Oswego awards $21,193 grant for Washington Street building renovation
The village board approved funds to help UrbanEdge Commercial Ventures LLC install a grease trap and replace the parking lot ahead of Hell's BBQ's move.
By Harper Collins ·
The Oswego Village Board voted unanimously on Nov. 2 to approve a $21,193 economic incentive award. The grant will support renovations at 228 E. Washington St. as Hell’s BBQ prepares to open a new location in the building.
UrbanEdge Commercial Ventures LLC, the building's owner, will use the funds to cover a portion of the renovation costs. The company purchased the property in December 2024 after Danelli’s retired from the site. Danelli’s had operated at that address since 1985 before moving to a smaller location near the Fox River.
UrbanEdge plans to invest nearly $49,000 in total improvements to the structure. The work includes the design and installation of a new 250-gallon grease interceptor. The project also covers the complete replacement of the parking lot area.
Oswego Economic Development Director Kevin Leighty explained that the building lacked a grease trap due to its age. He stated that the new installation is a standard requirement for restaurants operating today. Leighty noted that the grease trap costs approximately $32,386 and the parking lot work is estimated at $16,500.
The grant program allows for an award of up to 50 percent of the costs for interior building improvements. The maximum grant for parking lot work is capped at $5,000. This calculation results in the total award of $21,193 for the property owner.
Village trustees separately approved a $40,000 grant for Hell’s BBQ in October. That funding is distinct from the property owner's award and will support a project estimated to cost approximately $100,000. Hell’s BBQ will upgrade the kitchen hood with an ANSUL fire protection system and build a concrete area for a meat smoker. The work also includes fencing for the smoker area and exterior painting of the building's façade.
Keith Richards founded Hell’s BBQ as a catering business in 2014. The company opened its first brick-and-mortar store in November 2022 at 1019 Station Drive in the Oswego Junction shopping center. That location closed in July of this year.
