The team behind The Graceful Ordinary is planning two new concepts for downtown St. Charles — a members-only cigar lounge and a raw bar with live jazz — both aiming for a 2026 debut.

Not only will these projects bring new nightlife entertainment options to the downtown area, the concepts seem as though they’ll offer a different type of experience than a traditional bar or restaurant.

Meanwhile, construction is now officially underway on the team’s Vicolo café concept in downtown Aurora.

_{SPONSORED CONTENT}

For everything from kitchen and bathroom remodels to finished basements and custom man caves, 212° Construction is the go-to contractor for Fox Valley homeowners.

With more than 30 years of local experience and a reputation built on honesty and craftsmanship, they’re the experts in turning underused or outdated spaces into rooms you’ll actually love living in.

Their team handles everything from design through final install — making the entire process smooth, clear, and stress-free. Ready to explore what’s possible inside your home? Call (630) 517-2026 for a free estimate.

The 🔒 symbol indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ Restaurant reboot: Batavia's Committee of the Whole advanced a $150K redevelopment grant to help transform the former Thorabella’s space on East Wilson Street downtown into a new upscale restaurant.

☑️ Transportation oversight: Geneva is considering joining other nearby cities in an alliance aimed at monitoring a proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern railroad merger that could affect communities along the UP-West rail line.

☑️ Rental rules: The Kane County Board approved new regulations for short-term rentals (like Airbnbs) in unincorporated areas, but several members made it clear the debate isn’t over — and a future ban is still being discussed.

☑️ Tax savings: The Sugar Grove Township assessor says many Kane County homeowners — especially seniors — are missing out on property tax exemptions that could lower their tax bills. He urges residents to double-check their statements and apply.

☑️ Life-saving drug: The Kane County Health Department is encouraging residents to carry naloxone, an easy-to-use nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose. Use this resource to learn more about naloxone and find a free distribution site nearby.

🔒 Energy shift: St. Charles officials are moving forward with a new natural gas contract to heat city facilities after letting a previous agreement expire, while continuing to explore options after rejecting a long-term power deal tied to coal.

_{SPONSORED CONTENT}

The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.

☑️ Humans’ best friends: Anderson Humane is marking its 60th anniversary by launching a “60 Stories in 60 Days” campaign inviting the community to share stories about the people and animals whose lives the organization has touched.

☑️ Adult activities: The St. Charles Park District is offering a wide range of adult programs this winter, including crochet and paint nights, puzzles, horses, and hands-on science events. Registration is now open and spots are limited.

☑️ New downtown event: Batavia MainStreet announced that tickets are now on sale for its inaugural Step into Spring: Wine Walk, set for March 21 in downtown Batavia with wine tastings at 14 local businesses.

☑️ Parade date announced: The St. Charles Business Alliance is now accepting entries for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, set for March 14 along Main Street downtown.

☑️ Community celebration: Batavia United Way is hosting a series of Dolly Parton–themed events through Saturday (1/24) to celebrate her 80th birthday while raising money for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

✳️ Looking for a preschool that feels both fun and thoughtful? Batavia Covenant Preschool blends play-based learning with a caring Christian environment, small class sizes, and experienced teachers who help kids grow in all the right ways. See what they offer.

Any jazz fans out there? The Batavia All-City Jazz Concert will be held at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre on Tuesday.

Otherwise, it’s a pretty standard schedule this week.

_{SPONSORED CONTENT}

Are you constantly trying to work around aches, pains, and worries?

If so, that’s okay. You’re not broken. You may just be dealing with old injuries, a lack of proper rest, or an overwhelmed nervous system.

And that’s exactly why Strongoo in Geneva is rolling out a new strongCARE model.

Instead of bouncing between appointments or trying to “power through,” strongCARE will give you ongoing support through movement, nervous system regulation, recovery tools, and guided care from professionals — all inside one local, connected community.

The program is launching soon, but you can reach out now to get started.

The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.

☑️ New Mexican spot: A new Mexican restaurant called Gallo Santo is hoping to open this spring in downtown St. Charles after officials review a liquor license request for the Main Street location.

☑️ Cafe debut: Not only did the Vietnamese cafe chain Bambu open its first Chicagoland location in Batavia, but it’s also the company’s first cafe inside a Walmart — where they now serve coffee, smoothies, snacks, and more.

☑️ Downtown digs: The owner of Pärla in Geneva has transformed the boutique’s original downtown location into Hamilton Hideaway, a new Airbnb rental near the Third Street and State Street intersection that can sleep up to eight people.

✳️ Upgrade your Bears gear: Bears fans — show your pride! Urban Artisan in Geneva has the hoodies, shirts, coasters, decor, and other items you need to support your hometown team in style. View their sports selection.

The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $800K custom-built ranch on nearly 1.5 acres in Batavia.

✳️ Need a trustworthy local realtor? Get in touch with Tri-Cities expert Chris Wallace at [email protected] or chriswallacere.com.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee.

☑️ Explore Local & Win | Jan 19–Mar 27 | Participating businesses, North Aurora | Shop local, earn raffle tickets, and win gift cards with a business passport.

☑️ Strong Towns Batavia Meet & Greet | Wed 1/21, 7PM | Sturdy Shelter, Batavia | Meet up with the local Strong Towns chapter and see what they’re all about!

🎟️ Tutti a Tavola Dinner | Thu 1/22, 6:30PM | Ella’s Italian Pub, Geneva | Five-course Italian dinner with wine pairings celebrating citrus season.

🎟️ Embodied Vision 2026 | Fri 1/23, 6:30PM | House of 423, Geneva | Guided vision board workshop focused on intention, clarity, and embodiment.

🎟️ Neon Glow Ballroom Dance Party | Fri 1/23, 7–10PM | The Dance Lab, STC | Neon-themed ballroom dance party with group salsa lesson.

🎟️ Improv Night with Night Moose | Fri 1/23, 8:30PM | Legends Stage at the Arcada Theatre, STC | Fast-paced improv comedy with music and audience suggestions.

If you enjoy Tri-Cities Central, please spread the word!