Gurnee proposes homes for 55, older

Few residential plans have surfaced in Gurnee during the struggling economy, but one was publicly unveiled Wednesday night.

Plan commission members held an informal session on the concept of a 100-unit independent senior housing complex on Hunt Club Road. The project would be on 5 acres near Hunt Club Park, between Grand Avenue and Washington Street.

Under the preliminary plan, the Residences of Gurnee's 100 homes would be in a three- or four-story building. The development would be targeted to independent seniors 55 and older.

Chicago-based DKI Inc. proposes 75 one-bedroom apartments and 25 two-bedroom units in the building on Hunt Club Road's west side. Tim Hedges, a partner in the project, said the rental building would have amenities such as a library and lounge.

If built, the project would be in proximity to Sunrise of Gurnee, an assisted-living center for seniors on Hunt Club Road. The Gurnee Sunrise facility features services such as housekeeping, concierges and a private dining room.

Hedges said the Residences of Gurnee would be in a desirable location near shopping, restaurants and other activities.

"The site and the market, we think, are well-suited for this type of use," Hedges said.

Southwest of Gurnee, there's the sprawling Saddlebrook Farms subdivision in Round Lake Park with single-family ranch homes geared for residents 55 and older.

Gurnee's plan commission is an advisory panel. If the adult community progresses through Gurnee's approval process, the plan commission would issue a recommendation to the village board.

Village board members would get the final say on whether the project should be built.