Barrington delays downtown redevelopment plan permits

Despite a decision to delay granting the project some of its necessary permits, Barrington officials said the downtown redevelopment plan is still moving forward.

On Monday, Village President Karen Darch said the board was delaying a vote on granting the special-use permits for the first phase of the project until either May or June.

The Palatine-based The Hummel Group is developing the project, which will be built at the southwest corner of Hough and Main streets.

When finished, the three building developments will include retail space as well as luxury condominiums and upscale, contemporary lofts.

Peg Blanchard, director of economic and community development, said the village is currently negotiating final terms with The Hummel Group and working on the best way to phase out the project.

"Things have slowed a little, but it is still moving forward," Blanchard said of the development.

The focal point of the project will be a U-shaped building at the corner of Hough and Main streets, which will include 30,000 square feet of retail space.

The retail space will include between 10 and 15 stores and at least two restaurants. Officials have said finding a bookstore to be a tenant in the space is the top priority.

The development will also have large, 30-foot-wide sidewalks to encourage pedestrian traffic in the area.

"That is really important to what we are trying to do there," Darch said.

In 2005, the village paid more than $3 million for the property, which used to be home to a gas station.

Having that location developed will be great for residents, Blanchard said.

"It is right at the heart of the village," she said.

While a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes on the project, Blanchard said when finished, she thinks it will be worth the wait.

"The end result is that it will be very beneficial to the village," Blanchard said.