THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008
Board Reviewing Plan For Rowhomes Along Prospect Ave.
By RICHARD MAYER
Journal Reporter
A three-unit rowhome development at 309-313 W. Prospect Ave. in Mt. Prospect is currently being reviewed for approval by Village Board members.
The 2,400 sq. ft. units that include a garage will cost approximately $465,000 each, not including upgrades or any special requests that may be desired.
The property is located at the intersection of Prospect and Elmhurst avenues, just north of Busse Avenue. Currently, the property is an empty lot.
The units will be three-stories high with attached rear loading garages on the first floor, and the ability to park two cars behind each garage. Also, the development includes a patio for each unit along Prospect Avenue.
According to Paul Swanson, owner of the property and architect for the project, each unit would include three bedrooms plus a recreation room in the basement.
In late December of last year, village staff believed the proposal was not consistent with the surrounding land uses along Prospect Avenue. At that time, staff believed the property would be best suited for a mixed-use project with offices on the first floor or as an office only development.
On Mar. 27, the Planning and Zoning commission approved the plans, 4-0, because of the modifications that were made. Certain requirements by village staff were mandated prior to the project being presented to the planning and zoning commission. Those requirements included:
* The three separate lots must be consolidated;
* The right-of-way at the intersection of Busse and Elmhurst avenues should be squared off. The curved sidewalk should be removed, and a new sidewalk along Busse Avenue should be installed to the corner;
* Prior to obtaining the first Certificate of Occupancy, Swanson must submit homeowner's association documents for village staff to review and approve that include text stating on-street overnight parking is prohibited;
* Swanson must construct all units according to village codes and regulations, including installing automatic fire sprinklers.
"This is the only vacant space left in Mt. Prospect," commented Swanson.
"These homes are truly walking distance from the train station and the downtown area. It is a nice piece of property."
Swanson said many people are concerned with the current condition of the housing market, but he said the sale of townhomes remain in "good shape."
Some of Swanson's completed commercial developments over the years include the building of a 204-unit luxury apartment complex in Arlington Heights and renovating of the Americana Inn in Des Plaines to a 150-room Comfort Inn.
Trustees are expected to vote on this development at the regular village board meeting on Tuesday, May 20.
If approved, Swanson said he anticipates construction to begin by late July or early August. Once construction begins, he expects the project to be completed within seven months.