It's been hard to hold the secret in, but we are excited to finally share that we were chosen as one of the best boutiques in McHenry County! Thank you again for choosing us year after year. We are excited to be named, alongside some other amazing boutiques. We love you all for your support and shopping with us!
McHenry: Building owners taking advantage of facade grants to beautify their property
Black Orchid Boutique, 1237 N.Green Street, in McHenry, is one of eight businesses that have taken advantage of the city of McHenry’s revamped facade grant program to improve the outside of their buildings. (Gregory Shaver/Gregory Shaver )“I am a perfectionist,” said Eldrup, owner of Aviation Flying Furniture in McHenry. He creates speciality furniture pieces using aeronautical parts on customer requests.
After 10 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, Kurt Eldrup likes to have things just so. “I am a perfectionist,” said Eldrup, owner of Aviation Flying Furniture in McHenry. He creates speciality furniture pieces using aeronautical parts on customer requests.
That perfectionism is one reason that when he bought a shop building at 2902 W. Route 120 last fall, he wanted it to look nice for the public. That meant putting a new face on a building that hadn’t seen an update in 38 years, Eldrup said.
Eldrup is one of eight businesses owners who have taken advantage of the city of McHenry’s revamped facade grant program in the past year. First approved by the City Council in September, the program set aside $100,000 to help business owners improve the outside of their buildings.
McHenry economic development Director Doug Martin said there is less than $7,000 left in the account which won’t be replenished until the new fiscal year starts May 1, 2024.
After further tweaks by the council at the Sept. 5 meeting, the program allows dollar-for-dollar matching funds for facade work: up to $10,000 for 1 to 40 feet of linear frontage, $15,000 for 41 to 80 feet and $20,000 for 81 feet or more. Property owners are limited to one request every five years, not to exceed $20,000.
The work does not have to be only for the front of the building. Any side facing a public way, including the riverwalk, can be upgraded.
[Mayor] Wayne Jett and the City Council have done a good job of creating a culture of fun in McHenry, and people are investing in the community because they are seeing those returns.”
— Jim McConoughey, president of the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation
Martin has been the economic development director for more than 20 years and rarely saw the program, which was focused on historic property, get used prior to making changes to the program.
The difference now may be the development seen in the city, said Jim McConoughey, president of the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation.
“Building owners and investors want to make sure the dollars they put into a building has a likelihood of being returned, and McHenry has a lot of momentum behind it right now,” McConoughey said. “[Mayor] Wayne Jett and the City Council have done a good job of creating a culture of fun in McHenry, and people are investing in the community because they are seeing those returns.”
Concerts in the park, developing the Riverwalk and Riverwalk Shoppes, community events and investment in city roads and other infrastructure is part of that “culture of fun,” McConoughey said.
It creates a sort of “local patriotism” and pride in the community when residents and business owners see the city invest in itself, he said.
After the city’s riverwalk was extended behind his business, Shawn Summers knew it was time to redo his patio. Summers owns After the Fox Restaurant at 1406 N. Riverside Drive.
“It became very apparently to me that people want to sit outside since the pandemic, and with the riverwalk there I had to match the riverwalk [to] update it, to look nice,” Summers said.
According to city documents, Summers spent $28,926.12 to replace the front door, the door to the deck and to rebuild the deck with more seating. The city grant repaid Summers for $10,000 of the work, according to the documents.
Summers already was thinking about what do to about the facade when he got a letter from the city informing him grant money might be available.
“I was trying to figure out how to put a better face on the facade” when the letter arrived, he said.
For other businesses, the grants have allowed them to offer a better product.
Siriphote Kaewnopparat and her family own the Green Peapod Thai Restaurant at 1225 N. Green St., and the building next door that houses the Black Orchid Boutique.
Replacing the siding and canopy on the Black Orchid building cost the Kaewnopparats $39,279, according to city documents. The grant covered $19,639.50 of the cost.
The siding on the building that covered the front and facing the restaurant’s parking lot was peeling away. Insurance would not cover the cost of replacement. “We had to pay for it out of pocket,” Kaewnopparat said. “The price was just too expensive.”
