'Happenin' Homewood?' Will Incoming Businesses Revamp the Local Economy?

In a time where vacancies are prevalent and local shops are closing their doors for good, things seem to be looking up for Homewood.

Today, . The hotel would put Homewood in the same league as St. Charles and Geneva—and would make it the only South Suburb with a boutique hotel. On top of that, the old Bakers Square building in the Southgate business district is going to become , and Chipotle will be moving in on Halsted before the year’s end.

All these changes will undoubtedly have an impact on the community, though. Will a chain like Chipotle take away from the local feel here? What will the Central Business District be like if it starts catering to tourists? What is the likelihood of success for these new places? Is this the beginning of something big for Homewood?

We want to know what you think! So far, responses have been extremely positive on our Facebook page:

• Kate Duff:"This is really great news."
• Ann Druetzler:"WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
• David Parry:"At first glance I was a tad skeptical, but on closer inspection it does actually make sense given the selection of ratty scumbag hotels in the area."
• Dina Lyles Harrison:"I worked for "Doc" Dr. Gendreau years ago and he's a pretty remarkable guy. I think we will all be impressed. I'm very excited by all the new additions planned. I can almost feel home values rising."

Tell us what you think in our poll!