After a four-hour meeting, and in the face of public opposition, La Grange’s Plan Commission approved a positive recommendation last week for a 39-unit residential building on the site of the Jackson Square Antique Mall, 112 E. Burlington Ave.
The proposal includes the demolition of the antique mall building.
“We understand that change can be difficult and some may be hesitant,” developer Dan Spain said. “But this development brings new energy, new residents, new tax revenue, and new customers for our local businesses. These are things that keep La Grange vibrant and thriving.”
Spain, who also owns the Elm Restaurant, 23 W. Harris Ave., pointed out that La Grange’s Comprehensive Plan, passed in November 2024, calls for more density of housing near public transportation. The proposed building is about one-half block from the downtown train station.
Spain’s wife, Caitlin, stressed the couple’s long history in La Grange and also pointed out that the existing Jackson Square building had suffered years of neglect and was “borderline uninsurable.”
The proposed development will have fifteen 2 bedroom, 2 bath units with a den, eighteen 3 bedroom 2.5 units, and sixteen 3 bedroom, 2.5 units with a den.
Several amendments were granted to the applicant at the Oct. 14 meeting, Dan Spain, among them are: a text amendment to Village code to increase the maximum height to 74.2-feet from current code of 70-feet, a zoning amendment to change zoning map from C-1 Central Commercial to R-8 Multiple Family Residential, a Special Use Permit, and a Site Plan Approval.
All the motions were passed by a 5 to 2 vote, with the dissenters on each vote being Commissioners Glen Wentink and Jeff Hoffenberg.
Although the development could wind up as apartment rentals, Spain indicated that residential condos were the most likely outcome, with units priced anywhere from $750,000 to $1.3 million.
Commissioners posed several questions to Spain and his architect about the building’s height, setbacks, light and noise from a proposed rooftop pickle ball courts, after which most of the 37 residents signed up for public comment gave full expression to their feelings on the issue.
And those feelings were almost exclusively in opposition.
Randy Valenta, owner of nearby property, was concerned about “the number of variances or changes that the applicant is asking for, specifically the setbacks of the property.”
He said they might be appropriate for a commercial setting, “but the residential setbacks were put there for a reason.”
Mandy Levy, owner of a vintage clothing store in Jackson Square Antique Mall, spoke of what the building meant to the community.
“Jackson Square Mall, the building in particular, is half the reason I moved my family to La Grange,” she said. “I grew up a few towns over, in very boring Burr Ridge, Illinois, and always saw La Grange as a colorful, charismatic town with old original structures. … I am aghast at the idea of turning that gorgeous building into condos.”
The density of the project bothered Ray Bishop, who lives about 100 feet from the project.
“It’s still too dense for this site and it’s out of character with the neighborhood,” he said.
Although the loss of a historic building and the density of the project bothered many residents, the height of it and the fact that it would loom above nearby residences was a consistent problem for residents.
Many opponents are residents at the condo building at 11 S. 6th Ave., and those on nearby 7th Avenue.
“This is an extremely ridiculous process and for the first time in my life I have felt ridiculously minimized, ridiculously not listened to,” Jonathan Robinson told the Commission. “I have eight balconies that are overlooking my private back yard and nobody thinks to ask why didn’t we insert those.”
At least one resident in favor of the development.
“Sadly, not all buildings are suitable for rehab and preservation,” Barbara Jarr said. “Especially from what I’ve heard here tonight, considering the practicality and not the lease the maintenance costs, I seriously doubt that this building will ever make that cut.”
Jarr also pointed out that the village’s Comprehensive Plan indicates senior living situations are in short supply in La Grange. She also said the Spains were not outside developers, but lifelong residents of La Grange and Lyons Township High School graduates.
“I think it’s the right proposal at the right time with the right people and I urge you to move it forward,” she said.
When the proposal will be considered by the Village Board is undetermined at this point due to several issues that the applicant agreed to address, including landscaping changes, removal of the pickle ball court, evaluating a plan to reduce the intrusion of the balconies, adding an awning to the front entrance, and exploring the opportunity for decorative brickwork.
“I’m fine with that,” Spain said of the adjustments sought by the commission. “We need to continue this process, continue to listen and take it a day at a time.”
The next La Grange Plan Commission meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, November 11 in the La Grange Village Hall Auditorium, 53 S. La Grange Rd.
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
