New retail center eyed for prime E. Dundee spot

It's raw land for now, but the southeast corner of routes 25 and 68 in East Dundee may soon become a prime portal into the village, known as Dundee Gateway.

Oak Brook-based developer Dmyterko and Wright Partners want to bring a five-unit retail center to the site, one of the village's key intersections, Village President Dan O'Leary said Tuesday.

Construction could begin this summer, pending approval from the village and state.

"We believe the area is underserved by freestanding convenience retailers and restaurants," said Laurent Jaugey, head of leasing for the developer. "We want to take advantage of the existing retail demand along the Route 25 corridor."

The development will consist of approximately 35,000 square feet of retail space.

Village Manager Frank Koehler said discount chain Family Dollar has inked a deal to occupy one of the five units on the 7.25-acre parcel.

"Things are going on," Koehler said.

The developer is in talks with a gas station and convenience store, as well as casual and quick-service restaurants such as a pizzeria, Jaungey said.

An automotive after-market retailer, like Auto Zone, also is desired, Jaungey said.

In addition, service-oriented tenants like medical, financial and insurance offices -- and a 13,000 strip mall -- are included in plans.

O'Leary said retail developments are particularly important as the village has seen sales tax revenues decline in recent years.

"Any commercial development is important to the village," O'Leary said. "But in the last five years sales tax revenues have gone down. This is an opportunity for the village to bring in retail and take advantage of the home-rule sales taxes."