Des Plaines council grants condo project another extension

The Des Plaines City Council Monday night granted another one-year extension to the developer of the Lexington Park luxury townhouse project in downtown Des Plaines.

On Sept. 21, 2009, the council granted the first one-year extension of the conditional use permit for phase two of the development at 254 Laurel Ave.

The first phase of construction to build 120 townhouses on 8.2 acres began in 2008. Work on that phase has not been completed.

The second phase involves a 1.2-acre site where a large condominium structure is planned. The developer proposes to begin work once the initial phase is completed and has requested more time to determine what type of housing would better suit current market conditions, officials said.

The city recently has granted similar extensions to a number of other developments that have been at a standstill since the housing market slump.

With little discussion Monday, the council unanimously decided to give the Lexington developer until Aug. 6, 2011, to begin work.