Algonquin Honors 5 Businesses Making an Impact in Village

When Hobby Lobby came to town, it built a big box store but made sure the store had an architectural design that fit in with its neighbors in the Esplanade center.

Even the store’s dock area looks nice, said Katie Parkhurst, Algonquin’s senior planner.

“We are very pleased to have Hobby Lobby in the community because it is a great business to have and it is spurring interest in the Esplanade (Center),” Parkhurst said.

Parkhurst introduced the winners of the 2013 Business Award to the village board Monday. Hobby Lobby is one of five businesses and/or business owners honored. The categories and winners are:

New Development Architectural Award

Hobby Lobby

2360 South Randall Road

The store, which opened in August 2012, has a good use of materials that break up the massive store into an appealing addition to the Esplandae, Parkhurst said. Everything down to the building materials and color of awning tie in with the other buildings in the center, she said.

Rehabilitation/Improvement Award

Doerner Jewelers

119 South Main Street

Owners Gabriele Reego and Jesus Doerner purchased the building six years ago and opened their jewelry store. Last year, the two decided to improve the façade and the inside of the store. While it’s a work in progress, the two have made major improvements by removing 1970s era siding and revealing the original, ornate brick work, Parkhurst said.

Reego researched the building, gathered old photos and worked with the village’s historic commission to faithfully restore it, she said.

“This is a great example of a private investment in our downtown which really benefits the whole community,” Parkhurst said.

Community Service Award

Edward Jones, agent Jarid Brockman

207 South Harrison Street

Brockman was one of the recipients of the award honoring people and business going above and beyond in the community. Parkhurst said Brockman spends countless hours volunteering every month and is active in several local organizations.

He has supported the Downtown Algonquin Partnership often going door to door in the downtown to generate support for various programs, she said. Brockman also active in the Rotary Club and started a student recognition program to salute teens in the community.

Community Service Award

Jewel Food Stores

103 South Randall Road

1501 East Algonquin Road

The grocery chain was recognized for its Fresh Recovery Program in which items that would have been thrown away are donated to local food pantries. Both Algonquin stores work with the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Food Pantry.

Volunteers pick up donations three times a week, she said. The donations have helped the food pantry meet the growing demand for food.

“We thank Jewel for being in Algonquin and giving back to our community,” Parkhurst said.

Community Economic Impact Award

Rosen Equus

789 South Randall Road

Rosen Commercial Center has had a positive impact on the community through job creation and by encouraging other development. The latest addition to the center, Rosen Equus, now completes development within the center and has already had an economic impact on Algonquin, Parkhurst said. The dealership, which also has a Hyundai showroom in the same center, opened its new building last March.

It has 22 employees, including 14 new hires, she said. It has sold 677 vehicles and sales have increased $5 million between Rosen Equus and Rosen Hyundai, which is located in the same center, Parkhurst said.

“Obviously, that is very beneficial to Hyundai and the village,” she said, adding the dealerships expect to exceed sales goals this year.