Purchased by Scott Simpson Builders as its new headquarters, the weathered home with aluminum siding at 1529 Shermer was used as a residence until last year, officials said. While the modest neighborhood to the east remains residential, ranch homes on either side of the property were long ago converted to commercial use and include a lawyer and a barber shop, replete with a barber pole in the front yard.

“The comprehensive plan designates this property and the ones that have already been changed, as appropriate for commercial uses,” said Michaela Mitchell, a village planner.

The rezoning, approved by the village board on Tuesday, includes a restrictive covenant that the property house only low-intense commercial use and maintain the residential character of the adjacent neighborhood. The owner plans to build a new garage which has already passed muster with the architectural control commission, Mitchell said.

Concerned about potential street parking issues, a half-dozen neighbors on Oak Avenue filed a handwritten letter about the change with the village last month. But none voiced opposition at the board meeting.

— TribLocal