Final steps near for 91-unit apartment building near downtown Libertyville Metra station
Libertyville trustees Tuesday will consider the final step before ordinances are drawn to allow for construction of a landscape-changing, 91-unit apartment building near the downtown Metra station.
The village’s advisory plan commission recommended approval of the project in October, with some conditions attached. Developer Libertyville Land LLC has been finalizing engineering and required documentation leading up to Tuesday's consideration by the village board.
If the village board accepts the plan commission recommendation, it would conclude more than two years of presentations and revisions for the $40 million project that prompted concerns from residents over the proposed building’s height, number of units, traffic impact and other issues.
The L-shaped property is bordered by Milwaukee Avenue, Lake Street and Brainerd Avenue, as well as the Metra commuter rail station.
Potential for its redevelopment surfaced in late 202, when the four children of the late John Suydam packaged for sale the pieces of a family-run business that had evolved over 60 years.
The property includes a longtime business spot on Milwaukee Avenue most recently occupied by Birdy's Coffee House & Little Kitchen, and residential rental spaces that comprise Liberty Plaza as well as two homes on Lake Street.
Two other single-family homes on Lake Street, which had separate owners, complete the parcel.
As planned, a new circulation road would provide access to the development and Metra station. The four homes and two commercial structures accessible from Milwaukee Avenue are planned for demolition.
Developers sought deviations from village code for building height, parking and other considerations, saying the project will fill a demand for rental housing downtown and bring new life to the properties.
The board meeting is at 7 p.m. at village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave. If the plan commission report is accepted, an ordinance and resolutions approving the development and license agreements will be prepared for action at a future meeting.