A Chicago developer’s plans for a five-story, 40-unit condominium building at the south end of downtown has won the approval of the Downers Grove Village Council, despite earlier objections from residents who had complained that the structure would be too high and bring too much density to the area.
Developments that would draw more people to live near downtown shops and restaurants are what village officials have been striving for, Village Commissioner Michael Gilbert said.
“While it is controversial, I think it’s a good thing for Downers,” Gilbert said before casting his vote for the project, which won unanimous approval of the council.
“We have a gem of an opportunity down there as long as we fill it with customers,” Gilbert said later.
Chicago-based Morningside Equities Group Inc. expects to start construction in May of the brick and stone building on more than an acre off Main Street, near Maple Avenue.
Ronald S. Mucha of Morningside said he expects the condominiums to be occupied by spring 2001.
Plans include one one-bedroom unit and 39 two-bedroom units, ranging in area from 1,090 square feet for the one-bedroom unit to 1,980 square feet for the largest two-bedroom unit.
Developers have said the units likely would sell for an average price of $290,000.