Vernon Hills informally rejects plan for townhouses on former Forge Club site
The Jacobs Companies
Two proposed residential subdivisions in Vernon Hills appear to be headed in different directions, judging by preliminary responses by the village board.
The Jacobs Companies is gauging its next step after a proposal for 70 townhouses to be known as "The Forge" on the site of the former Forge Club, 634 S. Milwaukee Ave., was informally rejected by the village board as not appropriate for the site.
Meanwhile, a plan for 51 homes on a heavily wooded area at Route 45 and Buffalo Grove Road received a better reception, although officials will wait until a homebuilder has been selected by architect Rick Swanson before passing judgment.
Both plans were presented to the village board Tuesday during its informal work session. Developers often bring plans to such sessions to gauge interest, hear potential concerns and get direction before making more formal proposals.
Jacobs also built the Aspen Pointe townhouse community fronting Route 60 at Aspen Drive, in an area with a mix of uses including schools, businesses, a park district facility, an aquatic center, and a library.
While trustees liked the company's work there, The Forge concept didn't fare as well.
"Big thumbs-up on Aspen Pointe, you've done some great work," Trustee Jim Schultz told Jacobs' representatives. "(The Forge is) trying to shoehorn something in that just isn't the right location."
For more than 40 years until it closed in late 2013, the Forge Club was a members-only enclave that combined elegance and rustic charm fashioned after the Anvil Club in East Dundee. The vacant building sits on 5.3 acres adjoining the 68-foot tall Lifetime Fitness health club in the Corporate Woods office park.
The townhouses were to be priced from the high $200,000 to mid-$300,000 range.
"I think it serves a great need because there's nothing in town at this price," said Keith Jacobs, company president.
"It's an eyesore," he added of the vacant club. "The landscaping we're going to do is tremendous." However, trustees questioned the access to the site, the tight fit on the property and its location next to the health club. Also, the village's long-range plan calls for the area to be zoned for office uses.
"Maybe expand your property if at all possible. Bide your time," suggested Trustee Barbara Williams.
Jacobs said the 60-acre Darling Farm to the north and west was "not on the table" as an option. Jacobs can proceed with staff review and a public hearing but declined to comment Wednesday on the company's next step.
Plans for the 51-lot Woodland Chase subdivision on three unincorporated properties totaling 32 acres received a better reception. Swanson in 2014 proposed 119 townhouses for the site, but the plan has since been adjusted.
Trustees on Tuesday were considering the findings of village's planning and zoning commission, which recommended approval of the project subject to 30 conditions. However, trustees postponed a vote until the after Swanson has a builder in place.
Swanson, who is partner with K. Hovnanian Homes on the development of the former Bolander Park in Libertyville, said he expected to choose one soon.
"What you hope is they'll do exactly what you've drawn in your plans?" asked Mayor Roger Byrne.
Among the board's other concerns are the rolling topography and wetlands on the site, which spans four school districts and would need to be annexed to Vernon Hills. There are 1,900 trees on the property and a preservation plan was among the conditions required by the zoning commission.