Neighbors will get a chance next month to tell the Plan Commission what they think of a developer’s proposal to build a five-story, 33-unit condominium building at the corner of Dobson Street and Ridge Aveue.
Neighbors will get a chance next month to tell the Plan Commission what they think of a developer’s proposal to build a five-story, 33-unit condominium building at the corner of Dobson Street and Ridge Aveue.
A project model presented to the Plan Commission.
The current R5 zoning permits a five-story building, but would limit its height to 50 feet. Because of its pitched-roof design, the proposed development is 60 feet tall to the average height of the roof.
Existing zoning calls for a limit of 22 dwelling units. The proposed project also exceeds the zoning code’s lot coverage and yard size requirements. But, with 46 garage spaces, it meets the city’s parking requirement.
Because it’s being proposed as a planned development, the city has the option under the zoning code to grant the variances the developer is seeking.
The developer’s attorney told the Plan Commission Wednesday that the project would clean up a site at 959 Dobson St. that is currently occupied by three dilapidated rental apartment buildings that are “beyond rehabilitation” and that have been the subject of “30 pages of police reports” regarding criminal activity ranging from battery to theft in the past two years.
The existing buildings on the site.
Project architect Robert Kirk, of Group A Architects in Arlington Heights, said the proposed building would have 17 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom units. Parking would occupy the ground floor and basement levels.
Mr. Kirk said the building would have “all natural materials,” would be designed to achieve environmental design certification, and would be compatible with the adjacent Oakton Historic District and its shingle-style cottages and bungalows.
“It will have a stone base, smooth brick with thin joints and green trim around the windows,” he added.
Mr. Kirk said the developers have had four meetings with residents of the community and have agreed to provide four or five large stone colums to mark entry points to the historic district.
He said the design would create a park-like setting in front of the building and preserve existing mature trees on the site.
The developer’s traffic consultant, Jennifer Mitchell, said the project would not result in any significant increase in traffic delays in the area.
Sharon Rizzo, a realtor marketing the project, forecast that units would be priced between $300 and $330 per square foot. One-bedroom units, she said, would average 950 square feet and be priced from $220,000 to $334,000, while the two-bedroom units would be up to 1,600 square feet in size and would be priced at an average of $414,000.
The Plan Commission will hear from neighbors with views about the project when it holds its next meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Related links
Dobson-Ridge plan still over zoning limit – April 27, 2006
Dobson-Ridge developer to meet again with neighbors – March 30, 2006
Project Public Notice – November 23, 2006