Carol Chrisman, who runs the Black Orchid, told her landlord about the city program. Having the city help with the cost allowed her to use a higher-quality board siding than she could have afforded otherwise, Kaewnopparat said.
Dan Hart has been working on building out his new restaurant, Whiskey Diablo at 1325 N. Riverside Drive, for the past year and received $30,000 in city grant funds for exterior facade work.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, construction costs have doubled, Hart said. “Had it not been for the grant being available, I would have gone in a different direction. We wouldn’t do the window system that we did.”
That window system has fully retractable panels to open the dining room to the outdoors, Hart said.
The availability of economic development programs and grant funds makes McHenry an attractive place to locate, Hart added. He also owns the D.C. Cobb’s chain of restaurants, including the McHenry location at 1204 N. Green St.
“From an economic development standpoint, deciding where you want to put your project ... it pushes McHenry over the edge when you consider the time and money to open another place,” Hart said.
“The city of McHenry from the mayor to the council and including economic development and the building department is pushing for more and working with existing and new, to create a vibrant downtown and continue expansion.
“That is not true of all neighboring communities,” Hart said.
Grant recipients
• Whiskey Diablo: 325 N. Riverside Drive, Dan Hart, $30,000.
• After the Fox Restaurant: 1406 N. Riverside Drive, Shawn Summers, $10,000.
• Cantaritto’s Tequila Bar and Grill: 1228 N. Green St., Alma Garcia, $10,000.
• Black Orchid Boutique: 1237 N. Green St., Siriphote Kaewnopparat, $19,639.50.
• The Cottage Boutique: 1251-1253 N. Green St., Pam Martell, $2,710.
* Business TBA: 1252 N. Green St., Ezequiel Amaro, $30,000.
• Ye Olde Corner Tap: 3901 W. Main S., Patricia Knapik, $18,261.
• Aviation Flying Furniture: 2902 W. Illinois Route 120, Kurt Eldrup, $15,526.
By Janelle Walker of Shaw Media
Tina Tuesday
It's Tina Tuesday Sweater Weather Season! It should be your favorite day of the week because you get a chance at a new sweater from Black Orchid Boutique McHenry! Comment on their social media posts “Sweater Weather” to get in the running to win.
“I just love their style, you will find some of the most unique pieces there.” -Tina
Tina Bree of Star 105.5 McHenry County ! Listen today and every Tuesday to win!
Best of the Fox 2022
We’ve been keeping a secret! Thank you everyone who voted for us for Best of the Fox! This year we took one of the best! We have been honored to be chosen for the last 3 years now! We hope to make THE BEST in 2023!
McHenry Chamber WINGS Event
In October we got to be the speakers for WINGs hosted by McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce and are still on cloud 9. Loved meeting some new people, showing off some of our line on a few of our favorite ladies, and getting to wine and dine the guests with goodies and a fun time!!
We can help you dress to impress in a casual world! Stop in and see how we can do that!
Vicki and I would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who came to our ribbon cutting this year, on top of all of our family and friends who support us, the many amazing customers who love what we offer and continue to shop with us and support our small business daily, our community and everyone behind the scenes.
We are proud of being in business for 12 years, winning one of the Best of the Fox for 3 years straight and can't wait for many more to come!
McHenry Spring Sip
We had so much fun being a wine stop for the new Spring Sip that took place in McHenry earlier in May. We usually do the wine stop for the original event, that takes place in September and now we will continue to do both! For anyone who signs up for this event (400 tickets sell out in less then 5 minutes) we offer a 15% coupon they can use in store or online for that week as a thank you for coming out and supporting local. The code can be found in your wine walk guide that you receive at the event.
Huge thank you to our staff, Billy, Carl and Natalie for being amazing and helping with customers, pouring wine and serving food!
Below are some pictures taken from this years event, thanks to K-Adams Foto
McHenry Downtown Holiday Walk
Thank you so much to everyone who shopped local this weekend at the Downtown McHenry Holiday Walk We had so much fun showcasing a Christmas Story in our window and love having a tree up at Hidden Pearl Cafe! McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, you did wonderful with the event and thank you K-Adams Foto for the photos.
