Redevelopment plan to continue for Lake Zurich Hackney's
Some Lake Zurich residents say additional traffic is one concern they have about potential redevelopment of the Hackney's restaurant property at North Old Rand Road and Route 12.
Village board members this week held an informal courtesy review of a preliminary plan from Chicago-based UrbanStreet Group to demolish the 46-year-old Hackney's building and replace it with a mix of rental apartments and 10,000 square feet of retail development. Up to 231 apartment units would be in 2- to 4-story buildings.
Trustees agreed UrbanStreet Group can start Lake Zurich's formal approval process with the advisory planning and zoning commission. The planning and zoning commission issues recommendations about projects to the village board, which makes the final decision on issues.
UrbanStreet Group managing partner Bob Burk said at Monday's meeting that a clubhouse and pool would be among the amenities at the upscale apartment complex on part of 8 acres. He said mostly one- or two-bedroom units would be rented.
Burk said the retail portion of the project would be off Route 12 and unified in appearance with the apartments.
Residents who spoke during public comment time voiced concern about the proposed development causing additional traffic, and asked that no entrances or exits be allowed off North Old Rand.
"The impact on North Old Rand Road would be catastrophic with just residential traffic, not even counting the commercial traffic," said resident Chris Cross, who lives near the Hackney's property.
Mayor Thomas Poynton told Burke the village will be "very concerned" about the proposed development's appearance. Trustee John Shaw questioned the idea of having 4-story apartment buildings.
Burk said the feedback from the residents and village officials will be valuable as UrbanStreet refines the proposal.
"It has to work for all of us or it doesn't work at all," he said.
Hackney's has been serving its signature hamburgers on dark rye bread and onion ring loaf in Lake Zurich since 1969. General manager Ed Masterson told the Daily Herald the restaurant could close by year's end if a deal is formalized to sell the 8 acres to UrbanStreet Group.
Masterson's late parents, Jim and Marcella, started Hackney's on Harms Road in Glenview in 1939. He said the restaurant would continue to operate on Harms and on Lake Street in Glenview, as well as in Palos Park and Printers Row in Chicago.