OUR HISTORY
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BEI History
A GLIMPSE AT BATAVIA ENTERPRISES, INC., PAST TO PRESENT
Inspired by the “can-do” entrepreneurial spark that carried the USA through World War II, Larry Dempsey founded Batavia Enterprises, Inc.(BEI) in 1959. As Larry became familiar with the community while running Dunbar Kapple facilities in Batavia and Geneva, he became interested in investing in real estate. He began with purchasing the 105,000 square foot former US Wind Engine and Pump Company facilities, the epicenter of US wind energy development. These properties served as a government owned munitions manufacturing plant during WWII and through the mid-1950s, the partial industrial, partial office layout of the building was perfect for Larry’s first venture into creating a multi-tenant, mixed-use property.
- OFFICE
- COMMERCIAL
- RESIDENTIAL
- RETAIL
- INDUSTRIAL
- LAND
company history
drive to serve our customers’ needs
additional opportunities in the mid-1970s
Batavia Enterprises has diversified its portfolio over the years. Larry began looking for additional opportunities in the mid-1970s and purchased the former Dukane building on Route 64 in St. Charles. This historic Dukane building, formerly the Operadio Manufacturing and Globe Music Co. making banjos and radios, is now a multi-tenant office and industrial building referred to as the Cedar Avenue Business Center with distinctive suites for professionals reflecting the character of the buildings creative origins. Larry’s next purchase was a new industrial facility in West Chicago that faces the DuPage County Airport. Today, this building is home to several of our long-standing customers. With each addition to the portfolio, we strive to work with business owners in each category of the market (industrial, commercial, retail, and residential) to fulfill their real estate needs so they can focus on their business.
company history
share in his vision
focused on both marketing and operational elements
Prior to his death in 1988, Larry Dempsey hired a certified property manager who would soon become an integral member of the company and BEI Family, Dan Stellato, and Gerry became president of Batavia Enterprises. While Dan began his career with the company as property manager, over the next 25 years he grew to become Gerry’s right-hand man, beloved alderman of St. Charles and the next President of Batavia Enterprises Inc. Throughout Dan’s career with BEI, he focused on both marketing and operational elements of the business and assisted Gerry on all major projects and purchases. Together, Gerry and Dan worked on the design and development of such major accomplishments as the American Cancer Society buildout, the conversion of a Jewel grocery store into a Walgreens, the rehabilitation of the Lincoln Atrium Business Center (formerly a Batavia church) and many more projects throughout the Fox Valley area. The team also converted an 1878 Victorian home, currently called the Newton House, to an office building while retaining all of its historical charm
company history
raising funds for local and national charities
Whether it be attending weddings and birthdays of their customers and coworkers or raising funds for the local and national charities, the BEI Family consistently shows its support for each other and its communities.
Austin wanted to put a name to the fact that BEI’s presence in the Fox Valley does not just involve owning and managing property; the people within the company all live in, work with and support each community the company is involved in.
This includes:
- Holding leadership positions on community boards and city council (Chambers, Batavia MainStreet, Fox Valley Volunteer Hospice, United Way, local high schools/colleges/universities and more)
- Raising funds and goods for local and national charities/organizations (Boy Scouts, American Cancer Society, United Way, Toys for Tots and more) and donating the use of space for local fundraising events held by others
As the BEI Family grows, so does its involvement and interests in the community!
Today, we have acquired over 50 properties in the industrial, retail, office/commercial, and residential markets as well as over 1,000 acres of vacant land throughout the Fox Valley area. With so many properties throughout the Fox Valley, Austin saw the need to update Batavia Enterprises, Inc.’s image and name. While BEI started in Batavia, the company did not want to be recognized as only being in Batavia, but did not want to lose its strong history either, so the transition to “BEI Properties” was made.
