Joey T’s set to be razed

McHENRY – The demolition equipment is in place, and the building that housed Joey T’s could be razed any day now.

A permit was issued by the city late last week for demolition of the Dobyns House, 1202 N. Riverside Drive, after it was heavily damaged in a Feb. 10 fire that police said was arson. A house and garage to the north already have been taken down, and another building across the street also is slated to get the ax.

The Miller family, who own the property, has told city officials that repair costs of more than $1 million are too expensive.

“To deny a demolition permit when the cost of restoring it would be more than the insurance could be worth didn’t make sense,” City Administrator Doug Maxeiner said. “I know there’s an emotional attachment and a historical significance to the community, but I don’t think we can bankrupt the property owner to restore it to the original condition.”

The city’s Landmark Commission, which serves as an advisory board, was at a stalemate regarding the building’s future. Its members split a vote on whether to recommend the demolition.

The commission asked the city to set up a meeting with the Miller family, who own the building, but the connection was never made, Chairman Pat Wirtz said.

“We tried,” he said. “It didn’t seem like there was any hope in saving it and we don’t have the power to stop that kind of thing. And I don’t know if that would have been right or wrong, either.”

The Dobyns House was built in 1929 and has been used as a home, antique shop, and restaurant, but did not have official landmark status. For about 10 years, it was home to Joey T’s on the Fox, co-owned by Joe Tallurico and Steve Scully.

“Up until the fire, this was going to be a key element of the Riverwalk,” Wirtz said. “It was a wonderful building, but it just isn’t to be.”

Three teens – Brian Lawler, 19, of South Bend, Ind.; Kasimer Sowa, 17, of Wauconda; and Joseph Drews, 19, of McHenry – were charged with arson, burglary and theft over $300.

Wirtz said the commission checked with the city to find out whether it could buy the property, but said it wasn’t feasible with the current economy.

City Administrator Doug Maxeiner said that the Millers likely would put the property up for sale. It is currently zoned for downtown commercial development.

“Back when the development boom was going on, that property was included in our TIF district,” Maxeiner said. “There was a lot of interest in mixed-use, condos, office.”

He said he saw about a half dozen concepts for the property.

“Whoever buys it would have to come and meet with us to get whatever permits they need,” Maxeiner said.