Cannabis dispensary could fill former bank building in Machesney Park

The former Illinois Bank & Trust at 1515 West Lane Road on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Machesney Park. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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MACHESNEY PARK — Village officials are considering a measure that could clear a path for a cannabis dispensary to operate inside the former Illinois Bank & Trust building on West Lane Road.

The board is slated to give an initial reading Monday night to an ordinance that would allow for a dispensary in the building at 1515 West Lane Road. Trustees must grant a variance from village rules, which require a dispensary to be at least 250 feet from residential property, in order for a dispensary to use the space. The property is on the other side of Kimber Drive from multifamily residences.

Village Administrator James Richter II said officials don’t yet know who the operator of the dispensary would be. First Midwest Group, the real estate firm that owns the building, said it’s not able to discuss plans for the property at this time.

Richter said First Midwest Group approached the village to ask for a variance at the property, which has the ability to be retrofit into a dispensary.

Under state law, cannabis products must be stored in a reinforced vault when the store is closed. “This building, obviously, already has a vault built in,” Richter said.

First Midwest Group purchased the building from HTLF Bank, the parent company of Illinois Bank & Trust, for $1.1 million on Dec. 31, according to records from the Winnebago County Clerk & Recorder’s Office.

Mayor Steve Johnson said the village is looking at the proposal as a business opportunity and a chance to fill a vacant property.

“If it isn’t there, it’s going to probably be two blocks down the street in another community,” Johnson said.

Trustee Neil Rote, who represents District 3 where the property is located, said Friday he had not had the opportunity to review the proposal yet and couldn’t comment. Trustee Joe Seipts, whose District 1 territory is on the other side of West Lane Road from the building, said it is potential tax revenue for the village.

“I’m not for or against it, but the state level made it legal and we live with it,” Seipts said.

“If we don’t do: Loves Park’s already got one and they’re getting revenue. South Beloit’s got one and they’re getting revenue. Rockford has it and they’re getting revenue,” he said. “So if they don’t come here they’re going to go somewhere else. It’s not like it’s going to go away.”

Monday’s meeting is scheduled for a first reading of the proposed ordinance. A final vote is not expected until July 7.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas

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