When Steven Hartenstein approached Redeveloped Properties about transforming an existing restaurant space in Oak Brook into something extraordinary, we knew this would be a special project. The vision: create Lucca Osteria & Bar — a warm, inviting Italian osteria that would honor Chef Claudio Ulivieri’s roots in Tuscany.
The Vision Behind Lucca Osteria
Chef Claudio Ulivieri was born in Lucca, Italy and raised in the small village of Altopascio. Growing up on a farm, he learned winemaking from his father and cooking traditions passed down over generations from his mother. After emigrating to the United States over 40 years ago, Claudio built a distinguished culinary career. Lucca Osteria was his dream — a place to share the rustic Italian flavors of his hometown with friends and neighbors in Oak Brook.
As Claudio puts it: “This menu is inspired by my home and what I grew up with — it’s very close to my heart. My goal is to bring authentic Italian food — the way I know it — to my friends and neighbors in Oak Brook.”
The Renovation Challenge
This wasn’t a ground-up build. The space at 1415 W 22nd Street, directly across from Oakbrook Center, was previously another restaurant. Our job was to completely transform it — stripping away the old identity while carefully crafting a new one that matched Claudio’s vision of rustic Italian charm.
Every detail mattered. The space needed to feel like you’d stepped into a neighborhood osteria in Tuscany — warm, inviting, and authentic. That meant custom millwork, specialty lighting designed to create intimate dining atmospheres, and a complete commercial kitchen infrastructure overhaul.
What We Built
Our crew handled every aspect of the renovation:
- Custom millwork and woodwork throughout the dining areas
- Specialty lighting design creating warm, intimate atmospheres for different dining zones
- Complete commercial kitchen infrastructure — built to handle a full Italian menu from scratch
- Elegant bar area for aperitifs and wine service
- Multiple dining spaces designed for everything from romantic dinners to family gatherings
- Attention to finishes that honor the rustic Italian aesthetic
The project was documented with 44 professional photographs that capture the transformation — from the warm glow of the lighting to the detailed millwork that gives the space its character.
The Result
Today, Lucca Osteria & Bar is one of Oak Brook’s most beloved restaurants. Claudio’s menu features traditional Italian dishes reinterpreted in creative ways, served in the charming atmosphere our team helped create. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and has become exactly what Claudio envisioned — a place where the community gathers over exceptional Italian food.
This project showcases what Redeveloped Properties does best: we don’t just build spaces, we bring visions to life. Whether it’s a restaurant renovation, retail buildout, or commercial tenant improvement, our team manages every detail from concept to completion.
Planning a Restaurant or Commercial Renovation?
If you’re looking to transform a commercial space, we’d love to talk. Our team has the experience and craftsmanship to bring your vision to life — on time and on budget.
Call Tim Wangler at (630) 534-0866 or email tim@timwangler.com to discuss your project.