Mayor: New West Dundee apartments could prompt redevelopment

A local real estate developer's plan to build apartments in West Dundee could help revitalize a section of town in need of an upgrade, Village President Chris Nelson said.

But after reviewing the concept this week, the village board indicated the project needs to be downsized to move forward.

Developer Bruce Oehlerking has proposed constructing three apartment structures, each with 12 rental units, on the south side of Strom Drive just east of the Century Plaza shopping center. The elevator-serviced buildings would contain three residential floors above a ground-level parking garage, according to village documents.

The goal is to provide housing options for empty-nesters and young adults in a convenient, walkable location, Oehlerking said.

The multifamily housing would be considered an "infill development," Nelson said, serving as a transition between commercial properties and an adjacent residential area. It also could spur some redevelopment on a street lined with aging apartment buildings and townhouses, he said.

"It's a nice use for a corridor that I think could use a significant refresh," Nelson said. "If this development is done well, hopefully it can kind of push some developers in the area toward a higher trajectory."

Trustees on Monday said they were open to the idea of building apartments on the 1.71-acre site, which poses "inherent challenges" due to its size, shape and topography, Community Development Director Tim Scott said.

The biggest potential roadblock? Density.

At 36 total apartments, Oehlerking's proposal would not adhere to the village's zoning code requiring 4,300 square feet per unit in a multifamily residential district.

With development incentives, such as its enclosed parking or pedestrian amenities, the project could be reduced to 24 units and potentially meet village regulations, Scott said in a memo to the village board. That would be possible by cutting one floor from each building, or by eliminating a building altogether.

A handful of trustees preferred the two-building option, which allows for more green space, Nelson said.

Oehlerking said he needs to "get all the economics in line" before modifying his plan and submitting it to the village - a process that could take months.

The revised proposal would be brought to the planning and zoning commission for a public hearing and recommendation, then the appearance review commission, before it is considered by the village board.