Plans for assisted living building revived in Des Plaines

A proposal for a five-story, 68-unit assisted living and memory care building south of downtown Des Plaines is being revived.

The proposed 65,308-square-foot building at 959-997 Lee St. received approval from the city council in 2012. But according to property owner Edward Soske, financing for the project dried up and the approval expired.

Now, he's seeking reapproval of a conditional use permit and height variation that would pave the way for demolition of existing one-story buildings on site and construction of the new building to begin.

The city council will take up the matter Monday, Oct. 19.

The building would be run 24 hours a day by Revere Healthcare, Ltd., with 51 assisted living units and 17 memory care units. It would have a first-floor kitchen and dining room, gift shop, administrative and health professional offices, and a chapel, according to city documents.

A maximum of 21 employees would work during the morning shift.

The project includes a 28-space parking lot, which meets the requirements of the city zoning ordinance.

Soske says he's planning to relocate his Presstech printing business to a property he owns in Arlington Heights. The site is also occupied by an auto repair shop and former hot dog stand.

Soske said he thinks the assisted living building will be a better fit in the neighborhood. A 9-story senior housing apartment building sits to the north of Soske's property.

"Lee Street is a much prettier street with a nice assisted living facility than an industrial printing shop," he said. "The project will create tax revenue, jobs and make Des Plaines a nice place to live."

The zoning board has recommended approval of a variation for a 55-foot building height, and 60-foot height to the top of a parapet. City code calls for a maximum height of 45 feet at that location.

Soske said if the project is approved by the city council, construction could begin in April and be complete within 12 months.