advertisement

Are apartments, retailers coming to Glen Ellyn's McChesney site?

Developers are working to build support for a sprawling plan to raze the vacant McChesney & Miller grocery store in Glen Ellyn and construct two buildings with a mix of upscale apartments, retailers and underground parking.

David Trandel, chairman and CEO of Springbank Real Estate Group in Winnetka, estimated the project would cost "in the neighborhood" of $80 million.

"It's really more of an alternative to what is so prevalent in the suburbs," he said.

Trandel is one of the developers behind One Arlington, a 214-unit apartment tower that marks the first phase of a $300 million "urban campus" in Arlington Heights. There, an entire floor is reserved not for apartments, but a yoga studio, fitness center, demo kitchen for parties and an outdoor deck.

The Glen Ellyn proposal also would feature what Trandel calls "downtown amenities."

"Suburbs have historically not created that product," he said. "What we've found at One Arlington, those types of amenities and that type of quality, high-quality, condo-style units are really attractive to empty nesters and, frankly, young professionals."

After more than 150 years in business, McChesney & Miller - known for its butcher shop and loyal customers from generations of families - closed in October 2014, leaving the downtown without a grocer.

Developers are expected to close on the purchase of the property Friday, Trandel said.

Though architects are still in the early stages of designing, he said the project's footprint would extend beyond the one-story building and parking lot currently at 460 Crescent Blvd.

Springbank is in talks to buy Lord's Auto Clinic, directly east of McChesney. A message left at the maintenance and repair business was not immediately returned Wednesday. To the south, the firm also is eyeing the village's Crescent and Glenwood Avenue parking lot to make way for the complex.

Roughly 70,000 square feet would be set aside for retailers and possibly restaurants on the ground floor of the two buildings. Roughly 200 apartments would be built on top. The proposal also calls for around 780 parking stalls.

Trandel would not say how tall the two buildings would stand; architects are still preparing a draft conceptual plan to submit to the village.

"We don't even have any preliminary plans, nevermind any detailed proposals," said Staci Hulseberg, the village's planning and development director. "They've got some sketches, so it's very, very early in the process."

Late last year, a Wheaton firm dropped plans for 180 apartments and 3,700 square feet of retail space at the site after trustees bristled at their request for village incentives that would have paid for the costs of relocating utilities and parking, among other expenses.

Trandel and his team are scheduled to appear before the village's architectural review commission and plan commission on Nov. 10 and 12, respectively. Hulseberg said the proposal likely will seek exceptions from village code related to height.

"It's just an opportunity to show a concept of what they're thinking about doing," Hulseberg said.

Trandel said developers will "be sensitive to the dialogue" and seek feedback from business and community leaders.

"We look forward to a really good team effort to come up with a plan that everyone can be really proud of," he said.

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.