Senior housing proposed near Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee

A developer has submitted plans for a roughly 85-unit senior housing development at 969 West Main St. in West Dundee, across the street from Spring Hill Mall.

The developer, Gardner Capital, received approval from the village board to submit applications for federal assistance with the project, which would provide housing to seniors of moderate income. If Gardner is successful with all its requests for funding, construction could begin as early as October and be done by next summer.

“The comprehensive plan highlights the need to add rooftops around the mall and the need to provide varied housing opportunities,” Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said. “New residential households will help in the retention and attraction of a strong retail base.”

The 9.7-acre lot would be the site of residences for mostly able-bodied seniors, and include a common area and parking lot. The housing development would be restricted to people 55 and older.

Ten percent of the apartments would be handicapped accessible. In addition, at least 10 percent of the apartments would be set aside for seniors with little or no regular income.

“We will operate under a formula under which no resident will pay more than 30 percent of (their) income toward their rent,” said Thomas Brantley, a regional development manager with Gardner Capital. “This type of development generally has an average age of around 70.”

Rents would be expected to range from $500 to $800 for a single bedroom and $850 to $975 for a 2-bedroom, he said.

In the future, there will be more seniors looking to rent in West Dundee, according to one study.

“The age groups driving future rental demand (in West Dundee) correlate with income. For households earning less than $35,000, seniors represent a key demographic, comprising 56 percent of the projected increase,” said a study conducted by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

Trustee Michelle Kembitzky added, “I am excited to have senior housing because we are definitely lacking in that area.”