Home Page About OPDC Available Sites & Buildings Financial Assistance Programs Business Resource Links OPDC in the Community Community Information Contact Us		Nicholas Awards The Nicholas Awards are named in honor of Robert E. Nicholas, a man with economic vision who was Oak Park’s pioneer commercial developer during the early 1900s. Lytton’s, the Fair Department Store and the Westgate area exemplify his efforts. Mr. Nicholas was an astute business leader, who served 40 years as director of the former Oak Park Trust, which is currently Chase. First presented in 1979, the awards are given at OPDC’s annual meeting in recognition of a business’s significant investment in the Oak Park business community. Lane Bryant – 1120 Lake Street Nationally recognized women’s clothing store that expanded its market by opening in Oak Park. La Bella – 1103 South Blvd. Moved from its original location with a complete rehab of its current space, with assistance from OPDC and the Village of Oak Park. McDonald’s – 111 Madison Street Gutted and rehabbed the 60 employee restaurant with prairie influences to the fit the community. Gilchrist Building – 266 Lake Street Property owner rehabbed the storefront based on a 1962 photo of the building. Afriware – 266 Lake Street This gift and retail store moved from Downtown Oak Park to this expanded space; the shop also offers music programs, poetry, book-signings, cultural events and more. Val’s halla – 239 Harrison OPDC worked with Val, an internationally-known, local institution to help find a new location when she had to move; this eclectic shop sells new and used CDs, albums and tapes. Ridge Art – 21 Harrison – also awarded to property owner Oak Park Residence Corporation A renovation project for this gallery located in Oak Park for 8 years; features Haitian and other contemporary art. 126-128 Harrison – awarded to property owners, The Filarski Family and tenants An extensive renovation to 5 storefronts, with assistance from OPDC and the Village of Oak Park. Careful Peach – 128 Harrison Unique gifts in a renovated interior; opened with assistance from OPDC. GaBelle Designs – 130 Harrison Women’s clothing boutique, featuring one-of-a-kind designs, including hats; received assistance from OPDC and the Village of Oak Park. Slim & Tone – 132-134 Harrison A work-out facility for women that features Nutri-System products. Sister 2 Sister Salon – 136 Harrison Hair salon in business for 15 years; interior renovations. Roots to Wings Barber Shop – 138 Harrison Interior improvements have increased customers. H2Go Scuba – 262 Chicago Avenue Shop features scuba equipment and travel services for diving trips. Salerno’s – 7128 Roosevelt Road In business since 1966, this Italian restaurant moved from Berwyn to Oak Park with an extensive renovation of a long-vacant building; received assistance from OPDC and the Village of Oak Park. Volvo Oak Park – 1140 Garfield Awarded for building the nation’s only vertical auto showcase designed by local architect Errol Kirsch, and based on similar concepts in Germany.