Despite impassioned pleas from its investors, a variance request that would allow a medical spa business to open in the heart of downtown Naperville was rejected by the Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission.
Skinovatio cannot open at 133 S. Washington St. without city permission because downtown zoning prohibits medical-related businesses from occupying first-floor locations reserved for stores and restaurants.
The business’ owners pleaded with commissioners to make an exception for them because they have invested thousands of dollars in leasing and doing demolition and construction work at the site.
Naperville community planner Gabrielle Mattingly said city staff had no problem with the business itself, but it needs to be in an upper-level location if it’s going to be downtown.
“The objective of the B4 district is to provide opportunities for retail-type businesses on the street level that create a shopping destination for pedestrian traffic within a concentrated commercial area,” Mattingly said. “While staff is supportive of a medical spa tenant within the downtown, staff does not find the use as appropriate on the first floor as it does not contribute to a retail environment.”
Skinovatio’s owners argued that they anticipate 25% to 35% of their business will come from retail sales and they would be open to walk-in appointments.
“When people walk past our company … they can come in and get a service done,” co-owner Kumail Hussain said. “It can range from 15 to 20 minutes to an hour and people will leave feeling amazing. They want to go eat. They want to go spend money on themselves. … The kind of vibe that we create will really prompt spending and people visiting from all over.”
While there are other first-floor salons and spas nearby, as the owners noted, the medical aspect is what differentiates them from what’s being proposed by Skinovatio, Mattingly said.
Also opposed to the proposal were the Naperville Development Partnership, Downtown Naperville Alliance and former Planning and Zoning Commissioner Tim Messer, all of whom asked the commission to reject the variance in its recommendation to the Naperville City Council.
More Top Picks Best Reciprocating Saws With Extension Pole
“Allowing a med spa use on the first floor would open the flood gates to numerous med spas, dental/orthodontist and medical offices that currently occupy upper-level space,” the two business organizations wrote in letter to the commission.
The proposed med spa offers services similar to others located in upper floors locations downtown, including microneedling, chemical peels, hydrafacials, laser hair removal and dermaplaning, they said.
Investor Saad Zuberi said he spoke to someone at the city at time he was signing the lease in November and was given oral approval to move forward with the project. While he could not recall the name of the person to whom he spoke, he moved forward based on that information and spent $30,000 on demolition and interior building before learning a med spa might not be allowed there.
“I spent too much money to back off from this project,” Zuberi said. “We were putting marketing dollars out there to market that we’re coming soon. We have people calling every day, ‘When are you guys opening?'”
Commission Mark Wright said the commission was charged with one thing in regard to their request: determining if it is appropriate for a downtown storefront.
“I do think that a business of this type would do very well in Naperville, but unfortunately what we’re here tonight to decide is is this the proper use for a business on the first floor?” Wright said. “In fairness to the other businesses that are similar to this in downtown Naperville who are also on second-floor property, unfortunately I’m going to be voting no on this tonight.”
While the request goes to the council with a commission recommendation that the variance be rejected, the final decision will be made at a future council meeting.
Giles Bruce is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.