‘A key step in what’s next’: Lake Villa considers proposal for historic school site

The public will get a look this week at plans to transform the former Pleviak school property in Lake Villa into a “cohesive, walkable development” of housing and retail uses.

The village and JM Developers will detail the concept at an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lehmann Mansion, 485 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Lake Villa.

“This (project) represents an important opportunity for continued investment and revitalization in our downtown, and we look forward to hearing the community’s thoughts on the proposal,” said village Administrator Michael Strong.

The preliminary plan calls for a mix of housing, retail uses and public gathering areas on the 5.47-acre site at Grand Avenue and Route 83. Public feedback will be considered as the plan advances through the village review and approval process.

“This is a key step in what’s next,” said Crystal Rollins, director of business development for Aurora-based JM Developers. “That’s the goal of the open house — for the community to learn but for us to learn as well.”

The property, on the northwest corner of the busy intersection, first hosted a four-room school built in 1910. That original building was demolished in 1979, but a series of additions starting with a gym in 1939 have stood for generations as a local landmark.

Lake Villa Elementary District 41 students last attended Pleviak in 2014. The building then was leased to Round Lake Unit District 116 for a kindergarten program until 2024 and hasn’t had a full-time user since.

In 2025, the village and District 41 struck an agreement with the intent to transform the dormant site and be a catalyst for redevelopment nearby.

District 41 transferred the land and buildings to the village in return for 80% of any sale proceeds. The village will get 20% to cover redevelopment expenses, such as environmental studies.

The property was rezoned for central business district uses and the village in August approved a memorandum of understanding with JM Developers, which has assembled a team of firms specializing in design and architecture, economic development and real estate operations.

The idea is to create a “cohesive, walkable development that integrates with the surrounding neighborhood,” Rollins said.

Preliminary plans include a mix of commercial and retail spaces along Route 83, with residential units above them. Plans also call for 126 apartments and six townhouses, according to Rollins.

“Our goal is to create a destination that attracts visitors, supports quality retail and dining, offers desirable housing options and reinforces downtown Lake Villa as a vibrant, connected and walkable place to live, work and visit,” she said.

Market rate apartments would be housed in three-story buildings and townhouses would serve as a transition to single-family neighborhoods, according to the plan.

Improved connections to the downtown area, Metra station and Cedar Avenue also are in the mix.

After the open house, JM Developers expects to present a proposal to the village’s plan commission/zoning board of appeals and then refine the concept based on feedback and village review.

“We’re in the very preliminary stages of working this through with the village,” Rollins said.

JM Developers also is pursuing approvals to construct a residential building in town at 209 Cedar Ave., less than a mile northwest of the Pleviak property.

“This developer in particular really values the (community) engagement,” Strong said.

mzawislak@dailyherald.com