A former car wash in Des Plaines is being prepared to reopen after about five years of vacancy. We have successfully completed the public hearings and are now preparing for the second stage: obtaining the business license. The project remains in progress.
Project overview
The clients are buying a former car wash in Des Plaines that has been inactive for about five years. We joined after the purchase agreement and before closing to run due diligence, business formation, municipal approvals, licensing and preparation to reopen.
The plan is to keep the existing car wash layout and complete the inspections, approvals and improvements needed to operate again.
Key challenge
Because the property has not operated as a car wash for about five years and the zoning rules have changed since, the City of Des Plaines confirmed that a new Conditional Use Permit is required.
That means a formal application, a public hearing, notices to neighboring owners, published notice, and review by the Planning and Zoning Board and the City Council. The application also has to cover operations, site layout, parking, traffic and environmental due diligence.
Our role
We are coordinating the project from pre-closing due diligence to opening:
- communication with the city, the attorney, contractors and consultants
- forming EZ Auto Spa LLC and handling federal and state registrations
- selecting and managing the environmental, HVAC and commercial property inspections
- preparation of the Conditional Use Permit application and coordination of the public hearing process
- coordinating the Business License, sign, building and occupancy approvals
- preparing for Building and Fire inspections
- overall project management through final approvals and opening
Progress to date
- EZ Auto Spa LLC was formed; the EIN and tax registrations are complete.
- Phase I Environmental, HVAC and general commercial property inspections were coordinated and completed.
- The Phase I ESA found no Recognized Environmental Conditions and recommended no further investigation.
- The Conditional Use requirement and the approval process were confirmed with the city.
- The public hearings were successfully completed.
Current phase
The public hearings have been successfully completed. We are now preparing for the second stage of the project: obtaining the business license and coordinating the remaining requirements for opening.
Next steps
- Prepare the business license application and supporting documents.
- Coordinate the remaining municipal requirements, permits and inspections.
- Prepare the facility for opening.