DeKALB - The owner of a proposed new downtown DeKalb spot eyeing the former the House Café building said she hopes to bring live entertainment and diversity to the scene.

Yesenia Galindo, owner of La Calle, appeared before the DeKalb City Council Monday seeking a license and permit for the business, which would go into the space formerly occupied by The House Café, which closed in 2019. A DeKalb High School Barb graduate class of 1993, Galindo said if all goes to plan, she hopes to open her doors in August in time for Corn Fest.

La Calle, which means “the street” in Spanish, will feature drinks and music.

“My goal is to open up a bar with live entertainment,” Galindo said. “I want to bring the live entertainment scene back to the downtown DeKalb area, bring some more diversity. I’m not so much going to be focusing on food or having a restaurant as much as I would like to focus more on the music and bar aspect of it.”

Galindo was approved by a 7-0 city council vote for a preliminary liquor license and live entertainment permit. She’ll seek the same at the state level before opening plans can move forward, according to city documents.

DeKalb aldermen issued praise for the plans, including Ward 3 Alderman Tracy Smith, who was absent.

“I did want to say that Alderman Smith sends his best, he was unable to attend this evening’s meeting because of a family emergency,” said Ward 5 Alderman Scott McAdams to Galindo. “He wanted to let you know you have his full support, you have my support as well.”

The building at 263 E. Lincoln Highway has been largely vacant since the House Café closed in mid-2019. The ground level space has been used for art galleries and local vendor space. Chicago-based brewer Alulu Brewery sought city support to open a location in the building in 2019. The plans had included live entertainment and a rooftop patio. Alulu developers planned to ask the city of DeKalb for $770,000 in tax increment financing aid. Support for the project fizzled and did not win over the council.

The new plans are already gaining steam, however.

“It’s an exciting prospect and the family is making a major investment into downtown,” said City Manager Bill Nicklas.

Galindo also is working with city staff to determine if any necessary building improvements are needed ahead of her target opening in early August, documents state. The approved liquor permit will include a $10,766 fee plus a $377 fee for the live entertainment permit.

“We’re definitely excited about this project,” said DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes. “And looking forward to opening day and coming by and having a pint with you.”