advertisement

North Central College's dorm plans wins preliminary approval

Editor's note: This story was updated to correct the name of the dorm to be demolished to allow construction of a future science center. The name of the dorm that will be demolished is Student Village.

North Central College's plan to build a five-story dorm with a walkout basement that exceeds the area's 50-foot height limit by 18 inches has won unanimous support from Naperville's planning and zoning commission.

The college wants to build the dormitory immediately south of two other dorms on Chicago Avenue at Brainard Street.

"I don't see a problem with this; I think it's completely reasonable," plan Commissioner Sean Hastings said. "I think it's a wonderful building."

The proposed dorm would house 229 students in suite-style rooms.

Campus safety and residence life offices would be in the basement.

The building represents the second major construction project for North Central, which also plans to build a $60 million science center on Loomis Street south of Van Buren Avenue.

"I could see where people might be concerned because we're building two rather large buildings at the same time," said Paul Loscheider, vice president of business affairs.

"The college is doing its best to stay within its boundaries."

While the dorm's design exceeds the height normally allowed for the zoning district in which it could be built, Loscheider said the unusual hills on the site will prevent its full height from being seen from anywhere other than the campus itself.

On Chicago Avenue, the new dorm will appear to be five stories tall and only would be visible behind two existing dorms, Patterson and Ward halls.

From the college's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, the new dorm's full six stories will be evident.

North Central wants to build more on-campus housing because it stands to lose about 100 beds, largely because Student Village at Loomis Street and Chicago Avenue will be demolished along with five other buildings to make way for the new science center.

"What we are asking for is an opportunity to attract more of the students that often move off campus," Loscheider said.

The planning and zoning commission's unanimous approval means the dorm project will advance to Naperville City Council with a positive recommendation.

North Central chooses site for new science center

Naperville overturns denial, OKs NCC building

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.