Public hearing set for workforce housing proposal near Lake Zurich

A plan to build workforce housing on the site of the former Midlothian Manor property near Lake Zurich has resurfaced.

Skokie-based Housing Opportunity Development Corporation is seeking a zoning change and other approvals to build a 24-unit apartment building on 2.6 acres at Midlothian Road and North Lakewood Lane. A 51-space parking lot and stormwater detention basin are part of the proposal.

The Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposal from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Knights Banquets, 365 Surryse Road, Lake Zurich.

According to the application, adding 24 new affordable rental homes on a “long underused site” responds to a documented housing shortage and aligns with multiple policies in the county's regional framework plan.

In 2024, the organization planned to buy the property, including the existing building, then raze it and build a 24-unit building with affordable rents. But after residents living nearby opposed the project, arguing that the site isn’t the right place because of a lack of public transportation and other concerns, HODC withdrew its application.

The site is outside the village of Lake Zurich’s jurisdiction and subject to county zoning and development guidelines.

The county housing authority bought and developed the property in 2001 as Midlothian Manor, an assisted living/supportive housing facility that closed in 2010. In recent years, it has been used for the agency's counseling department and other uses.

As part of the application, HODC also is requesting approval of a preliminary planned unit development to ensure all design features are locked in, according to the application.

The requests also will be considered by the county board’s planning, building, zoning and environment committee. Recommendations from both entities will be forwarded to the full county board, which will make the final decision.