Few Empty Nester Options In Western Springs: Resident

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Western Springs resident Ken Mulcrone urged the Village Board this week to approve a mixed-use building downtown.

"My two boys are raised, and they are out of the house. My wife and I want to downsize, but we want to live in Western Springs," he said. "There aren't many options for empty nesters."

But they recently found an option in a building that is planned for 514 Hillgrove Ave. The three-story structure is being proposed by Felix Lamperillo of Hinsdale-based KLM Development Group. The vacant lot is two blocks east of Village Hall and between an office building and a doctor's office.

Mulcrone said Lamperillo showed them a similar development in Elmhurst.

"What really sets this place apart from anything else we have seen is that Felix put a rooftop patio on his Elmhurst building," said Mulcrone, who has lived in Western Springs for 30 years. "This rooftop is really sophisticated... It's kind of like bringing a little downtown Chicago to Western Springs. That rooftop is kind of like the icing on the cake."

Mulcrone said he didn't know where the village stood in the approval process.

"If you could give him what he wants, we're ready to sign," he said.

Later in the board meeting, trustees unanimously approved a permit for the development.

According to the village, the building is expected to include two businesses on the first floor and eight condos on the other two.