Glen Ellyn trustees voted 3-2 on Tuesday, Sept. 29, to reject a beauty salon's bid for a downtown storefront at 524 Duane St. The majority said the site, steps from the future Prairie Path Park, should stay reserved for a retail tenant.

The Parlor, a salon concept proposed by Glen Ellyn couple Michael and Jennifer Hilmers, had sought a special use permit to operate in the space formerly occupied by Alla Moda Boutique.

The storefront has sat empty since March.

The site falls within the village's C5A downtown retail core district, which Community Development Director Jennifer Heneghan told the board exists to "emphasize a pedestrian shopping experience," Patch first reported.

Trustees Kalinich, Thompson and Bhagwakar voted no. Trustees Robert Duncan and Kelli Christiansen voted yes.

The Glen Ellyn Plan Commission voted 4-1, with one abstention, on Aug. 27 to recommend the permit. Heneghan told the board that commission members had no objection to The Parlor's specific business plan but opposed granting any additional service-business approvals in the C5A district.

The village's own May 2026 Zoning Code Diagnostic Report found that the C5A framework "relies on highly specific use lists, layered special uses, and frequent PUD triggers that make it hard to adapt to evolving business models."

Trustees split on what downtown needs

Trustee Kelley M. Kalinich said keeping a retail tenant at 524 Duane St. is "super important to help draw people into the park," referring to Prairie Path Park, the new downtown community park under construction nearby. The Glen Ellyn Park Board officially named the park at its May 19 meeting.

Trustee Sonia Desai Bhagwakar cast what she called "a reluctant no." She said other special use permits the board has granted in the C5A district had been hard to fill but predicted a retail tenant would not have trouble leasing this spot.

Duncan pushed back. He argued The Parlor's plan was well thought out and would draw customers from neighboring communities who would then spend money at surrounding shops.

"If we deny the permit, it's a real missed opportunity," Duncan said.

Christiansen noted The Parlor planned to stay open until 8 p.m. most nights of the week, a draw for a downtown she said goes "dead after about five or six o'clock."

Petitioners pitched retail element

Michael Hilmers told the board The Parlor would sell nontoxic dyes and sustainably sourced hair-care products alongside salon services. Jennifer Hilmers, a stylist at a Hinsdale boutique, would bring clients who otherwise would not shop in Glen Ellyn, he said.

Village President Jim Burket said he agreed with Duncan and Christiansen but did not cast a vote. After the tally, Burket told the Hilmers he hopes they find another location in the village.