Proposed Elmhurst Apartments Up For Big Vote

Elmhurst IL

15 November, 2021

11:12 AM

Description

ELMHURST, IL — A key Elmhurst committee is expected to make a recommendation Tuesday on a proposed six-story, 200-unit complex in downtown. The complex would be at the northwest corner of Haven Road and First Street, proposed by Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies. Six town homes are across the street from the proposed complex. The owners are calling for a smaller project because it is on the outer edge of downtown. They have never opposed the apartment plan outright. Instead, they have suggested changes to allow for a "soft transition" to residential areas that is called for under city codes. On Monday, one of the residents, Kevin Diamond, forwarded the group's statement to Patch in preparation for Tuesday's meeting of the Zoning and Planning Commission. "When the (city's) ordinances were written, the intent was to provide objective standards for all developments at the perimeter of the central business district to maintain a pedestrian-friendly, neighborhood atmosphere," the statement read. "Our group of residents has submitted multiple ways in which each of (its) requests could be accommodated by modest alterations of the size or design of the project." But the group said Ryan Companies has refused to change the fundamental design or size of the project. The group urged the city to approve the project, but with two changes: Reduce the height to four stories within 100 feet west of Haven Road and increase the yard setback off Haven to 25 feet, from the proposed 13 feet. In a statement to Patch on Monday evening, Ryan Companies said it has incorporated design changes into its revised proposal, based on feedback from city leaders and the community. The changes, the firm said, include repositioning the six-story mass to the western edge of the property and reducing height elsewhere to ensure a "gradual transition" in height toward downtown from Haven Road. It has also improved landscaping and architectural detailing to enhance the pedestrian experience on Haven Road, according to the statement. The $75 million project is expected to deliver an estimated $850,000 in tax revenue and create 215 full-time construction jobs, the company said. It is "thoughtfully" designed to complement the architectural character of the neighborhood with materials, height and massing that aligns with the city's comprehensive plan and design guidelines, according to the statement. For years, city leaders have encouraged condo and apartment development downtown. They say this adds vibrancy to an area that would otherwise suffer from the increase in online retailing. Opponents, however, say such development is changing the character of Elmhurst. After the commission issues its recommendation, the matter then goes to the City Council's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee for a vote. The full council then has the final say. The commission meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.