the potential revitalization, noting it’s a vital step for the city—bigger than any other initiative since the previous city hall development.

Some renovations have already started in the McCabe’s building, but the proposal is pending approval from the city’s Joint Review Board, which evaluates TIF spending decisions.

The Long family has plans for an entertainment venue in the former McCabe’s building and seeks a $200,000 TIF loan to make it happen. Concerns have been raised about what will happen if TIF loan repayments are not met. Nicklas assured that the city is working to safeguard its interests in these agreements, stating that the city will have a claim and lien on the property. If the project fails, they would have a 90-day window to recover funds.

Alderwoman Barb Larson voiced her support, stating it’s important for the city to fill storefronts that have been vacant for too long. More discussions and decisions regarding these development agreements are expected at the council’s meeting on February 24.

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