7-Story Apartment Building Gets Nod From Downers Grove Council

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A proposal to build a seven-story apartment building at 4919 Forest Ave. was approved by members of the Downers Grove Village Council Tuesday. Village commissioners voted unanimously in favor of a special use permit, a planned unit development amendment and a zoning amendment for the 4 Corners LLC project.

The red-brick apartment building will feature a parking garage on the first two floors with 89 parking spots. The development will span three lots, two of which are currently occupied by unused office buildings.

During council discussion, Commissioner Michael Davenport said some residents had made comments about the height of the apartment building. Davenport said that the downtown business district permits buildings up to 74 feet tall.

"This project does comply with that," he said, adding that he believed he thinks it will be "a great addition to the downtown area."

Commissioner Chris Gilmartin addressed concerns about how the building's parking garage will be accessible via the property's alley. Petitioners have already agreed to expand the alley from 14 feet to 17 feet.

Gilmartin said he is "a bit concerned about the alley, and traffic and the way that's going to operate when this building is full."

He added, "I would just ask that the village keep an eye on that, but outside of that, I'm looking forward to supporting [this project,"

Commissioner Greg Hose, who was serving as Mayor Pro Tem, told petitioners, "We are very, very happy with your investment and we look forward to a successful project."