Rowhouses proposed for north Gurnee

For an area where multifamily housing typically is not met with open arms, the Gurnee village board Monday night received what seemed to be a palatable option.

On the table is a plan to build 137 rowhouses near St. Paul Avenue and Delany Road on Gurnee's north side -- land where 198 apartment units legally can be built.

Avis Investments Inc. would build the rowhomes on 15 acres. Company President Mark Avis said the Silverleaf complex would feature sidewalks and gathering areas so residents have a chance to connect with each other.

"Our focus is on community living," Avis told the board at Monday's meeting.

Silverleaf would be within the boundaries of Gurnee Elementary District 56 and Warren Township High School District 121. Projections from a consultant, Schaumburg-based Strategy Planning Associates Inc., show 34 students would be added to District 56 and seven for District 121.

But, consultants pointed out, the school districts would see benefits as well.

District 56 could expect annual net revenues of $50,459 from Silverleaf, according to Strategy Planning Associates. District 121's annual net surplus would be about $82,124.

Another condominium plan for Gurnee's south side received village board approval earlier this month.

Landmark Homes will build 16 three-unit buildings clustered around a 1,200-square-foot clubhouse near Milwaukee Avenue and the Tri-State Tollway. Landmark representatives say the 48-unit development will be marketed to empty-nesters.

However, some debate about the condos arose, with trustees David Ohanian and Greg Garner unsuccessfully arguing that the zoning classification for the 11-acre site should not have been changed from office to residential use.

Mayor Kristina Kovarik was called upon to cast a rare vote that resulted in the approval for Landmark's 48 condos. Four village board votes were required because of the special circumstances of the condo project.