City Recognizes Local Businesses for Beautification and Dedication to the Community

Highland Park businesses are the recipients of the 2017 Beautification and Business Recognition Awards

At the Regular Meeting of the City Council on Monday, October 23, 2017, The City of Highland Park (the City) recognized Sovereign Brands (1300 Old Skokie Road), Michael’s Chicago Style Red Hots (1879 Second Street), and Highland Park Hospital (777 Park Avenue West) with the 2017 Mayor’s Beautification Award. Additionally four businesses were recognized for their dedication to the community.  The Volunteer Pool of Highland Park (2031 Sheridan Road) and Corvette City (3046 Skokie Valley Road) have been in Highland Park for 50 years, Zengeler Cleaners (2020 First Street) for 75 years and Mutual Ace Hardware and Rental (1393 Half Day Road) for 100 years. Each received the Mayor’s Business Recognition Award. Businesses are recognized by the City Council at their 50-year milestone and then every 25 years thereafter.

The City of Highland Park Mayor’s Beautification Awards are awarded annually to recognize local commercial businesses or commercial properties that have successfully integrated aesthetics that are consistent with the community brand through attractive landscaping, streetscape, signage, and window displays. The Business Recognition Awards are awarded for longevity and service. The Business & Economic Development Commission works closely with area businesses and manages the award process for the City.

The Sovereign Brands building has been renovated as an urban style office/warehouse space and features a Massa wood entry wall and a rooftop deck with steel cable railings and awnings that give visual contrast and an appealing modern look. Michael’s Chicago Style Red Hots’ recent renovation included a new awning and outdoor tables as well as stencil drawn illustrations on the interior walls that pay homage to the Highland Park Community. Highland Park Hospital’s landscaping project replaced over 90 trees and planted more than 150 shrubs, trees and flowers throughout the campus. The improved landscaping provides for a more appealing look for visitors, neighbors and patients of the hospital.

“The businesses that were recognized have made it their mission to continuously improve their business to better serve our community and beyond. The community is grateful and proud that they have chosen Highland Park as their home as evident by these awards,” said Business and Economic Development Commission Chair Paul Miller.

For additional information regarding the 2017 Beautification Awards and Business Recognition Awards, please contact the City’s Business Development Manager Carolyn Hersch at 847.926.1027.


Front Row: Sovereign Brands Managing Partner Brian Berish, Leslie Berish, Highland Park Hospital Assistant Vice President Bufi Selimos, Highland Park Hospital President Jesse Peterson Hall, and Michael’s Chicago Style Red Hots General Manager Ben Unger. Back Row: Councilmen Adam Stolberg, Kim Stone, Daniel A. Kaufman, Anthony E. Blumberg, Alyssa Knobel, and Michelle Holleman.


Front Row: Mutual Ace Hardware & Rental Owner Chris Sheahen, Mutual Ace Hardware & Rental Owner Kyle Sheahen and Volunteer Pool of Highland Park President Sally Spero Back Row: Councilmen Adam Stolberg, Kim Stone, Daniel A. Kaufman, Anthony E. Blumberg, Alyssa Knobel, and Michelle Holleman.