La Grange Staff Backs 4-Story Building

April 8, 2024 0 By JohnValbyNation

LA GRANGE, IL – With conditions, the village of La Grange’s staff backs a plan for a four-story building that would contain businesses and apartments.
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The staff released its report Friday. That is in time for Tuesday’s meeting of the Plan Commission, which is set to review the proposal before it goes to the elected Village Board.

The new building would involve razing three existing ones from 811 to 901 W. Hillgrove Ave. Those addresses include the local Boy Scouts of America office, Hillgrove Family Chiropractic and the Bernard Martin Law Office, among other businesses.

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In October 2022, the developer first presented a plan for the project. At the time, the village said it emphasized the need for sufficient parking and stormwater systems.

A few months later, the developer returned with a plan for a five-story building over a greater amount of property. In response, the village said it found the design was incompatible with stormwater needs.

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In November, another plan was submitted, with the developer holding a meeting with neighbors. The neighbors expressed concern the proposal lacked enough parking, the architectural style was too modern and the building’s height would block sunlight to neighboring homes.

After that meeting, the developer changed the plan to include six more parking spaces, a shadow study and new exterior materials for the building’s facade.

According to the developer, the building would consist of first-floor businesses and 31 apartments.

The proposed parking remains below village requirements, which call for 1½ parking spaces for every apartment. That would mean the complex would need 47, more than the proposed 36. But village staff pointed to examples of nearby public parking.

The staff’s endorsement of the project is tied to several conditions. Among them are a stormwater report that is along the lines of the village engineer’s comments.

The village proposed specific changes to parking. They include requiring snow to be removed from the site. Otherwise, stored snow would mean a loss of parking, the village said.

According to the village, the development is being requested by 817-821 West Hillgrove LLC. The firm, which has the address of a Burr Ridge law firm, involuntarily dissolved in February, according to Illinois Secretary of State’s Office records.

Attorney Tom Foley of La Grange Fornaro Law was the contact on the developer’s invitation for the Zoom session with neighbors.

The Plan Commission meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Village Hall, 53 S. La Grange Road.


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