Industrial, retail proposed for Libertyville Sports Complex property
Concepts for replacing a golf driving range and mini-golf course with a mix of industrial and retail uses at the Libertyville Sports Complex property are coming into a clearer focus.
Paragon Development Partners will discuss the proposed redevelopment for the northeast corner of Route 45 and Peterson Road with village trustees and members of advisory commissions during an informal work session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave.
After years on the market, officials agreed in June to sell to Paragon approximately 30 acres south of the property for $5.76 million. Most of that was envisioned for industrial use, with the corner - occupied by the 27-hole Aloha Falls mini-golf course - used for retail.
The main Sports Complex building, which features two full-sized indoor soccer fields, multiple indoor courts, a climbing wall, fitness area and other features is not included in the proposed sale and will continue to operate.
Since June, the company has been doing its due diligence, which includes soil testing and a market analysis. Under terms of the sales agreement, Paragon has 18 months to secure the necessary reviews and approvals and close on the property.
Because the village board could discuss the potential sale and price only in closed session, Tuesday's meeting is intended to provide a more detailed picture of what is envisioned before specific plans proceed to public hearings and review.
"This is really the first opportunity to discuss in an informal setting with the board and (advisory) commissions the concept," said Heather Rowe, the village's economic development coordinator. "The specific use is yet to be determined," she added.
Paragon is proposing 313,200 square feet of new industrial space, likely light assembly or small manufacturing, in two buildings and 3.66 acres of retail, currently identified as a gas station and car wash.
Paragon's market overview shows four large leases signed in Lake County during the second quarter of this year, with several prospects in Libertyville.
The property as a whole is governed by a planned development, which would have to be revised or replaced, according to John Spoden, Libertyville's community development director.
"It's the first step of the process," he said of Tuesday's meeting. "Part of the agreement is they will come forth with this at a committee of the whole before applying" for specific approvals. The idea is to give the company an informal sense of what is acceptable or will be required before that process begins, he said.
The Libertyville Sports Complex opened in 2002, but aside from the main building, it long has been a drain on village finances. Proceeds from the sale would be used to reduce the roughly $16 million in remaining debt used to buy the land and build the facilities.