Arlington Heights to review details of Sheraton plan

Curious about the proposal to turn the former Sheraton Chicago Northwest, the closed hotel next to the Arlington Park racetrack, into luxury rental apartments?

The project, called Arlington Downs, will come before the Arlington Heights plat and subdivision committee at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21.

Besides using the hotel building, developers also plan new construction for the grounds of the old hotel, shuttered since late in 2009.

The project was first unveiled to Arlington Heights officials in August. Wednesday's meeting will be in the Community Room on the third floor of village hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road.

The first phase would be building 200-250 apartments in the old hotel, but even that is at least 18 months away, said Mark Matthews of the Argent Group, representing the developers.

The developer is Arlington DEVCO LLC, and the architect is Pappageorge/Haymes in Chicago.

New construction planned for the site includes an extended-stay hotel of at least 108 rooms, 70,000-140,000 square feet of retail and more apartments.

The architecture of any new construction would be compatible with neighboring Arlington Park, said Matthews.

Charles Witherington-Perkins, director of planning and community development for the village, told the board the staff is very excited about the project, which would remedy a prominent eyesore. Issues include parking, density, how the project is phased and stormwater retention, he said.

Ted Mandingo, who did feasibility studies for the owners, said the Arlington Downs business plan would not change if Arlington Park were allowed to install slot machines — because most gambling clientele would not stay overnight or even eat in local restaurants.

In August the owners said they were trying to find an operator for the CoCo Key Water Resort, built at a cost of $25 million adjacent to the hotel. It also was closed in 2009.