Elmhurst Condo Group Against Even Taller Building

ELMHURST, IL – The residents of a six-story condo complex in downtown Elmhurst are objecting to an even taller building proposed for next door.

The developer, Oak Brook-based RSCK Holdings, is asking the city for permission to build a nine-story, 28-unit condo complex at 202 N. York St.

It would involve tearing down older buildings. Under the original plan, the new building would include two stories of parking above ground and seven stories of condos.

The developer has presented options for scaling back the project, but that would cut the number of units. The company has suggested such a reduction would mean the need for a city subsidy.

In documents, Scott Day, attorney for RSCK, argues the complex would be in line with the city's plan for development.

Under the plan, the tallest buildings are to go in the core of downtown, where the project is planned.

The homeowners association for the six-story condo building, One95, opposes the project. One95 is at 195 N. Addison Ave. and would be west of the new building.

The association is represented by Elmhurst attorney Deanne Mazzochi, who says she is doing so for free.

The association contends the shadows from the new structure would be cast over One95. It opposes the density of the proposed development.

"The One95 residents are not objecting to the mere addition of more residents to the downtown core," Mazzochi said in a letter to the city last month. "The so-called 'density' problems are unique to the proposed Development on this particular property, which is narrow, landlocked, and where the developer intends to build essentially up to the lot line with no rear setbacks."

Mazzochi, who is the local state representative until next week, said the added height and bulk would plainly tower over One95 and the nearby Flynn residential building.

She said the association has proposed a "wedding cake" structure, which would reduce the size of the upper floors to lessen the mass, bulk and sight line issues.

In response to Mazzochi's letter, Day said the association is ignoring the city's policies for downtown redevelopment.

He also said the other 240 property owners in the area have not objected to the proposal, which he said speaks volumes.

"(T)he will of One95 is not synonymous with the will of the people of the city of Elmhurst," Day said.

He said the developer cannot grant One95's requested changes that contradict the city's policy positions.

The Zoning and Planning Commission's hearing on the proposal continues Tuesday at City Hall.