South Illinois Avenue in Carbondale will become the home to a high-end liquor store, despite opposition from city officials and local business owners.

The Carbondale city council last night decided to approve a liquor license for what’s being described as a boutique liquor store and an upscale wine shop, even though it will be just a few doors down from the already existing Old Town Liquors store on The Strip.

City leaders have said they want to transform the area into a destination for professionals, not just students. Srinivas Gundala – the man behind the high end liquor store idea – is also building a Hilton hotel in the area.