Proposal calls for mix of apartments, retail on Pleviak school property in Lake Villa

A concept proposed for the historic Pleviak Elementary School property on a busy corner in Lake Villa includes a mix of apartments in several buildings, ground-floor retail space and public gathering areas.

“The overall goal is transform the site into a catalyst project that strengthens downtown Lake Villa's economic vitality, expands housing options and creates a more connected, active community,” said Michael J. Poulakidas of JM Developers.

At this point, the vision calls for retail space on the first floor with apartments above them in buildings along Route 83, as well as upper-tier market rate apartments on the site. Lower-density housing is envisioned as a transition to existing neighborhoods nearby.

JM Developers was selected in May to advance plans for the 5.47 acre-site on the northwest corner of Grand Avenue and Route 83.

“We're still in the early innings but I think were moving in the right direction,” said Village Administrator Michael Strong.

The intent is to create a transformational redevelopment for the prominent property, a local landmark for more than a century, owned by Lake Villa Elementary District 41.

District 41 students last attended Pleviak in June 2014. The building was leased to Round Lake Unit District 116 for a kindergarten program, but that ended two years ago and it has been vacant since.

Under an agreement reached last summer, the district and village are cooperating on the site development. The village is marketing the property and the school district will receive 80% of the proceeds when it is sold.

The current concept calls for about 112 residential units and 23,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, according to Poulakidas. More residential units may be added and the plan may continue to evolve through design and other required approvals, he added.

“The development is designed as a mixed-use, walkable community featuring residential housing, retail, live/work units, structured parking and significant open space, including a central green and public gathering areas,” Poulakidas said.

A memorandum of understanding with the village is next step. That gives JM Developers a defined time for market studies, environmental assessment, traffic analysis, stormwater studies and other work. That also would be the basis for a formal agreement and to pursue required planning, zoning and other approvals.

JM Developers also is involved with the 209 Cedar Ave. site north of Pleviak that's also envisioned as a mixed-use project. The company also is proceeding with demolition of the former Maplewood Elementary School in Cary, which will be redeveloped with about 280 multi- and single-family homes.