That’s the story of Unit 6 at 228 Main St in Decatur. A month ago it had worn-out carpet, a kitchen with a base cabinet that was literally falling apart, and appliances that had seen better decades. Today it has a new kitchen, a new bathroom, new floors, new lighting — and someone who calls it home.

Here’s how it got there.

First, Everything Had to Go

You can’t build a good apartment on top of a bad one. So the crew started by taking Unit 6 back to the basics: carpet and old flooring pulled up, cabinets and countertops torn out, the old toilet and garbage disposal removed. The old appliances were lined up by the dumpster to wait for a scrapper.

It’s the least glamorous part of the job. It’s also the part that makes everything after it last.

The Final Push, Day by Day

With the unit cleared, painted, and prepped, the last stretch moved fast. Straight from the crew’s own notes:

Day one. Kitchen ceiling and walls painted. New cabinets set. Countertops cut to fit, right there on site. Bathroom tile floor finished. The entryway into the kitchen and the back landing were leveled so the new floor would sit flat.

Day two. Every light fixture went up. The new toilet was set. The countertops were stained — twice, for a finish that holds up. The entryway flooring was finished, the kitchen floor was carried down the back steps, and the overhead vent went in above the range. Two trash runs kept the place clean.

Day three. Trim went around the floors. Doors went back on their hinges. Outlets and plugs were finished. And the stained countertops went in for good.

A walkthrough and punch list caught the small stuff, and a last round of baseboards, grout, caulk, and new door knobs closed it out.

What’s New in Unit 6

In the kitchen

• New cabinets and custom-cut, hand-stained countertops
• New oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher
• New faucet, sink strainer, and plumbing underneath
• Overhead vent above the range

In the bathroom

• New tile floor
• New toilet and faucet
• Fresh grout and caulk

Throughout

• New flooring and underlayment, front to back
• New light fixtures and a ceiling fan
• New outlets, cover plates, and updated breakers
• New smoke/fire alarms
• Patched drywall and fresh paint on walls and ceilings
• New baseboards, quarter round, and door knobs
• A leveled, refinished back landing and stairway

Why We Do It This Way

Unit 6 isn’t the only thing happening on this stretch of Main Street, either. A few doors down, the commercial spaces at 240 & 242 Main St are ready for their next businesses. New neighbors upstairs, new storefronts at street level — that’s how a block comes back.

Missed Out on Unit 6?

It’s taken, but it won’t be the last one. Browse what’s open on our Houses page, or send us an inquiry with your bedrooms, budget, move-in date, and pets — and we’ll tell you when the next freshly updated home is ready.

The post Inside the Unit 6 Renovation at 228 Main St appeared first on Quality Home Locator.

Whether you take 240, 242, or you’re weighing both for different concepts, here’s what you’re getting.

An Open Layout That Adapts to Your Business

Each unit has an open-concept floor plan, which means you’re not locked into someone else’s layout before you even move in. Configure the space as a retail shop, a studio, a professional office, a service-based business, or anything in between — the open floor plan gives you the freedom to build out stations, workstations, treatment or consultation areas, or product displays however your business actually needs to run. A convenient half bath is already on-site for staff and customers alike.

Both units previously operated as a hair and nail salon, which left behind a real advantage for the next tenant: multiple water hookups and drains already run throughout the space, along with existing electrical to match. If your business needs plumbing or extra power — a salon, spa, café, cleaning or repair service, or similar — that infrastructure is already in place. And if your business doesn’t need it, the open layout and existing electrical still make for an easy, low-cost buildout for retail, office, or general commercial use.

Storage That Doesn’t Eat Into Your Floor Space

Downstairs, both 240 and 242 include extensive basement storage — room for inventory, supplies, equipment, or files that would otherwise have to live in your front-of-house square footage. That’s usable space you get to keep for customers or staff, instead of giving it up to a back stockroom.

Easy Parking, Right on Main Street

Customers and clients won’t have to hunt for a spot. Both units offer roadside parking out front on Main Street plus additional parking behind the building, so there’s always a convenient place to park whether someone’s stopping in for a quick visit or spending an afternoon in the space.

