advertisement

Home building could be boost for Lakemoor

Foundations aren't being poured just yet, but Lakemoor officials say potential projects in the works show home construction in town may be rebounding.

Village approvals have been secured for Savannah, a 67-unit single-family development on the north side of Route 120 near Darrell Road, and there are plans to resume a townhouse project off Wegner Road that stalled in 2007.

While it didn't occur within the village, residential building rose 38 percent from 2013 to 2014 within a 10-minute drive, which is considered Lakemoor's market area, said Matt Dabrowski, director of community and economic development.

The uptick comes at a time when the village is preparing for what could be substantial commercial development along routes 12 and 120, two heavily traveled roads.

"We are seeing a good indication of the housing market strengthening, which is a good catalyst for development," Dabrowski said.

Savannah by William Ryan Homes originally was approved by the village in 2006. The area is behind the Krueger vegetable market and farm, a separate 8-acre property planned for commercial use. Houses will average 2,650 square feet and sell for more than $250,000.

Village Administrator David Alarcon said the village has worked with the developer to align streets to allow for a future full-access intersection at Route 120, rather than a right-in, right-out configuration. Construction is planned for late summer or early fall.

The village this year hopes to break ground on a new municipal facility on the south side of Route 120 across from the Krueger commercial property.

State transportation officials are calling for shared access points, Dabrowski said, and there is a greater emphasis on how transportation corridors are handled, particularly with the renewed possibility of a Route 53 extension.

"The key for any future development along Route 120 will be access," Dabrowski said.

To the south and west, there has been interest in reviving a townhouse development along Wegner Road east of Lily Lake Road. The village had approved 34 townhouses in eight buildings, but only nine units and two buildings were constructed before the projected stalled in 2007.

"I closed a few months ago and am interested in moving forward," said Joel Kraiman, owner of Krago Homes in Vernon Hills. Kraiman said one the original townhouses sold for $240,000 and they were marketed as upper scale. He said he will seek village permission to increase the number of units allowed.

Dabrowski cited new residential projects underway in Hawthorn Woods and other areas.

"This is kind of the start, hopefully, of the next round of residential development," he said. "We are seeing those patterns make their way up to our area."

@dhmickzawislak

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.