The problem is massage clinics aren't allowed in downtown Arlington Heights - or anywhere else in the village.
Kathleen Durand took her plan to open Massage Envy to some members of the village's plan commission on Wednesday night. No vote was taken.
"The concept is to deliver massage therapy to the general public," Durand said. "Research shows time and money are the two reasons people do not receive massages on a regular basis."
To open the facility needs a land-use variation from the plan commission and village board, said Jonathan Mendel, a village planner.
Businesses can offer massages but not as a primary service without the variation, Mendel said.
Plan commissioners expressed some reservations about the project Wednesday, saying the first floor of Arlington Town Square should be reserved for retail shops. Parking will also be a concern, Mendel said.
"That is a very popular shopping center where parking is at a high demand," he said.
Arlington Town Square is 92 percent occupied, Mendel said.
Massage Envy would have about 13 exam rooms and a waiting room. Between 15 and 30 part-time and full-time therapists would staff the business.
Patrons would have to become members of Massage Envy. For $60 a month, members would receive one hour-long massage and discounts on additional massages. Women between the ages of 30 and 65 years old would be the target audience, Durand said. If approved, Massage Envy would be open seven days a week.
Currently, there are Massage Envy clinics open in Wilmette, Schaumburg, Naperville and Wheeling, said David Penn, the company's Chicago regional developer.
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