As we wait for the City of Chicago to issue our construction permit, I’m finalizing our construction loan with Old Second National Bank. They are a wonderfully healthy bank, and the construction loan we were offered 18 months ago is still coming through for us, in spite of the banking crisis. Bob Briski, our commercial lender is terrific. In fact, we wouldn’t own the building without him. We had two weeks to close on this property– which normally takes 2-3 months– and he made it happen, while protecting us with all the usual due diligence. I can’t say enough good things about Old Second National Bank. As we’re all learning, finding a bank you can trust in this environment is no small asset. Without them, there would be no Logan Square Kitchen.

As great as our bank is, I must admit it was more fun to buy a range and two convection ovens over the weekend. The bad economy is helping us, as we are able to buy used kitchen equipment that’s like new, for about half the prices we budgeted. All of this puts the Kitchen on a much firmer financial footing (whew– say that fast three times!) March Equipment Co. in Addison has great deals.

It’s another busy week interviewing for an accounting firm, and finalizing financing, and looking toward our LEED Design Review. More on the LEED submission later, off to copy more documents!