IAHC Patio Proposal
Mayfair Civic
At our May 14 meeting, members from the Irish American Heritage Center provided a power point presentation, followed by an open question and answer period, detailing IAHC’s Outdoor Patio Proposal. A copy of the power point presentation is attached.
The IAHC team included: Eileen Vesey, Executive Director; Tom Herion, Irish Hall of Fame President; Dominick Owens, VP; William O’Donoghue; and James McGing.
The team expressed their appreciation for the long-term support received from the Mayfair community. They emphasized their continuing commitment to serve as an exemplary community member providing valuable resources to all.
For more than thirty years, IAHC has been engaged in the restoration of its expansive facility at the corner of Wilson and Knox, which previously served as Mayfair Grammar School and Mayfair College. The facility is a prime educational and research center, as well as, an entertainment and dining destination that attracts people from the Chicagoland area, and beyond. It has hosted visiting dignitaries, such as the President of Ireland, well-known Irish performers, such as Altan, and popular entertainers, such as Conan O’Brien.
Irish dancing, language, and cultural programs are offered, and the IAHC library holds an extensive collection of Irish literature.
The Patio Proposal envisions an extension of the dining and hospitality opportunities provided in the Fifth Province Pub, located at the south end of the building. The Proposal contemplates substantial additional investment in and improvement of the Center. A 25’ by 32’ Patio would provide ground level space for approximately 24 to 28 persons to enjoy food and drink in a cozy, sheltered environment. It would operate during the warm portions of the year between late Spring and Fall. It would be managed and overseen by existing IAHC management personnel and servers that run the Fifth Province. It would provide substantial additional revenue that would help underwrite and expand the wide range of activities offered at the Center.
The Proposal would require permitting and licensing which IAHC wishes to pursue with community support. For that reason, we ask that you review the Proposal and contact us with your thoughts so they may be conveyed to IAHC to enhance the Patio design and to provide your support or comments, if any.
Please email your thoughts or express your support to me by email at rdup...@rieckcrotty.com. We would appreciate responses on or before 5:00 p.m., May 20th, so we may inform IAHC without substantial delay.
Thank you.
Ron Duplack, MCA President