Latest news with #Shuck
Chicago Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Ribbon cut for renovated downtown building; ‘Waukegan is open for business, growth and innovation'
Before Mikki Schuk was one of the first developers to see potential in downtown Waukegan five years ago with the purchase of the massive former Blumberg Furniture store, he saw possibilities on the city's south side. In both cases, Shuck plunged ahead, thrived in his adopted hometown — he immigrated from Ukraine in 1999 at 27 — and kept going further. A multi-use building he renovated on Washington Street will soon sport a grocery store in the city's core, and a restaurant will open nearby. Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham first met Shuck during his initial term as the First Ward alderman 20 years ago. He saw how the developer could turn a dilapidated building back into a winner, and he has seen it several more times since with downtown projects. 'Most people talk about their ideas,' Cunningham said. 'He does what he talks about. He sees an opportunity, and he does something about it. He is what Waukegan needs in our downtown.' Shuck and Cunningham gripped a large pair of scissors to cut a ribbon opening his latest development in conjunction with Waukegan Community Development Partners Monday at 38 North Genesee Street, setting in motion the initial part of a potential $315 million project. 'This three-story mixed-use building — with six modern apartments and a commercial space — is more than just a structure,' Schuk said. 'It's proof Waukegan is open for business, growth and innovation. It's a place where people will live, work and contribute to our community's energy.' Though the apartments are gut-renovated and the Venezuelan restaurant will be new when it is ready in approximately six weeks, the original long blue sign affixed to the exterior wall spelling 'restaurant' in white letters on a blue background remains. A fixture in downtown Waukegan for more than half a century, the sign first welcomed diners to the Lakeview restaurant — a family-style diner — and later a Chinese restaurant before it sat vacant for a long time. 'I had it restored,' Shuck said. 'I brought in a painter who does restorations and restored its original look. It brings a little bit of the old Waukegan to the new Waukegan.' Downtown and lakefront development were a priority for Cunningham during his first term in office between 2017 and 2021. Losing in 2021, he regained the mayor's office this year, was inaugurated May 5 and it remains a priority. The current project reflects his vision. 'Adding high-quality residential housing is essential to creating a vibrant and thriving community,' Cunningham said. 'We're not just building for today, we're laying the foundation for Waukegan's future and for generations to come as we rebuild Waukegan.' Part of two renovations to start the $315 million project bringing 700 housing units and 70,000 square feet of commercial space to downtown Waukegan — the other is the former YMCA at the northwest corner of County and Clayton streets — Shuck made the first happen alone. After the city approved the first two buildings, the partnership was negotiating with the city about participation when Shuck said the owner of 38 North Genesee grew impatient. He closed the deal himself, and oversaw the renovations. With one apartment leased, Schuk said there are four one-bedroom apartments with two 1,450-square-foot units renting for $560 per month. The other pair are 1,560 square feet and will rent for $585 a month. There are a pair of two-bedroom units renting for $680. They are 1,650 square feet. In September of 2023, Schuk renovated a four-story building on Washington Street, a few blocks from the new venture. With three apartments on the upper floors, the ground floor was dedicated to commercial space. A 'high-end' grocery store will open on the ground floor as soon as an occupancy permit is issued by the city. Not long after Schuk arrived in Waukegan, development — but not downtown — was on his radar. He met Cunningham when the mayor was the First Ward alderman before renovating a mixed-use building on the city's south side. Cunningham was impressed. 'It was bad. He fixed it up with state-of-the-art cold storage. There were 20 units, and he got it to full occupancy,' Cunningham said of the building. 'He bought 110-114 South Genesee (downtown) and rehabbed some amazing apartments.' Purchasing the building on South Genesee Street — the onetime Blumberg furniture store — Schuk began his quest to help redevelop downtown. He became involved with the partnership led by lead developer Lowell Jaffe and Sam Yingling. In addition to the Genesee Street property, the partnership is renovating the former YMCA with 19 apartments on the top three floors, and 6,700 square feet of commercial space. Jaffee said as soon as a development agreement is signed with the city — he hopes it will happen in June — they will start with the rest of the $119 million first phase. Jaffe said the other three projects include renovation of the long-vacant 10-story Waukegan Building at the southwest corner of Genesee and Washington. Courthouse Square will complete the first phase, with a new mixed-use project with retail stores and 200 apartments on a city-owned parking lot kitty-corner to the former YMCA. A one-time bank building on Madison Street adjacent to the parking lot will be renovated with 75 dwelling units. 'We need to repopulate downtown Waukegan,' Jaffe said. Cunningham said an additional 500 to 700 housing units are needed in the downtown area to make it and the lakefront thrive. Jaffe said the partnership plans on 700. 'There is a need for affordable housing and the prices in Waukegan are already affordable,' Jaffe said.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Dixon auto repair business says goodbye after over 55 years of keeping community rolling
