2. Alternatives
At Plan Commission hearings and elsewhere, the proposition has been put forth that, essentially, it’s Albion or nothing. As with many other statements by proponents, this one was presented without any support, and was generally dismissed by the Plan Commission. Indeed, that proposition is clearly contradicted by the facts. There are already several viable mixed-use and residential properties along Lake Street, on similar sites, that are of an appropriate size, including the District House still under construction. Existing mixed-use and residential developments along Lake Street In fact, an eight-story, mixed-use project was originally proposed by the owners of the 1000 Lake site in 2014, which was presented to the Historic Preservation Commission. Reporter Timothy Inklebarger wrote in the Wednesday Journal, August 17th, 2016:
That proposal was withdrawn before being started, but why? One story, unconfirmed, is that the owner was advised by the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation or Village officials to come back with a taller, larger proposal. Regardless, it is clear that an eight-story project at 1000 Lake was viable enough to be proposed to the Village.
A recent development in neighboring Forest Park also illustrates that smaller projects are economically viable. Frank Kevil, owner of Kevil’s restaurant, situated very close to the Harlem and South Boulevard site now under construction. Mr. Kevil recently closed his restaurant and signed a deal to develop a four- or five-story senior residence on the site. Mr. Kevil told the editor of this report (JK) that the deal was sufficiently profitable to fund his retirement from his restaurant business. Of course, each site is different, but Mr. Kevil’s story belies the idea that human-sized developments are no longer viable. Consider also the revitalization of the Madison Street commercial district in Forest Park— accomplished without any high-rises to disrupt the street’s character.
Proponents also are fond of describing the current building at 1000 Lake as being abandoned. But it must be pointed out that the building is abandoned because the owners forced the retail businesses there to move out. The evicted businesses were viable at the time, and would be again, in an appropriately sized building. It would not make sense for a developer to propose an alternative now, while the Albion proposal is still pending, and the powerful Oak Park Economic Development Commission is so committed to that plan. Once the possibility is back on the table, owners and developers alike will be motivated to propose a new project, hopefully this time one that is appropriate and appreciated.