At a Glance

• Address: 240 Main St and 242 Main St, Decatur, IL
• Rent: $1,300/month per unit
• Layout: Open-concept floor plan
• Plumbing/Electrical: Multiple existing water hookups and drains, matching electrical runs
• Bathroom: Half bath on-site
• Storage: Extensive basement storage
• Parking: Roadside out front plus additional parking behind the building
• Best fit: Retail, office, studio, or service-based businesses of nearly any kind — the built-in plumbing and electrical make it an especially easy move for salons, spas, or similar concepts

Two Units, One Opportunity — Your Call

Because 240 and 242 Main St match each other in layout, infrastructure, and price, this isn’t a case of picking the “better” unit — it’s a case of picking the one that fits your timeline, or considering both if you’re expanding a concept or want a neighboring business to grow alongside. Whatever kind of business you’re bringing to Main Street, you’re starting with a head start most commercial spaces can’t offer.

If you’re ready to open your next business on Decatur’s Main Street, reach out to Quality Home Locator to see 240 or 242 in person.

Looking for more than a lease — like a capital partner to help you grow in Decatur? BACH Investment Group works alongside Quality Home Locator to back local real estate and business opportunities with real funding and experience.

The post Now Available: Two Commercial Spaces on Main Street in Decatur appeared first on Quality Home Locator.

Meet Steve

Steve is a seasoned maintenance professional and former business owner with a career built on keeping properties in excellent condition and treating the people he serves with respect. From his years as a Maintenance Supervisor at Maco Management to his ongoing work coordinating repairs and vendor relationships at Tripp & Associates, Steve has spent his professional life making sure tenants have a home they can count on.

Your Home, Promptly and Properly Cared For

We know that when something in your home needs attention, waiting is frustrating. A leaky faucet, a heating issue, or a repair that lingers too long isn’t just an inconvenience — it affects your daily life. Steve joins our team with a clear mission: make sure maintenance requests are handled quickly, professionally, and done right.

He will be working directly with tenants and coordinating with vendors to ensure every repair is completed promptly and every home is kept in good working order. His hands-on construction background means he understands properties inside and out, and his people-first approach means you will always be treated with care and communication throughout the process.

A Familiar Face You Can Count On

Beyond his technical skills, what sets Steve apart is his ability to connect with people. As a former bar and grill owner, he has always understood that relationships matter. Whether you need to report a repair or simply have a question about your home, Steve is someone you can feel comfortable reaching out to.

We are proud to have him on the Quality Home Locator team, and we look forward to the difference he will make for our tenants every single day.

Welcome, Steve — we are glad you’re here.

— The Quality Home Locator Team

The post A Commitment to Our Tenants: Welcoming Steve Cripe to Quality Home Locator appeared first on Quality Home Locator.

1. Friday Night Street Fest:

Every Friday night from June to August, downtown Decatur comes alive with the Friday Night Street Fest. This event features live music, food vendors, and a beer garden, creating the perfect setting for a fun and laid-back evening with friends and family.

2. Macon County Fair:

Running for over 100 years, the Macon County Fair is a beloved tradition in Decatur. This annual event features carnival rides, livestock shows, live entertainment, and plenty of delicious fair food. It’s a great opportunity to experience the community spirit of Decatur and celebrate the agricultural heritage of the region.

3. Lakeshore Golf Course Summer Series:

Golf enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Lakeshore Golf Course Summer Series, a series of golf tournaments held throughout the summer months. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to improve your skills, these tournaments offer a fun and competitive atmosphere for golfers of all levels.

4. Decatur Arts Council Outdoor Arts Fair:

If you’re a fan of art and creativity, be sure to check out the Decatur Arts Council Outdoor Arts Fair. This event showcases the work of local and regional artists, offering a wide range of arts and crafts for sale. It’s a great opportunity to support local artists and add some unique pieces to your collection.

5. Red, White, and Blue Days:

Celebrate Independence Day in style at Decatur’s Red, White, and Blue Days event. This family-friendly festival features a parade, live music, a fireworks display, and plenty of patriotic activities for everyone to enjoy. It’s a great way to come together with the community and honor the nation’s founding.

With so many upcoming summer events on the horizon, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the summer in Decatur, Illinois. Whether you’re a music lover, foodie, sports enthusiast, or art aficionado, there’s something for everyone to explore and experience in this vibrant city. Be sure to mark your calendars and make the most of the summer season in Decatur! Any questions for us at Quality Home Locator? Check us out on Facebook and the rest of our website for updates!

The post Upcoming Summer Events in Decatur, IL appeared first on Quality Home Locator.