THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2006
City Inches Toward Next Step On Plaza Redevelopment
One large issue regarding the future of the Executive Plaza area in Park Ridge has reportedly been resolved, but many other details remain to be worked out.
This was the message this week from city officials regarding the imminent redevelopment of the plaza area, located on the eastern edge of Uptown, at Northwest Highway and South Washington Avenue.
At the rate discussions on this area are taking place, it is possible that specific proposals for upgrading the area could be on the table by summer.
Currently an area of vacant or dated office buildings and parking lots, this site will be redeveloped primarily with residential facilities, and secondarily with retail space, an initial city recommendation says.
Sometime this month, the city's Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to hold an initial public hearing on some very general recommendations on the future of this area, which is located on a boundary between residential areas to the north and east and commercial and institutional uses on the south and west
The plaza area serves as a transition from the Uptown business district to single family residences to the north and east..
Also in the mix is possible senior housing, which is being promoted strongly these days by a growing number of residents and organizations.
A major event to move this project forward took place in April, when one of the largest buildings in the area - a three-story structure at the corner of Washington and Northwest Highway formerly occupied by the Polish Women's Alliance, was sold to a developer. Seven other commercial or office buildings still stand in the area, some of them partially or completely vacant.
The city reportedly has received several inquiries about this property from developers or businesses, but hasn't made any announcements regarding specific proposals.
The Planning and Zoning Commission's public hearing is designed to determine what the plaza property will be used for, and the eventual decision on that by the city council will be included in the city's comprehensive land use plan.