Old Darien Restaurant Building Draws Interest: Mayor

DARIEN, IL – The old TGI Fridays building in Darien has generated interest from restaurant businesses, but it remains vacant, the mayor said Thursday.

In a business update to residents, Mayor Joseph Marchese wrote that a property management company continues to market the building at 2201 75th St. to potential tenants. He said the city would work with brokers to ensure the site is "repurposed efficiently and in line with community needs."

In December, the struggling TGI Fridays chain closed the doors to the local restaurant at the Darien Towne Center, which includes Walmart.

In his message, Marchese also noted the construction of a condo complex at Plainfield Road and Lester Lane, just west of Modell Funeral Home.

The project includes two multi-story buildings with eight condo units in each, along with 16 two-car garages, the mayor said. The City Council approved the zoning in May, with Atlantic Homes as the developer.

The condos will be on the 1.4-acre site of an old dental office that the city razed last year because of code issues.

Marchese also wrote about the redevelopment of the old Wendy's restaurant at Plainfield Road and Route 83. A Dunkin' Donuts is planned for that site, according to the city.

The building is undergoing modernization of its exterior and interior, Marchese said.