Des Plaines aldermen this week approved a two-year delay on groundbreaking for a 14-story residence for older people.
Developer Nick Mitchell wants more time for sales and financing. He plans to build a $129 million, 278-unit senior living facility, the Riviera, at 1050 Oakton St., adjacent to Grazie! Ristorante and Banquets, which he owns.
Mitchell said during a Monday City Council meeting that he has been selling residential units, but there have been challenges, including rising interest rates and increased construction costs.
“[Mitchell] has spent $12.3 million of his own money on this,” Ald. Patricia Beauvais said.
Beauvais told Mitchell that although she didn’t support a height variance for the building, “I don’t feel it would be our place to pull the rug out from under you now.”
“On paper and on video, it looks like a great project,” said Ald. Dick Sayad.
But Ald. Carla Brookman, the lone “no” in the 6-1 vote against the deadline extension, said 95 percent of 500 constituents who answered a survey opposed the project.
The development for people 55 and older would include a swimming pool, spa, fitness center and a 500-seat auditorium, Mitchell said.
The project was approved in 2001, but delays have occurred.