Novick Orthodontics has become the first recipient of a small business grant through a new program offered by the village of River Forest.
The orthodontics office owners received a $5,000 grant from the village under the façade improvement grant program, which helped fund a project to improve soffit and fascia at 7351 W. North Ave.
The program, which was approved by the village board in March, is available to small business owners and commercial property owners in River Forest’s two tax increment financing (TIF) districts, one along North Avenue and the other along Madison Street.
Robert Novick is the office administrator. Dr. Darshana Novick, his wife, is the orthodontist who operates the practice and owns the building. Novick said they were considering undertaking the project when they learned about the program.
He said he reached out to the village in late 2024 upon learning about the program but discovered it had yet to be approved. After village officials approved the program, he reached out again and filed the required paperwork.
“The process was not complicated as long as you have your ducks in a row,” Novick said. He said he would recommend the program, noting, “It worked out pretty well” for them.
He said he went through a similar process with the City of Chicago previously and rated the River Forest process as better.
In addition to soffit and fascia replacement, the project, the total cost of which was $18,600, included gutter and downspout replacement and installation of vinyl siding on a dormer.
The improvements were the first since they bought the building in 2010. At that time, they undertook what Novick called a “gut rehab,” as well as tuckpointing and new windows.
Jessica Spencer, assistant village administrator, said the idea for the program came from the village’s Economic Development Committee (EDC).
Cuyler Brown, EDC chair, said the program was introduced in a commission meeting in September 2024. He said Matt Walsh, village administrator, “led the way” by providing various versions of programs from other communities and the commissioners “spoke from their experience” as well.
“I want to thank our Economic Development Commission for their hard work on creating a program to help our local small businesses,” said Village President Cathy Adduci. “We hope that other businesses on Madison Street and North Avenue follow Novick’s lead and take advantage of our program. Beautifying our commercial corridors improves the quality of life for our residents and boosts our economy.
Brown, who has served the EDC since 2017 and as chairman since 2021, said the development of the program was a cooperative venture.
“It was truly a group effort from start to finish,” he said. “Each commissioner put a lot of thought into what they felt were important aspects of a program like this and how it would impact the business and property overall.”
Brown said he and fellow commissioners Tim Brangle, Rajendra Chiplunkar and Carr Preston developed the program but added that “invaluable input” was provided by current commissioners Liz Muhr, Matt Carolan and Scott Elza and former commissioners including Katie Lowes, Robert Graham and Wally Wahlfeldt.
He said commissioners “drew a lot of inspiration” from two Illinois municipalities, the village of Gilberts and the city of St. Charles, as well as input from the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce.
“We had a member of the chamber at each of these discussions, so it was very easy to incorporate their contributions as we went along,” Brown said. “Once we had a final draft, we provided it to the chamber for final thoughts. They circulated it among a few of their business leaders who were very excited about this opportunity and appreciated the fact that some accessibility changes were included as eligible projects for this program.
“The feedback was positive and very helpful in our coming up with the proposed structure. Of course, we always leave room for changes to be made in the future as we find needed.”
Spencer said officials have had “a couple of people” inquire about the program but so far Novick Orthodontics is the only applicant.
“The goal is to reach as many businesses as possible,” she said, noting officials are promoting the program on the village website and e-newsletter as well as an email “blast” to targeted businesses.
“We’re looking at additional strategies,” she said. “This is an exciting undertaking.”
The program’s purpose is helping businesses or property owners attract new customers or tenants. The proposed programs are funded out of funds in the TIF districts. Officials earmarked $100,000 with $50,000 for each district. However, each award cannot exceed 50 percent of all eligible activities or $5,000, whichever is less. Funding is subject to budget approval.
Priority is given to projects that improve the overall aesthetic of the commercial district; enhance the accessibility of the project; or incorporate energy-efficient or sustainable design elements. The village administrator has the final approval authority.
Eligible improvements range from energy conservation upgrades and exterior accessibility enhancements for individuals with disabilities to new primary signage and installation of awnings or canopies. Other eligible improvements include restoration of historic exterior architectural elements and installation or improvement of front and rooftop patios or walkways.
Improvements that are not eligible include acquisition of land or buildings; new construction or development that is not directly tied to enhancing the primary façade(s); interior signage and lighting fixtures; and flat roofing installation or repair.
