When Chef Claudio Ulivieri set out to create a dining experience that honored his roots in Lucca, Italy, he needed a construction team that could transform an existing restaurant space into something truly special. That’s exactly what Redeveloped Properties delivered — a complete restaurant renovation in Oak Brook that turned a dated space into Lucca Osteria & Bar, one of the western suburbs’ most talked-about Italian dining destinations.
Located at 1415 W 22nd Street in Oak Brook, IL — right across from Oakbrook Center — Lucca Osteria & Bar is the culmination of Chef Claudio’s 40-year journey from the rolling farmlands of Altopascio, Italy to the heart of Chicagoland’s dining scene.
A Chef’s Vision, Rooted in Italy
Claudio Ulivieri was born in Lucca, Italy and raised in the nearby village of Altopascio, where he grew up on a farm. He learned winemaking from his father and cooking from his mother — the kind of deep, hands-on culinary education that no classroom can replicate. More than 40 years after emigrating to the United States, Chef Claudio created Lucca Osteria & Bar to share the rustic Italian flavors of his childhood, reinterpreted in creative ways for a modern American audience.
When owner Steven Hartenstein hired Tim and the Redeveloped Properties crew to handle the renovation, the goal was clear: transform the existing restaurant space into a charming Italian osteria that would bring Chef Claudio’s dream to life. Every design choice needed to honor the warmth, tradition, and authenticity of Italian dining culture.
Thoughtful Renovation, Not a Ground-Up Build
The Lucca Osteria project wasn’t about starting from scratch — it was about reimagining what was already there. As a leading restaurant renovation contractor serving Chicagoland, our team at Redeveloped Properties specializes in exactly this kind of challenge: taking an existing commercial space and transforming it into something extraordinary while working within the constraints and opportunities of the existing structure.
This type of renovation requires a different skill set than new construction. You need to assess existing infrastructure, identify what can be preserved and what needs to go, and solve the unique problems that come with adapting an older space to a completely new vision. Tim’s crew brought that expertise to every phase of the Lucca project.
Custom Millwork and Specialty Lighting
One of the defining features of Lucca Osteria is the custom millwork throughout the space. Our team coordinated with skilled artisans to design and install bespoke woodwork that gives the restaurant its signature warmth and character. From the bar area to the dining room, every piece of millwork was crafted to complement the overall design aesthetic — evoking the rustic charm of the Italian countryside that shaped Chef Claudio’s culinary identity.
The specialty lighting was equally important. We installed a carefully curated lighting system that creates the perfect ambiance for an upscale dining experience — warm and inviting during dinner service, yet bright enough to showcase the beautiful interior details. The lighting plan required precise electrical work and coordination with the design team to achieve exactly the right mood.
Commercial Kitchen Infrastructure
Behind every great restaurant is a high-performance kitchen, and Chef Claudio’s kitchen was no exception. Our commercial construction in Oak Brook included a comprehensive renovation of the kitchen infrastructure featuring:
- Commercial-grade ventilation and hood systems
- Gas and electrical infrastructure for professional cooking equipment
- Plumbing for multiple prep stations and dishwashing areas
- Walk-in cooler and freezer installation
- Fire suppression systems meeting all commercial codes
Every element of the kitchen was designed for maximum efficiency and safety, ensuring Chef Claudio and his culinary team would have everything they need to deliver the authentic Italian dining experience at the heart of their vision.
Elegant Dining Spaces Built for the Customer Experience
The front-of-house spaces are where the magic of Lucca Osteria truly comes to life. We renovated and redesigned multiple dining areas that flow seamlessly together, each with its own character while maintaining a cohesive design language. The bar area features rich wood tones and sophisticated finishes, while the main dining room balances elegance with the kind of warmth you’d find in a family-run osteria in Tuscany.
Wine displays, accent walls, and carefully selected materials all contribute to an atmosphere that transports guests to the Italian countryside. The entrance sets the tone immediately, welcoming diners into a space that feels both luxurious and authentically Italian — exactly what Chef Claudio envisioned when he dreamed of sharing his heritage through food.
Navigating Commercial Renovation Challenges
Any restaurant renovation in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs comes with significant challenges. Renovating an existing restaurant space adds additional complexity — you’re working with existing plumbing, electrical, structural elements, and often outdated systems that need to be brought up to current code while keeping the project on timeline and budget.
The Lucca Osteria project required coordination with multiple municipal departments, managing tight timelines, and ensuring every detail met DuPage County’s commercial building codes. Our team handled all of this seamlessly, drawing on years of experience managing complex commercial construction projects throughout Chicagoland.
From Concept to Grand Opening
What sets Redeveloped Properties apart as a restaurant renovation contractor is our ability to manage every phase of the project. Tim and the crew handled everything from the initial concept discussions with Steven and Chef Claudio through demolition, rough-in, finish work, and final inspections. This single-source approach eliminates the communication gaps and scheduling conflicts that plague projects with multiple uncoordinated contractors.
The result speaks for itself. With 44 professional photographs documenting the finished product, you can explore every detail of this stunning renovation in our Lucca Osteria project gallery. From the custom bar to the elegant dining room, from the professional kitchen to the welcoming entrance, every image tells the story of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Why Redeveloped Properties for Your Commercial Renovation
The Lucca Osteria project exemplifies what we bring to every commercial construction engagement: deep construction expertise combined with project management discipline. We understand that commercial projects — especially restaurants — demand precision, speed, and unwavering quality. Your business depends on it.
Whether you’re planning a restaurant renovation, retail buildout, office remodel, or tenant improvement anywhere in the Chicago area, Redeveloped Properties has the experience and the team to make it happen. We also bring the same level of excellence to our residential projects, giving us a versatility that few contractors can match.
Ready to Build Your Vision?
Planning a restaurant renovation or commercial buildout? Let’s talk about your project. Whether you’re transforming an existing space or starting fresh, Redeveloped Properties will bring your vision to life — on time, on budget, and built to last.
Call us today at (630) 534-0866 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation.