The More Things Change The More They Represent The Past

Excuse me for showing my literary license.  I have taken an old adage and twisted it to meet my needs.  Why?  I wanted to make a small point about the evolution of businesses.

I read an article about La Vegas.  An old hotel was demolished and a new one was built.  The new one never opened but became obsolete because of the value of the property and the need for the hotel next door.  Anyway, it is to be destroyed and another bigger and greater hotel with casino will be atop it. 

Currently, in Countryside, there is a great deal of demolition going on.  Old stores and car dealerships – all usable buildings – are being torn apart and wrecked and made into rubble.  Why?  All of the locations are very desirable upon which new business structures will be erected. 

You’ve seen this phenomenon constantly.  Often it is not as recognizable as seeing a building being carted away in dump trucks.  It may be occurring within the exterior.  In some cases, most everything is gutted right up to the bricks or framing.  A telltale sign is a dumpster close to a door.

Another transformation happens when one business goes out of business or leaves.  The existing shell and most improvements are usable if the right tenant can be found.  With some plaster and paint, gallons of floor care products and perhaps some carpeting, and countless hours of backbreaking labor – a ‘Phoenix’ rises from the ashes of the past.

In La Grange Park, at the Village Market grouping of stores, the morphing process blossomed from the shell of the Blockbuster Video Store.  A bankruptcy decision closed the Blockbusters doors forever – we thought – but that gave way to an opportunity for Family Home Video – a family owned chain with well over 750 locations around the United States.  When you walk into the video store you will immediately notice their up-beat and colorful motif.  The staff is attentive, they have a massive number of titles, and their pricing is more than fair.

Below them is a salon and spa called D’Dami.  They mainly do all those hair procedures that women love … but they also cut hair for men and kids.  What did they replace?  Would you believe a women’s hair salon?  The owner and her family members have upgraded the interior; it is now warm and friendly looking, and very up-tempo. 

A third business of note is The Village Potters.  They enjoyed an ‘official ribbon cutting’ on August 26th, along with D’Dami and Family Home Video.  It was attended by the Village President, new appointed village manager, members of council and assorted dignitaries.  The Potters leased available and affordable space.  Since more men and women are taking classes, in time it is hoped that they might expand next door.  FYI: They have some superior pottery items for sale and would love to ring one or two up for you.  Think Holidays and Think Local!

Let’s hope more things change.  Perhaps we will see an economy that we used to have and a tax base that floated everyone’s boats.  That is the past I am looking forward to seeing.

If you want to know more about the present, call the Chamber.  Our number is 708-557-5527.  Besides Countryside and La Grange Park, we can share information about Willow Springs, Western Springs, Indian Head Park, Hodgkins, McCook, Lyons and La Grange, too.