Another mixed-use high-rise proposed for downtown Oak Park

Earlier this week, developer Albion Residential unveiled its plans to construct a 197-foot tall, mixed-use building at the northwest corner of Lake Street and Forest Avenue in Oak Park. The proposed project was presented at an open house that reportedly drew hundreds of area residents. Designed by Chicago’s Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture (HPA), the 18-story tower would contain 265 rental apartments, ground floor retail, and parking for 243 motor vehicles and 265 bicycles.

Situated directly across the street from the newly-opened 21-story Vantage Oak Park apartment tower, the site at 1000 Lake Street has been a likely candidate for redevelopment for some time. The parcel and its existing low-rise building were actively marketed as a $6.95 million tear-down redevelopment opportunity by CBRE Group last summer. If realized, Albion’s project would be the third recent high-rise project to head to Oak Park’s rapidly-developing downtown.

CBRE Group

Unsurprisingly, not every Oak Park resident in attendance was thrilled with the 18-story plan for the corner. The usual concerns over height, density, and traffic were cited by a number of concerned citizens who would like to see Oak Park remain more of a village than a small city. According to the Chicago Tribune, some neighbors were up in arms over fears that the building would create a detrimental “wind tunnel” effect.

Currently the development site is zoned to allow a maximum height of eight stories, meaning the 1000 Lake Street proposal will require village approvals to be built as shown. If all goes as planned, Albion hopes to break ground on the project in late 2017.

Image via Austin Gards Facebook Group

Image via Austin Gards Facebook Group

• Residents voice concerns over proposed 18-story Lake Street development [Chicago Tribune]
• 1000 Lake St. for sale, pitched as teardown [oakpark.com]
• Austin Guards [Facebook]