Lake Zurich Florist owners proposing new downtown development

The couple who run Lake Zurich Florist are planning to build a two-story, mixed-use building on village-owned land on South Old Rand Road.

Matthew and Anping Lovejoy told the Lake Zurich village board Monday that they have financing in place, an architect on board and a builder who is eager to start work on the downtown project, which is envisioned as having three commercial tenants on the first floor and three apartments on the second.

Anping Lovejoy said their flower business, currently located at 34 E Main St., is growing and she wants to stay downtown. If approved, the Lovejoys would purchase a portion of the vacant village-owned lot referred to as "Block D." The building would occupy the three lots between Offbeat Music Store and Blue Fence Real Estate on South Old Rand Road, just steps away from the current location of Lake Zurich Florist.

Anping Lovejoy said Lake Zurich Florist would be the first tenant in the new building, and she hopes the other commercial tenants will be wedding-related businesses.

"I want a vibrant downtown," Anping Lovejoy said. "I think an investment in downtown Lake Zurich would be good for my business and our community."

The board members who heard the plan agreed.

"It's exciting to see one of our long-standing properties potentially be developed," Trustee Jonathan Sprawka said. "Please let staff and the board know anything you might need to support that effort."

Block D is one of several village-owned parcels in the downtown area. The village spent about $16 million on property, hoping officials could more successfully market the parcels for redevelopment than the sites' owners.

Matthew Lovejoy said while the prices aren't final yet, rent at the apartments would be $1,600 to $1,900 per month.

Matthew Lovejoy said the team hopes to start work in June so the building can be finished before October 2022, which is when the lease at the current Lake Zurich Florist location expires.

Village Manager Ray Keller said the village staff has not yet begun negotiating the price of the land. He said staff members also need to determine what kind of infrastructure work may need to happen before construction begins.