Barrington moving to redevelop Hough, Main corner

Barrington officials are listening to proposals from four developers with plans to redevelop the long vacant southwest corner of Hough and Main streets in the village's downtown.

While the site has been unused for the past few years, Village Manager Jeff Lawler believes the time is finally right for the project to commence.

“Realtors are starting to see that this site is desirable for a downtown property,” he said. “The timing is getting good for the project to begin.”

Barrington trustees met with two of the developers in a special committee session Tuesday night, and they plan to hear from the other two next week.

“We are looking for several qualifications in the Realtors,” said Lawler. “We want to see a good track record of well-thought-out projects and financial stability.”

The four interested groups are Tartan Realty Group along with Harlem Irving Cos.; Hamra Enterprises Inc.; Bradford Real Estate Companies; and Arthur Hill and Co.

While these are just preliminary interviews to get to know the interested parties, Peggy Blanchard, the village's director of economic and community development, has been campaigning for 18 months to attract interest in the downtown.

“We also have a 6 percent vacancy rate, which is low compared to most suburban communities,” she said.

Village research shows residents are eager to have a hardware store in the community. Officials also will welcome restaurants and entertainment businesses, Blanchard said.

“We want to create a social, vibrant and active community,” she added.

Though the redevelopment is still in its early stages, Blanchard expects the project will be done as a partnership between the developer and Barrington.

“We want to work together as a team,” she said.