Big Elmhurst Apartment Plan Passes 1st Test

ELMHURST, IL — The proposal for a 200-unit apartment complex in downtown Elmhurst cleared its first major hurdle Tuesday, despite residents who asked for changes to the plan.

The Zoning and Planning Commission recommended exceptions to zoning regulations for the proposed six-story building at the northwest corner of Haven Road and First Street. The project is set for what is considered the outer edge of downtown.

Neighbors had called for a "soft transition" to residential areas that is called for under city codes. They wanted to reduce the building's height to four stories within 100 feet west of Haven Road and increase the yard setback off Haven to 25 feet, from the proposed 13 feet. The commission rejected both of those requests.

Commissioner Carol Snyder spoke well of the project, which is being proposed by Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies. The complex, she said, would have an "attractive appearance."

"There was a give and take with their design," she said. "When I look at this structure, it does step down, it does transition. You have to look at all the buildings on how they relate to each other. The applicant is looking to maximize the return on their investment and do so in a sensitive way."

Commissioner Kevin Byrnes said the project may help the town houses across the street become more marketable. In Chicago, he said, apartment building dwellers often move across the street into houses.

"There's really no evidence represented that would indicate that property values would be diminished," Byrnes said.

Commission Chairman Susan Rose said the construction project wouldn't be enjoyable for anyone in the neighborhood.

"The petitioners should make every effort to try to minimize the burden of construction of the large project in the neighborhood," she said.

The commission voted on 10 requests related to the project. In nine cases, the commissioners voted in favor, with Susan McCoyd dissenting in one instance.

For the other request, which sought an exception to sign height requirements, the commission was unanimous in its rejection.

The issue next goes to the City Council's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee, then to the full council.

In an interview Tuesday, Elmhurst resident Kevin Diamond, who had asked for changes to the proposal, said the project improved aesthetically since Ryan Companies' original plan.

"It's unfortunate the neighbors on Haven aren't going to get the setback they deserve," Diamond said. "People who walk across the street on Haven are going to see a big wall. Elmhurst can do better for protecting the residents."

Diamond said he wished Ryan Companies well.

"I have nothing against them. They're a fine firm," he said. "The project will go, and Elmhurst will continue to be a great place to live."

The $75 million project is expected to deliver an estimated $850,000 in tax revenue and create 215 full-time construction jobs, the company said.

For years, city leaders have encouraged condo and apartment development downtown. They say this adds vibrancy to an area that would otherwise suffer from the increase in online retailing.

Opponents, however, say such development is changing the character of Elmhurst.