Harry's Adding Patio Deck to Shorewood Location

A patio deck is where it's at.

At least, that’s what co-owner Elias Chedid said when asking village officials to help offset the cost of a new patio deck for the Shorewood restaurant.

"Patios are very popular these days," Chedid said. "It's hard to compete without a patio in the summer."

Shorewood’s Community Development Authority approved $57,950 in grant money for the renovations from the Business Improvement District’s Façade Improvement grant program. The measure does not need any further approval from village officials. Village Manager Chris Swartz said the grant is within the village's budget.

The $157,200 patio for Harry's, 3549 N. Oakland Ave., will include a new patio with tables, a fire pit and string lighting. The contractor, The Home Renovator, will use stone for the legs of the platform and other material used by nearby buildings, Chedid said. Harry's will add greenery to go along with Specator Park next door. There will not be music played on the patio, Chedid added.

Chedid said Harry's has been around for a while and it's time to upgrade.

"You have to always keep your business fresh," he said. "It's really about entertainment and ambience."

Harry’s is also asking the village to split an $8,400 cost to redo its driveway so emergency vehicles and other service vehicles can make it through currently narrow driveway.

Swartz said the widening of the driveway is something the village has wanted to do for a while now.

“The fire department would have to fight a fire from the parking lot,” he said, referring to a parking lot for the nearby park. 

The Village Board will have to approve the support for the driveway access.

Chedid said Harry's also plans to spend about $80,000 improving the restaurant’s interior.