Clock's ticking on proposal for Wheeling corner

Designers are proposing a clock tower, benches and a tiered planter for the southwest corner of Dundee Road and Milwaukee Avenue in Wheeling.

Peter Theodore, of Camburas & Theodore of Chicago, presented the design to the Wheeling village board Monday. The large intersection already features two water fountains and several flag poles.

But the section on the southwest corner has remained vacant while village officials worked out a development deal with Fresh Farms International Market.

"With the Fresh Farms shopping center coming in, this is the time to develop that corner," Theodore said.

The clock would be about 15 feet tall and the clock's face would be about 3 by 3 feet. The clock would be powered by mainly by the sun, Theodore said.

Theodore also presented a design that featured a large stone structure but said that feature would block pedestrians' view of Fresh Farms.

Earlier this year, Wheeling village officials approved $5.25 million in tax incentives to redevelop Fresh Farms International Market.

That includes $1.5 million paid upfront from increased property tax revenues collected through a special taxing district established for redevelopment, and $3.75 million in property and sales taxes rebated over 20 years.

Officials say the project will transform that corner into a more upscale shopping center that will improve traffic flow. It also would permit the existing businesses to relocate in the new retail center.

Construction on the two-year Fresh Farms project should begin in November, Village Manager Mark Rooney said.

Theodore said he wants his portion of the corner built before January 2010.

Corner: Plans call for solar clock