A vacant former retail store in the heart of Downtown Galesburg is undergoing an exterior beautification project that owners hope attracts a restaurant and other tenants to the East Main Street property.
Candace D’Agnolo-Palermo and her husband Joey Palermo of East Galesburg purchased the former Dollar General Store, 354 E. Main St., in August 2021 with intentions of dividing the building into four retail spaces, all with entrances on South Seminary Street.
She said, however, their lives, and plans for the building have changed in the last two years.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience with us so far,” D’Agnolo-Palermo. “We had our first child and welcomed Carmine into the world early 2023. Plus, there were some hurdles we uncovered with the property. Those are resolved and we’re moving forward.
“The vision of the project has shifted slightly … less commercial spaces which limits the variety of businesses we can rent to, and no to minimal faux facade appliqués.”
Owners start exterior beautification of Main Street building
D’Agnolo-Palermo said the project “remains fluid.” She notes at least 3,500 square feet is available at the front corner of the building at Seminary and Main streets.
“It depends how current negotiations work out,” she said. “We do not plan to make this space any smaller. We’d love to welcome a restaurant and can accommodate one.”
While exterior changes to the property have been minimal to date, D’Agnolo-Palermo said her husband has done plenty of cosmetic work on the inside of the former Dollar General.
“Between the basement, the first floor and mezzanine we’ve probably gone through 310 gallons of paint,” she said. “There’s still lots to do inside.
“The good thing is that we are moving forward. Slow progress is still progress and beautification is coming to the corner this fall.”
Exterior work now under way includes cleaning the facade, and priming and painting the building a new color before winter. New openings along Seminary Street and new windows will happen once D’Agnolo-Palermo finalizes tenants.
‘Exceptional visibility and accessibility’
The former Dollar General “hasn’t been touched since the 1980’s and needs a lot of love to be ADA compliant,” according to D’Agnolo-Palermo.
But she’s confident “exceptional visibility” and accessibility in the Seminary Street Historic Commercial District will make the property a draw for prospective tenants.
“I’d dare to say it’s the corner with the most foot traffic in Knox County,” D’Agnolo-Palermo said.
Interested tenants can contact D’Agnolo-Palermo at seminaryandmain@gmail.com or by calling or messaging (312) 371-7827.