One of the Best of the Fox 2021
We are very excited to share with all of you, Black Orchid Boutique won 'one of the best' in this years Best of the Fox Community Choice Awards!
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We can't say THANK YOU enough for everyone who has helped us get this title, 2 years in a row! It's been a roller coasted of a 2 years and we are beyond grateful for the continued support, loyalty, small business love and kindness you have showed our business. Vicki and I (Carol) love and appreciate you all dearly!
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CHEERS
BLACK ORCHID BOUTIQUE WON BEST OF THE FOX 2020!
THANK YOU!
We could not have done it without all of YOU! Your support, your votes and your love are what make this business shine. We also could not have done this without the support of our family's, our amazing staff and our close business partners who strive to work along side us.
Some of McHenry's finest small businesses on Green Street in McHenry Illinois have come together to give you all a weeks worth of sales to end summer and kick off fall!
Cottage Boutique, White River Junction, McHenry Pet Central, , Every Little Thing Gifts and us (Black Orchid Boutique) will be having deals and discounts inside our stores from August 12th - August 16th 2020.
NOW OFFERING SCHEDULED 1-ON-1 SHOPPING APPOINTMENTS INSIDE THE BOUTIQUE!
Tuesday 11 - 4 | Wednesday 11 - 3 | Thursday 11 - 5 | Friday 11 - 6 | Saturday 10 - 4 | Sunday 11 - 3
Hours May Vary Slightly Due To Covid-19. Please Contact Us With Questions Or For More Info.
Phase three of COVID-19 starts this weekend which means we are working to re-open! 😁 We want to make sure that we are taking the right steps to re-opening so we will start with scheduled appointments! We are limited to a max of 3-4 people in the store at one time (5 total which includes whoever is working). We will be booking appointment slots each hour during our business hours. This gives you 45 minutes to shop and us a little time in between to make sure we are taking the steps to keep the store clean and sanitized.
As we follow along with the guidelines put in place for us, there are some important pieces of info we want to share to make sure we can limit issues and have an enjoyable experience for all of us!
We ask that you limit the number of people you come with when shopping. If you find that you have to bring someone with you during your appointment, you will need to book a separate spot for this person as well, otherwise we will not be able to let them in.
We will be wearing masks and ask all of our shoppers do the same. As per the rules put in place this is mandatory to enter the store.
If you don't have a mask, we will provide some upon visit, as well as have a "sanitation station" at the front of the store when you walk in and walk out!
If you or anyone in your household is experiencing or have recently experienced a fever, cough, or other symptoms of COVID-19, we ask that you call us to reschedule your appointment.
If coming in to shop, please be aware that others will be touching the clothing before and after you. We encourage washing the items you buy before you wear them and to sanitize before and after touching the clothing.
We will be doing our best to sanitize the fitting rooms after each use, steam the clothing each time it's touched and taking all necessary precessions put in place! You will see many signs and information when you come in to shop!
We hope you are as excited as us to have a 1-on-1 shopping experience with us! Lets all be safe and have some fun while shopping!
NOT SURE YOU ARE READY TO COME IN AND SHOP?
No worries! We are still offering many other ways to shop, which includes from our web-store, watching our LIVE's on Wednesday, and on Facebook or Instagram! You have the option of curb-side pick up during business hours, free delivery within 10 miles of McHenry ($75.00 minimum order) or shipping ( free with any $100.00 order)! Thank you again everyone and we appreciate the support! We can’t wait to see you all soon and we can go back to normal! Feel free to reach out to us if you have questions.
While driving down Green Street, wither to pick up your food orders, to walk around town / the riverwalk, or whatever your reason may be, SHOP THE WINDOW! Vicki and I just re-worked the window and added some cute new pieces for you to shop! give us a call or shoot us a message facebook and let us know if you have questions or what you want to buy and we can meet you for curbside pick up! ❤ #ShopndDineMcHenry #McHenryStrong #McHenryMatters
OUR ONLINE BOUTIQUE IS NOW LIVE!
With the extension of the stay-at-home order, and the unknown of when we were going to be able to open the boutique, we decided it made sense to launch an online store! We will be adding products to the store as we go, putting new products up regularly and keeping it fresh and current! We will be offering curbside pick up, free delivery in McHenry and if you spend $100.00 you get FREE shipping! LET'S GET SHOPPING!
