Hamilton's Pub, Cafe, Office Space Proposed For Vacant Property

LEMONT, IL — A property that has sat vacant for several years could see some new construction, if the planned unit development is approved by the village board. Pat and Molly Roche, the owners of Hamilton's Pub in Lemont, are proposing a mixed use commercial and residential development at the vacant property at 1297 McCarthy Road.

The property is located at the northwest corner of McCarthy and Walker roads, according to board documents. It is zoned B-3 (commercial), and is 1.91 acres.

Board documents state the property used to be a car wash, but the structure was demolished seven years ago. The development is compatible with the 2030 comprehensive plan, according to board documents. The plan designates the property as neighborhood retail.

The proposed plan for the development would be a two-story building with commercial on the first floor, and three apartments on the second floor. Board documents state the first floor would consist of Hamilton's Pub in a 6,000-square-foot space as well as an outdoor dining/drink area; 2,000 square feet for a coffee/cafe with a drive-thru; and 2,000 square feet for office/retail.

The three apartments on the second floor would range from 1-2 bedrooms, and be 1,300 square feet to 1,600 square feet, board documents state. Residential units are not usually allowed in the B-3 zoning, so this would be an exception to the unified development ordinance of the village.

Other possible exceptions from the unified development ordinance include an encroachment on the required setback in the rear of the building, which would be used for trash and parking. There are also no proposed transitions along property lines next to residential areas.

The plan also calls for 55 parking stalls, while ordinance requires 63 spaces. Lastly, the proposal doesn't meet the requirement of 15 percent open space.

Several residents attended the planning and zoning commission hearing on the project and shared concerns about hours of the business, noise, open space, speed limit and the size of the building impacting buffers.

According to board documents, the plan and zoning commission approved the project with conditions. The commission requested a traffic study, a sight line buffer and defined hours for the outdoor patio of the pub.

The village board discussed the project at its Jan. 13 committee of the whole and staff said the project will likely be on the agenda at the Feb. 10 village board meeting.