WEST TOWN — New life is coming to the shuttered Hacienda Tecalitlan: if everything goes as planned, by this time next year medical patients will be able to get their hearts taken care of in the same spot that once served generous scoops of guacamole along Ashland Avenue.
"There are no heart specialists in the area right now. There are a lot of heart problems, a lot of diabetes. It will be a good addition to the neighborhood," said Dr. John Monteverde, a cardiologist who just started a build out of a medical office for himself and any other doctors that might want to rent space next to him at 820 N. Ashland Ave.
Just north of the Ashland and Chicago avenues intersection, Monteverde bought the 15,263-square-foot bank-owned building for for $731,500 in Dec. 2011, county records show.
Featuring a stucco facade and decorative window bars made to resemble balconies, the 21-year-old building has been boarded up since 2010, when the eatery, which had mixed reviews on Yelp.com but got raves for its authentic Mexican courtyard vibe and dance floor, shuttered.
A city permit issued last summer approved work that would stabilize the building's foundation. Another permit for an approximately $600,000 renovation was issued in September, records show.
Hacienda Tenichtitlan, a family-run restaurant, maintains another active location at 1814 W. Chicago Ave. that has a similar facade to its original location.
Monteverde, a veteran cardiologist with more than 40 years of experience, is affiliated with several Chicago area hospitals including Presence Saints Mary Elizabeth Medical Center, 2333 W. Division St., according to an online listing that Monteverde confirmed was correct.
"I am an independent doctor but yes, I practice at many hospitals," Monteverde said.
Monteverde said he anticipated the renovation would take about a year to complete. The building will offer 16 parking spots for patients, he said.
Designed by architect Phillip Kupritz, the facade will be removed and replaced by glass and more modern materials, so it will look nothing like the restaurant, Monteverde explained.
For the first phase of the project, Monteverde plans to use 6,000 square feet on the first floor for offices. Renovations to the building's upper level atrium area, about 4,000 square feet, will be finished at a later time, he said.
When asked why he would consider opening a new office at a time when many other doctors with over 40 years of experience might be thinking about retiring — perhaps headed somewhere warm like the vibe the former Hacienda Tecalitlan's decor emulated — Montevarde replied, "It will be a heart center for the time being. I just want to move in. I'm too young."
Plus, he added, "I just like the neighborhood."
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