Be one of the first 20 people to order from our online store and spend $35.00 and receive a free sampler of TsToffee *While supplies last
Want to #SUPPORTSMALL ? One good way is to buy a giftcard that you can use when we re-open! BUY NOW
Thank you again everyone and we appreciate the support! We can’t wait to see you all soon! Feel free to reach out to us if you have questions, want a personal 1-on-1 face-time shopping in the store and look for our weekly lives (WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM) where we showcase other items you can find in our boutique!
EVERYONE, MEET MY NEW PARTNER VICKI
Vicki and I have worked together for some time now and I'm excited to now call her my partner. We are both ready to take on 2020 together, and I could not be more excited! She's the breath of fresh air I needed here at the Boutique and I'm lucky to have her! Next time you are in, introduce yourself and show her some love, as well as all the other great employees I have!
Updates from the boutique!
As you all know, with everything going on right now, I had to do what's best for me, my family & customers which meant closing the boutique until COVID-19 is under control. I wanted to take this time to reassure my loyal customers and the community that I am not going anywhere and am doing everything in my power to stay on top of all this and to be present on social media as much as I can right now!
- With that being said, I am currently in the works in offering an online store front! This should be available in mid May! Until this is finished, I have started showcasing items from the store on Facebook and Instagram. If you have not seen this yet, click here and see all of the items I currently have uploaded. This is where I will be posting outfits, items from the store and keeping you up-to-date until I get my store front rocking and rolling!
- You can now sign up for our Newsletters / Email Blasts! I have been working really hard to stay on top of trends and being innovative in 2020 and that means there will be a lot of positive changes here at Black Orchid Boutique this year! You will find all of this amazing info in our email blasts so make sure you message us on facebook, fill out our “Contact” form and send us your email to be added!
- You can now buy gift cards to use inside the store!. These can be sent to a friend or used inside the boutique once we are able to re-open. Thank you again for supporting mine and other local small businesses! --> https://squ.re/2QWGtlg
I look forward to this new change and business approach! This will now allow you to shop from the convenience of your home, as well as share with family and friends from afar, who might not be able to shop the boutique, to offer them a great line of quality brands and clothing pieces to keep them trendy and fashionable. I look forward to what's to come and wanted to let you all know I appreciate your support!
Staying Fashionable During the Winter
The weather bows to no one, even when it comes to fashion. If you live in a part of the country that regularly gets hit with snow, wind, slush, and freezing temperature, you know the pain of having to put away some of your favorite pieces when those winter months hit. However, there are ways to stay on top of the fashion game when it comes to cold weather.
Invest in a Winter Coat you Love: There’s nothing better than pulling out your favorite trench coat and getting to wear it for the first time in months. If you have a great coat you love, you’re covered everyday during the winter. If you find one you love, but it isn’t the warmest, don’t forget you can layer underneath.
More Layers Equals More Style Opportunities: Wearing layers doesn’t mean you’ll look bulky. Remember to get creative with it, and try layering fun tops with textured sweater that will keep you both warm and stylish. Beanies and scarves are also cute accessories to pair with any outfit during chilly weather.
Be Prepared: Instead of running around looking for your favorite winter accessories the same day a snow storm hits, grab everything out of storage and organize it beforehand. This will ensure no late mornings, and if you need to replace any of your favorite pieces, you have time to do so.
Check the Weather: This may seem obvious, but planning around the weather can help you plan your outfits for the week. Looking like snow? Grab your favorite pair of warm boots. Expecting a cold, but sunny day? Get out your mittens and wear a pair of your favorite shoes that might not be the best in snow so you still get the chance to wear them.
Have Fun with Your Accessories: Adding a bright pop of color or fur with your scarf, hat, or pair of mittens can elevate any outfit from drab to fab, and you may even forget about the cold weather, even if it’s only for a little bit. Just because the weather is dreary doesn’t mean your outfit has to be, so remember to have some fun with it!
If you’re looking for that fun, new piece to add to your wardrobe this winter, Black Orchid Boutique can help! Stop in to our store located at 1226 N Green St. in McHenry. We have awesome pieces to choose from, stop in Tuesday - Friday from 10:30 am - 5 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am - 4 pm. See you soon!
