The Joliet City Council Tuesday unanimously approved a lease agreement for a Mexican restaurant that will take over space formerly occupied by McGrain Brewery that closed in 2023.
The approval means Casa Catrina Mexican Heritage Cuisine will soon occupy the city-owned space inside the old Joliet Union Station at 50 E. Jefferson St.
The approval stipulates a five-year lease agreement that is expected to generate $464,153 in rent and over $230,000 in sales, property, food and beverage taxes.
According to information provided at Tuesday’s meeting, the rent for the first year is $7,000 per month. The monthly rent then increases to $7,350 in second year; $7,717.50 in third year; $8,103.38 in fourth year; and $8,508.54 in the fifth and final year.
The city received four different proposals to fill the vacancy. But Dustin Anderson, Joliet’s community development director, said Casa Catrina provided the most appropriate family-friendly fit to occupy the vacant space in downtown.
Not everyone agrees with the decision to put another Mexican restaurant in the area downtown. Joliet resident Dave Connor was disappointed that there wasn’t another viable option for a space so central in the downtown area. “They’re already Mexican restaurants in the downtown it’s disappointing that this was the only viable option the city could find for that location.” Sally Jackson, also a resident said, “with new development going on downtown possibly more going on in the City Center once it’s complete it would be nice to have diverse dining options.”
The tenant will be responsible for utilities and property taxes, Anderson added.
In other city news, the council learned the tax levy rate will not change compared to last year, meaning there will not be a property tax increase. The 2025 tax levy was six cents less than previous year, according to Kevin Sing, finance director. This marks the second consecutive year without a tax increase, he added.
Only about 12 percent of a Joliet resident’s property tax bill goes to the city or roughly $12 for every $100 paid in total property taxes.
Additional revenue from the levy will come from new homes, businesses and industrial developments. Sing said property taxes represent approximately 22 percent of Joliet’s general fund revenues that support essential services like police, fire, public works and the library.
Other taxing bodies in Joliet, such as Joliet Junior College and Joliet Township High School District 204 also have their own levies.
