Luxury Rental Development Plans For Karger Center Revealed

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Developers have presented the first version of their plans for a new apartment complex planned on the site of the Karger Center. The proposal includes 171 units in a five-story residential development on 2.6 acres at 1850 Green Bay Road. Plans for the "Albion at Highland Park" were set to be presented Tuesday to the Highland Park Plan and Design Commission.

The site has city-owned since 1949, when it was deeded from the Park District of Highland Park, according to a memo from staff. The Karger Center was built on the site a short time later and it was been used as a recreation and cultural arts center ever since. A lease with the day care facility at the center expires next year.

The City Council put the property on the market in May 2017, citing the cost to operate the "rapidly aging" building. Developers Albion Jacobs Highland Park, LLC – a joint venture of Albion Residential and the Jacobs Companies – purchased the property from the city in January for $3.762 million with a plan to build a residential development with "high-end" finishes and amenities.

The deal included provision to allow the city of keep permanent access to the historic water tower on the property as well as a parking agreement letting the Lake County Health Center use at least 46 parking spaces at the site, according to city staff. The plan does not yet explain where these spaces would be provided. Other than parking requirements, the developers have not asked for any other exceptions to zoning code.

The building faces Green Bay Road in the front and Sunset Park in the rear, with a large courtyard and recreation area in the back of the building facing the park land. The courtyard will include a pool, grilling stations, firepits and areas for gaming or relaxation, according to the developers.

The developers said the proposed development is expected to bring 250 new residents to the downtown area. The site will "generate more bodies that will be walking around the downtown district visiting the shops and business," according to the planned development application.

"Albion at Highland Park will serve a wide range of residents from empty nesters to young couples to individuals who want to be part of a new vibrant community," according to the application. "Apartments will range in size from studios which will be affordable to those first year teachers, police officers, fire fighters, and government employees while still being able to provide housing for the luxury down-sizing empty nesters."

The average size of the apartments will be 1,000 square feet, according to conceptual data provided to planning commissions. The project would include 20 studios, 31 convertible units, 19 one-bedrooms without a den and 26 with one, 41 two bedrooms without a den and 34 with one.

In 2015, the City Council relaxed downtown zoning rules, Pioneer Press reported, allowing developers to build smaller units with more density.

The developers will redesign walking and biking paths on the site and add connections to Sunset Woods Park, according to the application. City staff said the plan does not yet include a well-marked pedestrian path but the developers "indicated plans are in place" to include it in the project.

The Albion team will present an inclusionary housing plan at the public hearing for the project, according to a memo from city staff. The developers will also meet with the Housing Commission, which will make a recommendation to the Plan and Design Commission that can be included in the final recommendation to the City Council.

The proposal also promises to include sustainable building elements, including green roofs, "lush vegetation throughout" and energy star appliances as the development seeks certification as a "green building."

Following an initial presentation to plan commissioners, the developers will need to submit a formal application. Following a public hearing, the Plan and Design Commissioners recommendation will go to the City Council, which has final say in the matter.

Related:

• Highland Park Gets Bid To Build 171 Units At Karger Center
• Karger Center Listed For Sale At $3.5 Million

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