Downtown Mount Prospect apartment proposal drawing concerns from neighbors

A proposed five-story apartment and retail building south of the railroad tracks in downtown Mount Prospect is encountering opposition from its residential neighbors.

First Equity Group is seeking village approval for a $26.8 million redevelopment at 1 W. Prospect Ave. The proposed redevelopment would feature 10,000 square feet of retail space on the building's first floor, 80 one- and two-bedroom apartments on the top four floors, and underground and surface parking.

The site currently is the Prospect Place shopping center, home to several small businesses, including a shoe repair shop. It previously was the location of Keefer Pharmacy and the recently vacated Sahara Window and Doors.

The existing building would be demolished to make way for the redevelopment.

Tom Lowe, representing First Equity Group, said the proposal is a better use for the site than what is there today. First Equity also developed the 97-unit 10 North Main apartments downtown.

"I can argue it is one of the best sites, if not the best site, in downtown Mount Prospect," Lowe told members of Mount Prospect's planning and zoning commission last week.

Neighbors living on Wille Street said they agree with redeveloping the site, but are worried about the proposal's impact of traffic and parking. A group of more than 40 neighbors have gathered a petition outlining their concerns.

Resident Vicki Chung said neighbors would rather see a three-story building.

Another neighbor, Johanna Huberty, raised concerns about traffic, noting that more than 30 children live in the area.

Planning and zoning Commissioner William Beattie also voiced some skepticism.

"It just seems like this is, just with respect to parking, too big for the space that it's asked to occupy, because it can't accommodate all the people that are going to be there," he said.

But the developers say a traffic study indicated that the project will not have a significant impact on area roadways and service levels. As for parking, the developer plans to lease 23 spaces in the Wille Street commuter lot to meet the residential parking demand.

The commission is scheduled to continue hearing the matter on Jan. 28.