The Oak Park Plan Commission has unanimously approved plans for a 4-story, 28-unit condo building at the site of the once-popular but shuttered Tasty Dog restaurant at Euclid and Lake.
The proposal by Ranquist Development – which calls for a number of variances from the village zoning code – for the District House development was presented to the commission last week and was given a glowing review by architect Floyd Anderson, who serves as a consultant to the village on architectural design.
“It’s obviously a very modern looking building, more so than anything else on the block; that may or may not be an issue for the residents,” Anderson told the plan commission. “Frankly, it’s one of the better looking projects I’ve seen in the village in quite some time.”
He noted that the 75-foot-tall building is “respectful of its neighbors” and “not trying to be the tallest building on the block.” Current zoning on the commercial corridor caps the height at 45 feet tall, so the project still needs approval from the village board of trustees.
Ranquist also is requesting allowances from the zoning ordinance for 28 units – the zoning code only allows 26 – as well as approval to build up to the lot line – under current zoning they must have a 15-foot setback on the north property line and a 5-foot setback on the east property line.
The group also was approved for its proposal to reduce the number of parking spaces required from 66 to 37. The Ranquist proposal noted that the 37 spaces would be large enough to accommodate lift spaces that enable cars to park on stackable structures.
Christopher Dillion of real estate firm Campbell Coyle, said the project is projected to cost $17.1 million and will generate an estimated $222,500 in annual sales tax and $720,275 in property tax for the village.
He described it as a transit-oriented development that will serve as a gateway to the Hemingway District. Austin DePree, of Northworks Architects and Planners, told the commission that the design of the building aims to emulate the horizontal orientation known as a foundational design element of the Prairie School of Architecture popularized by Oak Park’s Frank Lloyd Wright, while also providing a progressive and modern design.
Neighbors voiced some concerns that the project would increase traffic congestion in the area and remove needed parking spots from Euclid, where a curb cut will allow resident’s entrance into the structure. But there was no outright opposition from residents at the meeting.
Ultimately, the plan commission approved the project with a few conditions, including a better explanation of how loading zones will work at the development; more detail about the building’s proposed green roof and green wall; and additional information about how overhangs will handle ice and snow.
Village Planner Craig Failor said Ranquist and company have worked closely with village staff, business district leaders and neighbors on the design and other details of the building.
He said the developer will return to the plan commission on July 7 to review the additional information and finalize its findings of fact for the Oak Park Board of Trustees to review.
The proposal then heads to the board of trustees for consideration.
CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com
