The clock appears to be ticking on the outdoor dining structure outside the popular Guildhall restaurant in downtown Glencoe.
The Village Board last month unanimously approved an amended licensing agreement with the Guildhall owners to continue operation of its “streetery”. The restaurant has used an outdoor structure since 2020 in response to the indoor dining restrictions tied into the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially, there were 12 greenhouse structures outside the restaurant at 694 Vernon Avenue.
“These remained in place until early 2022 when Guildhall removed the greenhouse structures and installed tables and umbrellas in a patio setup for the summer while they worked through the permitting and fabrication of a new outdoor semi-permanent streetery structure,” according to a village memo. “In mid-October 2022, the streetery structure opened to the public in accordance with the village’s appearance and design guidelines as well as required building codes.”
Even as the dining mitigations eased, the village entered into subsequent licensing agreements with the Guildhall ownership. Today, there is a nearly 900-foot structure occupying four parking spaces and part of the Vernon Avenue sidewalk.
Earlier this year with the latest licensing agreement set to expire, the village board consented to a Guildhall request and extended the pact until September 30, 2025.
“We are glad Guildhall is here, we are glad we were able to accommodate them,” Village President Howard Roin said at the June Village Board meeting.
However, Roin acknowledged some individuals do not like the structure’s aesthetics.
“The streetery is controversial,” he said. “There are some people who love it, there are some who don’t.”
After the subject was addressed at a January Committee of the Whole meeting, trustees approved the extension.
“One more year and then we will move on to other streetscape issues,” Roin said.
Guildhall representatives did not return multiple messages requesting comment.
In another part of the agreement, the village raised the fee it charges Guildhall for the approximate 900 square feet of space the streetery occupies.
The costs will spike to $476.47 per month for the use of the right-of-way, representing a $26.67 increase.
“We still don’t know what the right charge is,” Roin said.
In separate action, trustees approved a change to zoning code regulations in the village’s downtown.
Under the amended zoning code, the village will have greater say on what type of new businesses may open on the ground floor of downtown buildings. Existing businesses will be grandfathered into their current locations and would not be forced to move.
“The village is looking for more control,” Roin said. “It doesn’t want to ban anything.”
Non-restaurant or retail uses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through a special use permit process on the ground floor.
“Now we will have a chance to weigh in,” Roin added. “If there are better options, then we get to weigh in.”
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
