TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dustin Anderson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT:
Resolution Authorizing a Lease Extension Agreement for the Snack Bar at Gateway Transportation Center, 90 E. Jefferson Street, with GiGi's Sweets, LLC
BACKGROUND:
Since June of 2023, GiGi‘S Sweets LLC has leased and operated a snack bar at the Gateway Transportation Center, located at 90 E. Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 (PIN: 30-07-10-335-013-0000). The leased premises consist of approximately 194 square feet within the Gateway Transportation Center, together with access to common areas necessary for the operation of the business. GiGi's Sweets provides candy, pastries, popcorn, snack items, and non-alcoholic beverages to commuters, visitors, and patrons of the transportation center.
The current lease term is scheduled to expire in June 2026. Tenant has requested an extension of the lease agreement to allow for the continued operation of the snack bar at the Gateway Transportation Center. Economic Development staff has reviewed the current lease arrangement and recommends a lease extension agreement with GiGi's Sweets. The proposed extension would ensure the continued availability of services and amenities for commuters and visitors while establishing updated lease terms for the property. The proposed lease modifications include the following:
• A one-year lease extension retroactive to July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2027.
• Two additional one-year renewal options, subject to the mutual written agreement of both parties.
The proposed rent schedule is as follows:
Economic Development staff recommends approval of the proposed lease extension, which will retain an established tenant and maintain active commercial use within the Gateway Transportation Center.
Land Use & Economic Development recommended approval of this item at their June 17, 2026 meeting.
CONCLUSION:
The proposed lease extension agreement includes the following key terms:
• Extension of the current lease for one (1) year beginning July 1, 2026.
• Two (2) additional one-year renewal options subject to mutual written agreement of the parties.
Approval of the lease extension will allow GiGi's Sweets to continue operating within the Gateway Transportation Center while ensuring continued service to commuters and visitors and maintaining occupancy of the snack bar space.
RECOMMENDATION:
Based on the above, it is recommended that a Resolution Authorizing a Lease Extension Agreement with GiGi's Sweets, LLC for operation of the snack bar at the Gateway Transportation Center located at 90 E. Jefferson Street be approved by the City Council.