City Council Approves Preliminary Plans For Mixed-Use Development

OAK FOREST, IL — The City of Oak Forest at Tuesday evening's city council meeting unanimously approved a special use permit to allow a mixed use development along Cicero Avenue.

The preliminary plans for the project include a mixed use development with 75 multifamily units and 16 row homes. The current plan hopes to build a four story, multifamily building with 4,500 square feet of retail space.

The plan would come at the expense of three existing buildings on the site, which include one commercial building, one multifamily building and a single family home.

The developers, Deshe Real Estate Group, own the current multifamily property located at 4816, 157th St., and are purchasing city-owned properties located at 15644 Cicero Ave., 15659 Lamon Ave. and 4820, 157th St. The developers also have an agreement to purchase the single family home on located at 15645, Lamon Ave.

The multifamily building will feature 75 units, studios, one and two bedroom units. The first floor of the building would be used for retail and parking, while the second-fourth floor would be for multifamily residences.

Row homes will provide 16 units, varying from two to three bedrooms. As of now, 11 of the row-homes will be located on 157th Street, and five are slated for Lamon Avenue.

The preliminary plans indicate the living spaces will be rental only. Rent is anticipated to be $2 per square foot, with some spaces potentially costing around $2,000 a month to rent, according to developers.

When asked about section eight housing potential, the developers stated there is no intent to bring any affordable housing, but it is possible. A final plan is expected to reach the city council as early as mid-spring 2022.