Culver's in Crystal Lake expected to move to new building on Pingree Road

CRYSTAL LAKE – Culver's is moving.

The southern Wisconsin-based restaurant chain, known for its Butterburgers and frozen custard, wants to move out of its current location on Pingree Road in Crystal Lake and build a new one only a couple of hundred yards to the north.

“When I was told Culver’s was closing, I broke out in a sweat,” planning and zoning commissioner Jim Batastini said Wednesday. “I don’t live far from there.”

But as it turns out, the new spot still will be conveniently located.

If approved by the Crystal Lake City Council, the new Culver’s will be next to Fast Eddie’s Car Wash and Detail Center and Country Inn & Suites, and it will remain on Pingree Road. Culver’s will occupy the third lot of the three-lot subdivision.

The Planning and Zoning Commission gave favorable reviews Wednesday to the design of the new building, aside from the LED cove lighting along the roof that is not consistent with city design code.

The City Council ultimately will have to decide whether it’s OK with the lighting, which commissioners said has not been allowed at several gas stations and other businesses.

The matter is on the agenda for a special City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

The updated Culver's building design already is featured at many locations across the nation, and Culver's representatives at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Wednesday said that without the LED cove lighting, the building would not stand out enough at night.

The design also features stone and window awnings; hides heating, ventilation and air conditioning units; and abandons the classic Culver’s look with a slanted roof.

Illinois has the second-most Culver’s locations behind Wisconsin. The chain has more than 600 restaurants in 24 states.