DJ's Will Close at the End of October

It's official: DJ's Pub and Grill will close its current location at the end of business on Oct. 28.

The business had been the focus of debate over a request to rezone the parcel it sits on in order to rebuild as a business.

Community Development Director Jeff Muenkel announced the closing date Tuesday at the Community Development Authority meeting. The closing is considered a "taking" of the property by Waukesha County in order for Janesville Road to be widened. The second phase of the road construction will begin next spring.

Takings happen when a government regulates a property to such a degree that it amounts to an exercise of the government's eminent domain power without actually assuming the owner's title to the property.

In the meantime, employees said the business will be selling some of its furniture.

Owner Dan Hewitt hopes to open a 3,600-square-foot restaurant and bar on the same parcel in July 2013. Burback Builders is expected to appear on DJ's behalf at the Nov. 6 Plan Commission meeting.

As part of the agreement to rezone the property, Hewitt has to build the business in the front third of the parcel, which is the closest to Janesville Road.