Luxury apartments planned for Wheeling

Developers have presented a plan for a new luxury apartment development in Wheeling, another step in the village’s ongoing downtown redevelopment process.

The proposal for 250 Northgate Parkway has eight buildings with 256 rental apartments, according to property owner Kenny Construction and developer Kinzie Real Estate Group.

Matt Nix, real estate director for Kinzie, said the apartments, a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom units, will be geared toward young professionals who to commute to the city or stay in Wheeling for work.

“Our vision for the site is going to take full advantage of the transit oriented zoning around the station,” Nix said, adding the apartments will be within walking distance of the Wheeling Metra station.

Nix said the apartments will include condo-quality finishes, a sun deck, walking paths, a pool, a club house with a fitness center and other luxury amenities.

Nix said rents are still under review, but may be between $1,200 to $2,000 per month.

The new apartments won’t be the only development for the downtown Wheeling area, which will also be adding retail and living space as part of the Wheeling Town Center project that is already in motion. The apartments will also be close to Heritage Park, which is undergoing its own multimillion dollar renovation over the next few years.

“The village is making a real investment in this area and we think it will pay off,” Nix said.

The development will go before the plan commission in May and Nix said he expects construction to begin in early 2013, with apartments ready for occupancy by early 2014.

“I think it’s phenomenal, it’s a plus for the community, it’s a plus for that age group,” said Village President Judy Abruscato. “With the town center development coming, everything will blend together and it will be an excellent place for people to live.”

Abruscato said she hopes the development will attract new residents, as well as those who may have grown up in Wheeling and are looking to move back.

With several village developments planned to come together around the same time over the next few years, Abruscato said it will be an exciting time for Wheeling.

“It’s going to be great,” she said. “It’ll really show how far we’ve come and how we continue to grow over the years.”