What to Wear This Fall
From the runways of Milan and New York, to the streets of Los Angeles and Chicago, all the way to quaint McHenry, Illinois, fall is in the air, and that means fall fashion. Fashion editors and fashionistas alike are eagerly awaiting the arrival of cooler temps and these gorgeous fall fashions. In McHenry, the Black Orchid Boutique is your fall fashion destination, and we’re excited to share these looks with you today!
Red is "It" for Fall
This fall, powerful reds are turning up in everything from boots to coats and dresses to bags! This red satchel has plenty of room for your essentials, and it definitely adds that pop of power red that we’re loving this year!
Add a Little Sparkle!
Glitter and metallics continue to be popular this season, particularly in stacked bracelets and other accent pieces. Adding sparkle is an easy way to take a work outfit from day to evening, not to mention spicing up your day-to-day office wear!
Embrace Your Inner Flower Child
The sheath dress made so popular by 70’s icons like Farrah Fawcett and Joni Mitchell is making a strong comeback this season in gorgeous fall prints as well as solids and textures. This fall we will see this style in fun geometric prints that are sure to look adorable with a cowboy boot or peep-toe bootie. We are particularly loving this gorgeous gauzy sheath with the peasant neckline!
Hats Hats Hats!
Don’t forget to top off your perfect outfit with a fun (and functional) hat. This fall sees fashion move past the ubiquitous beanie of previous seasons, bringing in fun styles like bowlers, brimmed caps and bucket hats in a wide variety of colors and materials.
Vintage Inspiration
Vintage-inspired fashions are all the rage this season. Denim is back in a big way in skirts and dresses, and is especially fun paired with a trendy hat and some sparkle at the wrist or neckline. Flowing styles like long tops and bell-sleeved dresses are also making a comeback, some with embroidery or lace to spice things up.
Located in scenic downtown McHenry, Illinois, the Black Orchid Boutique offers a one of a kind shopping experience to help you find that perfect outfit or gift. We specialize in unique fashions, accessories, jewelry, and more, and new fall fashions are arriving daily! Visit us online or stop by soon!
Summer Fashion at Black Orchid Boutique
With summer in full swing, we have had a chance to watch 2017 summer fashion trends as they happen, perfecting our eye for what we know is in high demand this year. Our latest arrivals just came in, and with endless weeks of long summer days and evenings left, now is a great time to stop by Black Orchid Boutique and find the clothing and accessories you need to make your mid-and late-summer splashes!
This summer’s fashion trends really emphasize playful and flirty looks, with fun shoulder styles being one of the most notable and popular. Whether it’s off-the-shoulder or cut-out sleeves, bold and innovative shoulder-baring flatters just about any woman of any age.
Summer rompers, like the one to the left that arrived at Black Orchid last month, capitalize on both the fun, flirty look of summer 2017, as well as shows off the shoulders, with many this year having strapless or spaghetti-strap designs. Rompers are perfect summer day wear, offering comfort, freedom, flexibility, and a wide variety of interesting prints that show off your particular style.
Finally, short, sleeveless summer dresses are back in, for those who love this look, with many newly in stock at our boutique! From floral and feminine to bold, Southwestern prints, these versatile dresses can make up your daytime or evening outfit, alone or combined with a beautiful scarf, shawl, cardigan, or jacket.
Don’t let summer go out without a bang! We know there are many more parties, festivals, barbeques, family picnics, weddings, and more to celebrate before cooler weather sets in and we have to cover up with sweaters and coats. The staff here at Black Orchid is always ready to help you choose the perfect outfit for your occasion.
Black Orchid Boutique in McHenry, Illinois, specializes in unique fashion pieces, including clothing, accessories, and jewelry. Visit us to see our exciting new arrivals from Tuesday-Friday from 10:30AM to 5PM, and Saturdays from 10AM to 4PM. See more of our latest arrivals on our website or Facebook page!
Spring 2017 Season with Black Orchid Boutique
Are you ready to express your personal style through unique, one-of-a-kind fashion choices you won’t find anywhere else?
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