May 11—DIXON — Russ Shuck was a high school sophomore in 1968 when he took a job at a gas station at 319 W. Everett St. in Dixon. At the time, he had no idea that it would mark the beginning of a decades-long legacy. Now, more than 55 years later, his time working on vehicles at that spot — now known as Russ' Automotive Service — has come to a close. Friday was Shuck's last day in business. He sold the building to Nate Rockwood of Amboy, who plans to bring his automotive window tinting service, TintWood, to Dixon. ExpandAutoplay Image 1 of 6 Russ Shuck, who's run Russ' Automotive Service for over 55 years, hung up his wrench Friday, May 9, 2025. (Alex T. Paschal) Shuck recalls getting his start in the business by working for the former owner, Bud Carr, for 20 years and managing the business for the last five of those years. "One day, Bud went fishing and came back and said, 'You guys are doing fine running it. You should just take over,'" Shuck recalled. Shuck purchased the business from Carr in the summer of 1988. He operated it as a full-service gas station until 2006, when he closed the pumps and opened Russ' Automotive Service & Towing. "He always told me, 'You'll never get rich in the gas business but you'll never starve,'" Shuck said. "And I never did. But I made a good business out of it and I've got nothing to complain about." As the years rolled on, advancements in automotive technology kept Shuck on his toes as he learned to keep up to date through personal research and fellow mechanics. He attributes the businesses' success to transparency with his customers. "I never flinched when telling a customer what was needed and always tried to do my best," Shuck said. "They always liked me for that." Many times, Shuck went above and beyond for his customers, often creating tabs to make things easier for busy customers. He shared one example involving the rural fire department. "One night, after they got rid of their tankers, they needed fuel for their trucks and vehicles," Shuck recalled. "So, I gave them a key and told them if something happened and I wasn't here, to help themselves and make out a ticket. They were great guys and I was happy to help." Shuck is 73 years old now and moving around the shop has gotten harder. Although he will continue his towing service, he decided it was finally time to take the break he had never allowed himself over the years. "Tires and stuff on cars are getting bigger and heavier, and I'm struggling to get them up," Shuck said. "I got a bad knee. I'll continue to do the wrecker service, but working on cars is getting a little bit too much for me to handle, and I think it's a good time to get out." He plans to spend his extra free time restoring classic cars, including his 1967 Dodge Dart.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Lansing locals, leaders call for action on street racing
LANSING, (Mich.) WLNS — Lansing locals say that street racing is a recurring issue in the city, and something should be done about it. City officials agree. Lansing City Council President Ryan Kost tells 6 News it's been going on for quite a while. 12 of 13 injured in street racing crash released from hospital 'It has been a problem even before I was on City Council,' says Kost. 'These long straight big roads, five-lane roads like MLK out here, S Cedar Street, Saginaw, you hear it all night long.' The city leader says he is frustrated with what he sees as a continued problem of reckless driving in the city. Kost thinks the design of certain roads lends itself to speeding. 'And it points out a big fault in how we have our city designed, these big straight roads like this going 45, it was a problem on my way here from City Hall, I was getting blown by by vehicles,' he said. Street racing crash injured 13 people, including child, Lansing police say However, solving the issue of reckless driving is easier said than done. A simple speed limit doesn't guarantee people will drive cautiously. That's why Kost would like to see other measures taken. 'Throwing out ideas like Detroit used, which is a helicopter in the sky, so instead of having a high-speed chase through the city, you're following the car that is being pursued by the helicopter to address it,' said Kost. 'Things that have been around forever, like road diets.' A road diet happens when a road is intentionally narrowed, limiting lanes, but also limiting open road, which can be used to speed. 'There will be serious consequences': Lansing mayor says about street racing crash Locals agree, like Stan Shuck, who said he hears reckless driving on regular basis—and not just by cars. 'It's like they've got a track around the town, especially at night with the motorcycles, they zoom by there, they go down to the highway,' said Shuck. 'You can literally hear them go all the way around the city on the highway, they get back off on 496 and make the loop again,' said Shuck. 'I am still so angry': Mayor Schor says in response to street racing crash Kost also listed more stop lights and traffic circles as other methods of slowing people down. 6 News expects to hear from the city's police chief and mayor on this topic tomorrow morning. We will keep you updated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ivy Tech hosts 3rd annual 'Ivy Tech Day'
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Tuesday, Ivy Tech celebrated its 3rd annual 'Ivy Tech Day' or 'Day of Giving.' The all-day event aims to raise money through community partners, faculty, and alumni. Ivy Tech's goal was $40,000. On campus, students and staff had booths, games, and prizes for donations, while community partners had special offers to raise money. Vice Chancellor of Developing and Marketing at Ivy Tech, Alia Shuck, said the fundraising will help, not just current students, but the local community as well. 'Ivy Tech is a community partner, so we offer credentials that are aligned with the workforce needs here in West Central Indiana', Shuck said. 'The majority of our students stay and work in this region, which just adds to our economic value. When you give to Ivy Tech, really you're giving to the economic prosperity of West Central Indiana.' If you are interested in giving, it is not too late. You can visit Ivy Tech's donation website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
