Des Plaines may be getting a new shopping center.
City officials on Monday night announced plans to pursue a development deal that calls for a 9-acre downtown shopping center anchored by a Jewel Food Store.
During a recent executive session, aldermen voted unanimously to seek tax-increment financing district status for up to 12 city- and privately owned parcels in the area bounded by Lee, Pearson, Miner and Perry Streets, Acting Mayor Tony Arredia said before Monday night’s City Council session.
The developer seeking the project was identified as Evanston-based Marty Norkett.
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“More details will come out soon, probably in a press conference later this week,” Arredia said.
City Manager Wally Douthwaite said negotiations with Norkett began after Norkett approached city officials about months ago.
Jewel recently signed on as an anchor tenant for the development.
Douthwaite urged “cautious optimism” until any development deal is inked between the city and developer. “It was nice to have the developer come through the door with this,” Douthwaite said. “But it’s also smart to keep our expectations reasonable.”
Up to 12 property holders–including homeowners, businesses and the city–must agree to sell their land before the development can be built, Douthwaite said.
Ald. Wayne Elstner said, “It all sounds very promising and exciting. . . . It’s probably going to be a year or so before there’s any groundbreaking.”
Other potential tenants were not announced Monday night.