Two new leases announced for downtown Highland Park

• Reprints

Updated: March 3, 2012 8:03AM

The business activity in downtown Highland Park continues to press forward as two new leases were announced last week.

In addition to the momentum gained earlier with @Properties real estate firm moving into the entire second floor office space completing the former Borders building overhaul, a new boys clothing store and a health and wellness food service company also are moving onto Central Avenue early this year.

Chicago-based real estate broker Endurance Retail Partners, the same firm that inked all four tenants for the Borders space, reported that Cargo 4 Boys and In The Raw will occupy 479 and 483 Central Ave., respectively.

Since opening in 2008, the Cargo 4 Boys only sells apparel and accessories for boys, from infant to pre-teen ages. The company currently boasts stores in South Barrington and Burr Ridge.

“It’s impossible to find a store that gives boys their own place,” said Brian Parker, Cargo 4 Boys’ operations manager. “Most stores are 90 percent for girls with a couple racks for boys. We also have TVs and video games to keep the boys and dads entertained.”

Cargo 4 Boys’ owner is a Wilmette resident, Parker said, adding to the company’s motivation to open on the North Shore.

“We’re excited about the neighborhood,” Parker explained. “We think it’s a great fit for our product. We love the entire downtown environment.”

Cargo 4 Boys plans to open around March 1.

Also targeting a spring opening, In The Raw boasts a new concept in the health and wellness food service industry. The all-natural organic Juice Bar and primarily raw food restaurant offers an option to those seeking a sustainable change to their eating habits.

The fast-casual model will offer a detox program, gluten-free restaurant and cooking classes.

“Our organic offerings will reach far beyond drinks and smoothies to cutting edge gourmet cuisine,” the company announced. “The daily menu will be the creations of our chefs, both graduates of The Matthew Kenney Culinary School. In addition to our delicious food, the “juice-ologist” has been working with us to create the best, and best tasting detox program in the country.”

The two new downtown Highland Park additions are on top of the 24 new businesses that opened in the business district in the last year. The Downtown Highland Park Business Alliance also boasted that Fly Wheel, Bouillon Express and Highland Pop are “coming soon.”

“Downtown Highland Park draws both residents and visitors as the ‘go-to’ community on Chicago’s North Shore for the latest restaurants, trends and styles, a wide variety of retailers to choose from,” said Al Klairmont, who chairs the downtown business alliance. “In downtown Highland Park one can experience diverse fashion options; from designer to affordable, unique salons and spas, services, fitness centers, and arts and cultural events. This expansion represents the downtown alone of businesses and services. Downtown Highland Park is committed to providing everything one would seek from the big city, in a welcoming, family friendly environment.”