Transforming a Former Auto Warehouse into a Luxury Wellness Destination
Some projects are memorable because of their size. Others stand out because of their complexity. The Fitz Aesthetic Club in Kenilworth, Illinois became one of those projects for our team because it required both.
What began as a former private auto warehouse would eventually become one of the North Shore's most anticipated luxury wellness destinations. The transformation required extensive structural modifications, complete exterior reconstruction, utility upgrades, and countless problem-solving moments along the way.
Like many successful projects, the final result looks effortless. The reality behind the scenes was over a year-long process that showcased exactly what construction management is supposed to be: anticipating challenges, adapting quickly, and finding solutions when obstacles arise.
Giving an Old Building a New Identity
Construction officially began on October 30, 2024, with the first phase focused entirely on the building's exterior. The existing structure had served as a private automotive warehouse and lacked the openness needed for a modern wellness facility. Before any interior work could begin, the building itself needed to be transformed.
Our team carefully dismantled portions of the front facade and created new structural openings to accommodate large storefront windows. Throughout November, crews worked to reshape the building while preserving its structural integrity. By December, the entire front elevation had been rebuilt, completely changing the appearance of the property from the street.
A major milestone came just before the holidays. On December 23, the final storefront windows were installed, allowing everyone involved to see the vision come to life. What had once been a closed-off warehouse suddenly felt bright, welcoming, and connected to the community.
Navigating Construction Along Green Bay Road
The Fitz sits along Green Bay Road, one of the North Shore's most prominent corridors. Because the roadway is state-controlled, construction required approvals beyond the local level. Any work affecting the public right-of-way involved coordination with both state and village agencies.
The process required drawings, insurance certificates, road bond documentation, and traffic management plans. Like many construction projects involving multiple jurisdictions, approvals did not always move as quickly as the field work.
Our team worked closely with state officials, village representatives, engineers, and consultants to keep the project moving forward. We also collaborated on revised traffic patterns that allowed construction activities to proceed while minimizing disruption to neighboring businesses and residents. While not the most visible part of the project, this coordination played a critical role in keeping the schedule intact.
Phase Two and an Unexpected Power Challenge
Phase Two officially began on April 1, 2025, focusing on the interior build-out and transformation of the former warehouse into a fully operational aesthetic club.
As construction progressed, one of the most significant challenges involved the building's electrical service. Early in the project, it became clear that additional power would be required to support the facility's operational needs. The plan was to coordinate with ComEd, increase service capacity, and ensure the building could operate as designed.
Unfortunately, the process proved more complicated than expected. Throughout construction, service requirements and available capacity were recalculated multiple times. As the project neared completion, we found ourselves with a nearly finished facility that still lacked the power necessary to operate.
Rather than allowing the issue to delay opening, our team coordinated closely with engineers, utility representatives, and local stakeholders to identify a solution. After extensive review, available capacity was located within an underground transformer behind the building. The necessary approvals were secured, the service was connected, and power was activated on the very day construction wrapped up.
Bringing the Vision Across the Finish Line
As construction entered its final weeks, attention shifted toward the details that transform a completed project into an exceptional one. Systems were tested, finishes were reviewed, and every element of the space was carefully evaluated during the punch-list process.
Like any ambitious renovation, The Fitz presented its share of challenges. There were permitting hurdles, utility issues, design adjustments, and specialty products that required additional attention. Yet those challenges are often what define a successful project. Construction is rarely about following a perfect plan from beginning to end. More often, it is about assembling the right team, adapting when conditions change, and protecting the client's vision throughout the process.
Today, visitors to The Fitz Aesthetic Club experience a polished, welcoming environment that feels as though it was always meant to exist. What they don't see are the months of planning, coordination, engineering, and craftsmanship that made it possible.
For our team at Stratum Builders, The Fitz stands as a reminder that great construction is about more than building spaces. It's about solving problems, overcoming obstacles, and delivering results that allow our clients to focus on what matters most: opening their doors and serving their community.
-Charitha Bondalapati