Construction starts soon on $90 million redevelopment project in Des Plaines
Construction is expected to begin soon on a $90 million redevelopment of the former Littelfuse industrial site in Des Plaines with a mix of apartments and townhouses geared to millennials.
Buckingham Properties plans to build 24 townhouse buildings with 127 units and a 5-story, 270-unit apartment building at 800 E. Northwest Highway, which has been vacant since the electrical manufacturer relocated in 2008.
In preparation for construction, piles of debris have already been relocated off site and some grading has begun. Utility lines will be installed underground soon, before the buildings begin to take shape, according to Chris Coleman, president of Buckingham Properties.
Construction on the 3-story townhouse buildings is expected to begin this fall, followed by the apartment building next spring. Architects are almost done designing that building, which still needs a permit review from Des Plaines officials.
The whole project could take 3½ years to complete, with the first townhouses done by spring 2017 and the first apartments the following winter.
The developers have said they hope to lure millennials because of the development's proximity to the Cumberland Metra station.
The project received final approvals from the city council last week on a 6-1 vote, nearly a year after the council was split on whether to change zoning of the 21-acre property from manufacturing to residential. Mayor Matt Bogusz eventually broke a 4-4 council tie, allowing the development to proceed.
Some aldermen at the time argued that a commercial use was a better fit, but the developer said most of the interest in the site was for residential.
Buckingham has the site under contract with owner Four Peaks LLC, a subsidiary of Mount Prospect-based Nicholas & Associates, which purchased the property in 2013.