Big Darien Apartment Complex Proposed

DARIEN, IL — A four-story apartment complex is planned for Darien, with the developer saying it will be upscale.

In 2005, the City Council approved a 66-unit condominium development consisting of two buildings, but the project never happened.

Now, the developer, Mount Prospect-based Paul Swanson Associates, proposed a 68-unit, one-building apartment complex for the same spot.

Because of the changes to the plan, the project needs to go through the council again. It is set for the southeast corner of South Frontage Road and Sokol Court, east of the Extended Stay America hotel.

In November, the council was told that some residents near the proposed apartments are concerned with the new plan and prefer the developer stick with the original proposal for condos. But officials say that is not something they can regulate.

According to the proposal, rent will amount to $1,500 to $2,700 a month. To attract an "upscale clientele," the developer is offering six floor plans.

"Another plus for these Upscale Residences is the fact that there will be very few school-aged children as these residents will be economically upscale, mobile, young working professionals and older empty-nesters," the proposal says.

The complex would be called Darien Heights and in the Waterfall Glen neighborhood.

In a November interview, the developer, Paul Swanson, said the building would feature exercise rooms, patios and balconies. He said market conditions guided the switch to apartments.

"I think it will be an asset to the community," Swanson said. "They will be condo quality. They can be converted to condos when the condo market comes back."

The city's Planning and Zoning Commission is set to take up the proposal at its meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The meeting agenda and associated documents are online.