Fuller’s may open shop in Clarendon Hills

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Updated: March 11, 2012 8:08AM

Fuller’s, which has been operating an auto repair business in Hinsdale since 1946, is planning to open a similar facility in neighboring Clarendon Hills.

The Clarendon Hills Village Board approved first consideration for a permit Monday that would allow for the new facility to open at 427 Ogden Ave., which is at the southwest corner of Ogden and Woodstock Avenues. A final decision on granting of the necessary special use permit is scheduled to be voted on Feb. 20. The permit already has been recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals/Plan Commission.

The Ogden Avenue site, previously home to Dragos Auto Service, has been vacant for more than a year. Fuller’s is looking to open a new business for auto service and tire sales along with possibly selling some used cars. The plan is to use the existing structure and keep a very limited inventory of tires inside the building. No tires will be stored outside.

“We want a tire shop, and the repair business is up because of the economy,” said Colin Fuller, who operates the Fuller’s auto repair business in Hinsdale and would do the same in Clarendon Hills.

“It’s a great location for us,” Fuller said. “I have 5,000 cars a day drive by in Hinsdale (at 102 W. Chicago Ave.), and there are 30,000 a day that drive by here in Clarendon Hills because it’s along Ogden Avenue. It’s a great spot and would be great promotion for us.”

Fuller said the existing building is in excellent condition.

“The owner of the building kept it in great shape,” he said, referring to Drago Velkavrh, from whom he would likely lease the space for three years and possibly purchase it in the future. “I want to stay there for a long time. I need to add two more lifts, but there’s not a lot of other work that needs to be done there. I’m hoping to open for business April 1.”

Village President Tom Karaba said he thinks Fuller’s is a great fit.

“It fits the profile of Ogden, and they’ve been in business in the area for a long time,” he said.

Clarendon Hills has an Ogden Avenue Redevelopment Strategy encouraging redevelopment and/or changes in the uses and facilities in that area. The village has adopted the Ogden Avenue Tax Increment Financing district over the area as a means to spur redevelopment.

Future redevelopment of the property as part of a larger site could still be a possibility. Village officials are asking that Fuller’s sign a letter of agreement to cooperate with them on future redevelopment.