cover
TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: David Dibo, Director of Economic Development
Priscilla Orozco, Management Assistant
DATE: October 28, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing a redevelopment agreement between the city of Aurora, Jamie Gilmore, LJ Hospitality Group Corporation, and JH 17-19 Broadway, LLC for the purpose of facilitating the redevelopment of the vacant commercial space located in downtown Aurora, an iteration of which was originally approved by City Council on March 11, 2025, as modified below.
PURPOSE:
Approval will enable Jamie Gilmore, an Aurora resident, to open her WildFlour cafe, tailored to downtown clientele with offerings at affordable prices. The associated agreements codify prerequisites that trigger the personally guaranteed loan as described below.
BACKGROUND:
Despite headwinds in the national economy that has tempered discretionary spending, operational and cost increases that have squeezed margins, and consumer price sensitivity, there continues to be a strong desire for dining out, especially when the dining experience offers a unique “vibe”. This is reflected in the downtown restaurants that despite some turnovers have performed steadily, some supported by long term clientele, others bolstered by the continued draw of the Paramount, whose surveys and real time restaurant patronage, coupled with Chriskindle market and other special downtown events, have maintained consistent downtown demand.
Jamie’s WildFlour Café will specialize in Creole and Southern cooking offering three meals daily including her popular breakfasts and special events in a private room- all in a family- friendly, warm atmosphere. Jamie is working with the city to offer internships with a goal toward business and culinary training. She currently operates a WildFlour in the Community Christ Church, the Yellowbox, in Naperville after operating successful establishments in the Fulton market and other Chicago locations.
The council approval in 2025 differs from this request in two material ways. The original location for WildFlour (then named Lizzy J’s cafe) was in the Terminal building at 2 North Broadway. The landlord, who had a separate loan agreement (approved at the same time in 2025), ran into cost overruns and abruptly cancelled WilFlour’s lease. Jamie made a separate deal with JH 17-19 Broadway, LLC for their building at 17-19 N Broadway.
The second change is that the original WildFlour capitalization included a finish line grant of $50,000; the program has been terminated. The net impact is that the total city commitment will reduce from $300,000 to $250,000.
DISCUSSION:
Prior to termination of the previous Council approved agreement, the city funded $42,026.58 that was allocated between WildFlour and the landlord. The landlord has been billed for their prorated share.
The chart below shows the $22,263.29 that Jamie has already borrowed, plus the $11,282.80 that she has contributed, totaling $33,546.09 of funds expended to date.
|
Expense |
Wildflour Debt/COA Loan |
Wildflour Equity |
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kitchen Equipment |
($13,719.54) |
($6,096.96) |
($19,816.50) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketing/Branding |
($2,500) |
($2,500) |
($5,000) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Design/ Layout |
($6,043.75) |
($2,685.84) |
($8,729.59) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses |
($22,263.29) |
($11,282.80) |
($33,546.09) |
Assuming the $250,000 loan is approved, the city will immediately deduct $22,263.29 that has already been advanced. The remaining funds would be disbursed as follows:
1st Disbursement - $40,000 upon issuance of commercial remodel permit
2nd Disbursement - $50,000 upon 100% approval of rough inspections
3rd Disbursement - $50,000 upon proof of previous expenses submitted to the CFO and invoices for subsequent disbursal requests
4th Disbursement - $50,000 upon proof of previous expenses submitted to the CFO and invoices for subsequent disbursal requests
5th Disbursement - $37,736.71 upon receiving final certificate of occupancy
The lease between Wildflour and 17-19 JH Broadway, LLC spells out the total project budget and most importantly that this $250,000 is the maximum financial obligation of WildFlour. It is allocated to complete the kitchen, FF&E, grease trap, and other restaurant related items. All monies to complete the "white boxing" of the space and any other "shortfall" to turnkey the space into a full-service restaurant over and beyond this $250,000, as detailed on working drawing when they are submitted and an approved associated budget, is the responsibility of the landlord.
The loan to WildFlour, which is guaranteed by its founder, Jamie Gilmore bears interest at the rate of 5.5%. The intent is to get the loan to be repaid by the collection of sales, food and beverage taxes which, at 4% against projected revenues of about $1,200 000 are estimated at $48,000 per year. The amortization schedule shows repayment in 7 years.
The loan is structured so as to have a "look back" every two years after opening. The look back is defined as whatever shortfall that may have accrued between the loan debt service as shown on Exhibit H and the actual sales and food and beverage taxes that are collected annually during the first two years. This shortfall will have to paid back upon invoicing and will continue to be supplemented after year four as needed on a bi-annual basis.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
As a project approved over a year ago, modifying its terms, will enable WildFlour to finally move ahead. Funds will come from the Transformation Fund, the same as the previous agreement, so as not to impact the city’s budget.
The opening of WildFlour will expand dining and entertaining choices in the downtown and help service existing and new residents and visitors. There will be a positive spillover for the emerging development on Galena and Broadway corridors. The Paramount, the Venue and other locales will be able to cross market with new choices, and the locally owned restaurants will add to the city’s unique possibilities.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution authorizing approval of the Loan Agreement between the City of Aurora and Jamie Gilmore. Given that the loan presupposes specific performance by the landlord JH 17-19 Broadway, LLC memorializing these obligations.
ATTACHMENTS:
Redevelopment Agreement
Lease
cc: Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Commission
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing a redevelopment agreement between the city of Aurora, Jamie Gilmore, LJ Hospitality Group Corporation, and JH 17-19 Broadway, LLC for the purpose of facilitating the redevelopment of the vacant commercial space located at the ground level of 17-19 North Broadway in downtown Aurora.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, WildFlour is a majority owned affiliate of Jamie Gilmore has approached the City with a proposal for the development of a vacant first floor commercial space for a full service restaurant(diner) in downtown Aurora; and
WHEREAS, this commercial space at 17-19 N Broadway is currently vacant and has not generated any Sales and Food and Beverage tax income for the City or housed a tax-generating business for a significant period of time; and
WHEREAS, the City finds that this property at 17-19 North Broadway will not develop without some assistance and incentive from the City with respect to the costs of buildout; and
WHEREAS the developer has agreed to contribute to develop the Property as a restaurant in accordance with the terms and provisions hereof (the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, the City recognized the need to financially assist the project by providing WildFlour a Loan in the amount of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand dollars $250,000 amortizable in seven (7) years; and
WHEREAS, the City finds that as a direct result of the Project, the City will benefit
through the retention or creation of jobs; the strengthening of the commercial environment within the City and the enhancement of its tax base, and that the Project will serve as a catalyst for the commercial development of adjacent areas;
WHEREAS, the Project would not be economically viable but for the assistance and participation of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: pursuant to its statutory and home rule powers, as follows: that the Agreement attached to this Resolution shall be and hereby is approved; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to execute an Agreement that substantially and materially conforms to the provisions of the Agreement set forth in the attachment on behalf of the City for the redevelopment of the Property as a restaurant/diner and the provision of economic incentives to the Developer to make the Project economically viable, as set forth in the Agreement; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the several City Officers and employees designated in the Agreement are authorized to perform the function and duties set forth in the Agreement; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to execute such documents or agreements between the City and the Developer which are related to and subordinate to the Agreement so long as (1) such additional documents or agreements are consistent with and do not conflict with the provisions of the Agreement authorized by this Resolution (2) are necessary to carry into effect the purposes of the Agreement, and (3) do not create any additional liabilities upon the City.