Plans could change for Quig's property in Mundelein
The apple trees long ago were removed and the former Quig's orchard, restaurant and gift shop remain idle years after the namesake family sold what had become a popular destination along Route 83 in Mundelein.
Owners of both the orchard property, which had been approved for 70 upscale single family homes, and the much smaller commercial property consisting of the familiar but fading building, say the economic brakes remain engaged.
Movement on what had been approved as the Orchard Meadows subdivision does not appear imminent but whatever is eventually built likely will be different from the original plan.
“Nothing will probably happen until 2013 unless we see substantial changes in the market,” said Richard Swiech, who owns the more than 18-acre former orchard property.
The Mundelein village board last week in what is considered a routine action agreed to extend the time required for submission of a final plan and payment of impact fees until the end of 2011.
But Swiech said the plan will be modified, likely to a multifamily type of development. That would require a fresh review and approval process.
“I may not live that long to see half-million dollar homes (being built) in Mundelein again. We had a terrific project (but) the market has changed.”
Swiech, who also is developing townhouses on Route 45 in the village, said it was fortunate in a sense that construction didn't begin as it likely would be stalled in midstream.
“I would look at it as a normal evolution. People don't want McMansions anymore. We as a developer have to deliver what they want,” he said. “We have a chance to adjust to conditions that will be prevailing for awhile.”
The village accepted Swiech's plan in October 2006.
“We have a development agreement with them and it has certain performance dates,” said Mike Flynn, assistant village administrator. “The project hasn't been moving forward.”
On the south end of the property, the restaurant, bakery and associated buildings remain boarded up and untouched. Orchard Restaurant Group LLC, tried to make a go of it after the Quig family exited but closed for good in early 2007.
The 10,000-square-foot building on more than 2 acres has been available for sale with no takers. No specific development plans have been prepared for village review.
“It was losing money,” said Jeff Ohm, whose company bought the entire property and sold the orchard portion to Swiech. The pair work together closely, according to Ohm.
He said there has been “a lot of talk and conversation” but nothing concrete regarding the existing building.
“We've had a lot of people looking at the site as a restaurant because that's what it was,” he said.