Significant upgrades are in the works for the Italian Community Center at 631 E. Chicago St., an entity which has only seen minor renovations since opening in 1990. The improvements are taking place beginning this month, thanks to capital investments from both the ICC itself and the Bartolotta Restaurant Group, which assumed responsibility for the management of all catering and restaurant operations at the Center in 2016.

Currently, remodeling plans are set to be completed in three phases. This year will see upgrades to the ICC's meeting rooms, ballroom and Festa Hall, with future improvements planned for Cafe La Scala and the adjoining courtyard. "This is something that's long overdue," notes Joe Vella, former ICC president and current president of the conference center. "The relationship with the Bartolotta Restaurants is one I feel we should have entered into long ago.