Restoration company replacing Naperville manufacturer in residential zone

A property restoration company will move into the current site of an engine components manufacturer north of downtown Naperville despite property being zoned for residential use.

Paul Davis Restoration of DuPage County plans to buy two buildings at 433-435 Spring Ave. from DuPage Precision Products in a closing set for May 3, attorney David Wentz said.

The company is moving its warehouse operations to the site despite additional oversight imposed by the Naperville City Council in an effort to speed the property's progress toward its desired use - housing.

The restoration company asked for an eight-year agreement to operate a warehouse and office on the 1.5-acre site, even though that use typically would not be allowed in the R2 zoning district, which is meant for "medium-density single-family" residences.

But the council last week unanimously cut the term to four years and required the deal to be reviewed again in two.

Eight years fit better with the business plans of Paul Davis Restoration of DuPage County owner Richard Kramer, his attorney Wentz said, because Kramer also owns a home construction company and has his eye on the property next-door, an Ozinga concrete plant. A longer term would have allowed more time for Kramer to try to buy the concrete plant and consolidate the two properties into a site for homes.

The two industrial uses remain because when the city rezoned the sites north of Spring Avenue and west of Mill Street in 2008, the two businesses were allowed to continue operating in the same capacity indefinitely.

Nearly 10 years later, neighbors and city council members say they're growing impatient, and they hope the land can be turned into houses soon.

"The neighbors and the city are receptive to the purchaser because they know he has the capability to turn it into a quality residential development," Wentz said. "It's just a matter of when."

While the waiting game continues,

Mayor Steve Chirico said it was a "step in the right direction" to allow Paul Davis Restoration to operate temporarily along Spring Avenue instead of DuPage Precision Products.

Wentz said the company plans to complete its move from its current warehouse one block north on 5th Avenue in the next six to eight weeks. The warehouse will be used to store furniture, equipment and other materials recovered from smoke- or water-damaged homes and businesses that employ the restoration service.