Concerns With Planned Clarendon Hills Complex

CLARENDON HILLS, IL – Some have expressed concerns about a proposed five-story complex next to downtown Clarendon Hills.

But the developer said this week that he aimed for a "modest" building at 104 Walker Ave. that aligned with the village's long-term downtown plan.

Those behind the proposal are Chris Dillion of Campbell Coyle and John Searls of JODI Development. Both firms are based in Chicago.

"We are inspired by your downtown master plan," Dillion told the Village Board on Monday.

He said he wanted a restaurant and tavern, including outdoor dining, on the first floor.

The remaining four floors would contain 35 to 45 apartments, the number based on parking considerations, Dillion said.

He said he and his partner were in the early stages of the plan. Any proposal would undergo a multi-step process, including public hearings, officials said.

The development, Dillion said, would be comparable in scale to the four-story building across the street at 229 Park Ave.

He said the five-story complex would be "more modest in scale, especially as you move to the south and west," where houses are.

The property in question is wooded and contains a vacant house, which would be demolished.

Some neighbors expressed concern. One of them was Kimberly Lowe, who lives on Park Avenue a couple of houses away from the proposed building.

"I'm concerned about changing from residential to business," Lowe said. "There is a school and community surrounding this development."

Among the issues, she said, were parking, the height of the building and stormwater.

Village Manager Zach Creer said a proposal from the developer is expected down the road.

"There's still plenty of time," he said.