‘Bittersweet’: Carol Stream approves townhouse complex at former Hahn Farm

Developers have received permission from Carol Stream to build a 32-unit townhouse development on a former farm on the village’s north side.

Carol Stream trustees voted unanimously on Monday to approve a plan from Kailasha Developers to redevelop the former Hahn Farm property at 575 W. Lies Road.

Kailasha Developers plan to construct seven buildings on the roughly 3.2-acre site for a townhouse complex dubbed The Enclave of Carol Stream.

Two of the buildings would have three units, four would have five units, and one would have six units. Each three-story unit is expected to be approximately 2,100 square feet.

Dashrath Chaudhari of Kailasha Developers said the units will be priced at about $490,000.

Before the city council vote, a pair of Carol Stream residents stated concerns over traffic and light pollution. Those concerns were addressed during the meeting.

Responding to the traffic concerns, Jennifer Mitchell, a civil engineer working on behalf of Kailasha, said that even with the recent approval of another 32-unit residential development nearby along Lies Road, she anticipated a 1% to 2% increase in traffic.

Carol Stream trustees said they were pleased with the developer’s responsiveness to concerns of neighbors and the village.

Kailasha initially proposed a 42-unit development for the space and wanted to use adjacent Jan Smith Park for stormwater detention.

The developer instead reduced the density and will have water detention on the Enclave property.

And, said Trustee Matt McCarthy, the unit offers “much better-looking buildings.”

Mayor Frank Saverino Sr. did state nostalgia for retaining the Hahn Farm, but conceded, “It doesn’t happen that way.”

Former co-owner Mark Hahn, reached after the meeting, admitted to feeling “bittersweet” about the conversion of the property. He said boards he removed from the barn had the year 1893 etched on them.

Hahn and brother-in-law Patrick Licka sold the property in November 2024, Hahn said.

“It’s a little sad,” Hahn said. “But everything changes.”