Apartments, retail space proposed for site that previously housed St. Charles Chamber building
A five-story building that will house retail space along with 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments is being proposed at the southeast corner of Illinois and Riverside avenues on the site of the former St. Charles Chamber of Commerce building.
The city's Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday will review plans for the River East Apartments project. Developer Curt Hurst and his son, Conrad, own Frontier Development, which has been involved in several projects in downtown St. Charles.
The St. Charles Chamber had been housed in a one-story office building on the site and recently moved to a new location after the purchase of the site by the Hurst family. Plans call for retail use and parking on the building's first floor and 48 upper floor residential apartments and for the adjacent streets to be reconfigured to add parking.
According to a staff report, the site currently is "severely underutilized." The city's comprehensive plan identified the site "as a catalyst site and contemplated a use similar to the one proposed," the report stated.
A retailer with a focus on outdoor/recreational sales and rentals will be located on the building's first floor. In addition, 48 one-and two-bedroom apartments will be built as part of the proposal.
The staff report states the apartments would be priced at "competitive market rates that are directly in line with the goal of creating higher density residential opportunities for new residents to live, work and play within the central area of the city."
A proposed courtyard would serve as a gathering space for riverfront events, as well as for seating for nearby cafes and pedestrians. The new parking will serve the additional residents and "help alleviate the burden of additional local daytime business for the retailer," the report stated.
The developer is proposing several variations from what the city currently allows, including that the building would be 63 feet high as opposed to 50 feet high.