After village board approval of the 19-story Albion project, officials with the Park District of Oak Park are hopeful to work with the developer and village to minimize the impact on nearby Austin Gardens park.
The mixed-use development, which was approved by a 6-1 vote on Oct. 2, had caused a divide in the village, with many worried about its potential effects on the park.
In addition to concerns the structure would “shade” some of the plants in the park, some worried the building would also block sun from reaching the solar panels on the roof of the Environmental Education Center, which is in Austin Gardens.
Following a recommendation to deny the original project by the village plan commission, and trustees Dan Moroney and Deno Andrews suggesting the developer reduce the mass of the north side of the building, Albion representatives presented a new step design to village trustees, which ultimately won approval.
Park district Executive Director Jan Arnold praised the design changes during the Oct. 5 park board meeting.
“The new design does show a significant decrease in regards to shade from the old building to the new step building,” Arnold said. “I think the park district should be proud of its involvement, which has generated a better outcome for the park. It has created some air between the park and the building, and also reduced the negative impact on the solar panels and the learning garden, especially in the summer when there’s time for growing and the generation of electricity.”
In a letter released by the park district on Oct. 6, the day after the meeting, officials said they hope to work with Albion and the village during construction of the building.
“The park district looks forward to working closely with Albion and the village of Oak Park to minimize the impact to park program participants and park users during construction and after the new development is occupied,” the letter said. “The park district also looks forward to welcoming the new residents to the Park District of Oak Park’s facilities, parks and programs.”
Though the building increased in height from 18 to 19 stories with the new design, the building is expected to be nine stories tall at its northernmost point adjacent to Austin Gardens. The building will then increase in height towards the south, reaching its pinnacle height at Lake Street.
According to the letter, park district officials requested local architect Tom Bassett-Dilley to create a shade model based on the new drawings, which showed some positive changes.
“The good news is that the project shading on the garden and photovoltaic array has been decreased,” the letter said. “It appears some of the building mass from the north elevation was moved toward Lake Street, lessening the impact on the park.”
In addition to pledging funds to local organizations, Albion representatives said they would attempt to make the estimated 20 months of construction as painless for the community as possible.
“Albion will work with the village to coordinate financial commitments, prepare for issues and logistics during construction and plan for building operations when the project is complete,” Albion spokesman James Prescott said.
According to Albion Vice President Andrew Yule, groundbreaking could take place in June 2018.
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