Journal & Topics Media Group

Apartments Proposed Next To Auto Shops


New apartments are proposed for a site currently zoned for commercial uses next to TransWorld Transmission shop on Miner Street in downtown Des Plaines.

Real estate developer Rafal Stopa of Norridge has petitioned the city’s planning and zoning board with a plan to construct 16 apartment units at 1300 Jefferson St. Stopa plans to refurbish the property’s 24,664 sq. ft. stucco building to create the apartments, said Des Plaines Senior Planner Johanna Bye. He does not plan to change the property’s footprint size, she said.

To complete the project, Stopa would need to have the property rezoned from general commercial district to core residential. Variations for yard setback requirements were also included in the proposal.

Most recently, the building, constructed in 1985, has been used as offices for commercial tenants. Bye said she believed some of the tenants were still renting office space there as of this Wednesday. Dillon-Gavin School of Irish Dance operates in the building, according to the school’s website.

Additionally, the structure is located directly next to two automotive shops: C & H Auto Repair and TransWorld Transmissions. Both businesses would continue to operate if the property is developed for residential use, Bye said. Stopa has not yet provided a timeline for the project, she added.

A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for Nov. 28.

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