No Permit Yet For Darien Apartment Complex: City

DARIEN, IL – Darien has yet to grant a construction permit for a controversial four-story apartment complex, a city official said Thursday.

Meanwhile, the developer is planning a groundbreaking ceremony for Sept. 15.

In an interview, the city's planner, Jordan Yanke, said he contacted the company, The Jade Group, and understands that the groundbreaking is a formality.

"From what I got from a person from the company over the phone, they want to operate in good faith," Yanke said. "They don't plan to put in bulldozers right away."

He said an architectural firm hired by the city is reviewing the construction plan.

"We're hoping to hear back from the (architect) on the permit," Yanke said. "We're trying to push for that as soon as possible."

In an interview last week, Ram Prashantha, one of the partners with The Jade Group, told Patch about the coming ceremony for the 70-unit complex. He couldn't be reached for immediate comment Thursday.

The apartment building is set for the southeast corner of South Frontage Road and Sokol Court, east of the Extended Stay America hotel.

In May 2021, the City Council voted 4-3 in favor of the apartment building. This was after the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-1 against the proposal.

Neighbors expressed opposition to the project. It is called The Jade Residences of Waterfall Glen and is expected to cost $15.3 million.

The debate over the project was heated, with at least a couple of aldermen upset over written comments they deemed derogatory toward renters. One said some comments came off as racist and classist.

During public input at a council meeting, residents said the four-story building was too large for the property in question. They also objected to the proposed building's height, its closeness to a children's park and the effects on drainage.

The neighbors rejected suggestions that their opposition was rooted in racism or classism.