Condos, Townhomes Planned For Downtown Crystal Lake

mix of buildings allowed for the developer to have more flexibility for open spaces on-site
for the residents to gather and enjoy green space, plazas, outdoor seating areas and a dog park.
The prime location within the Downtown Crystal Lake District will provide residents with the
ability to walk to shopping and dining options or jump on the adjacent Prairie Path.

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A 99-unit multi-family residential development could be soon coming to downtown Crystal Lake.

The site at 95 E. Crystal Lake Avenue is the former location of Edward Hines Lumber Location. Developers have shown interest in adding residential properties to the vacant lot in the past; most recently, it was approved for a six-story mixed-use development, which included condominium units and 14,428-square feet of commercial space.

The city approved a preliminary PUD from Hummel Development Group to move forward with that project back in 2006.

"Unfortunately, due to the Great Recession and health issues, the project did not move forward," Kathryn Cowlin, the director for community development for the city of Crystal Lake.

On Tuesday, the city council gave initial approval to Hamilton Partners for a preliminary planned unit development. The plan has received approval from Crystal Lake's planning and zoning commission and would need final approval from the city council in the future.

The Hamilton Partners' plan would bring a less-dense project that would be more complimentary to surrounding properties than the Hummel project, Cowlin said during the meeting.

That proposal included buildings that were six stories in height while the Hamilton Partners proposal would bring four-story apartments and three-story townhomes. The townhomes and apartment units will be available to rent.

The property will include green space, plazas, outdoor seating areas and a dog park. The apartments and townhomes will also be within walking distance to shopping and dining options and adjacent to the Prairie Path.

“Hamilton Partners is excited about the opportunity to bring a development to Downtown Crystal Lake. Having a vibrant downtown is the main amenity for the future residents of this development. You cannot ask for anything better," said Tim Beechick of Hamilton Partners.