The proposed master plan for a project to be developed on the former McDonald’s campus site in Oak Brook includes a mixed-use district of restaurants and retail, along with both owner-occupied condominiums and townhomes.
The plan was to be submitted Tuesday, April 9 for preliminary review by the Oak Brook Village Board and still needs approval before work may begin.
Village Manager Greg Summers said the preliminary board review is the very first step in the process for a proposed Planned Development.
“The purpose of this step is to provide the Village Board with an overview of a development project in the initial conceptual phases to provide preliminary comments, suggestions, and recommendations to the applicant before the applicant even finalizes their submittal,” he said. Summers said any formal application will still require a neighborhood meeting, a Village Board referral meeting, an interdepartmental staff review, a Planning & Zoning Commission public hearing, and finally Board consideration.
“This process is designed to allow ample opportunity for Village Board and public feedback so that all comments are heard and considered before a final vote is required,” he said.
The project, Oak Brook Reserve’s Twin Lakes development, is owned by JPD Oak Brook Holdings, LLC, which purchased the site for $40 million in 2019, after McDonald’s moved its offices to Chicago.
The project is being proposed at the Oak Brook Reserve property on Jorie Boulevard just north of Oak Brook Road/31st Street, bounded on East by Salt Creek. The campus is approximately 70 acres in size and includes the existing Hyatt Lodge, ACE Hardware headquarters, a multi-tenant office building, and other ancillary stormwater management areas, surface parking lots, and recreational trails.
Preliminary plans call for the residential units to include 123 condominiums with an average size of 2,500 square feet and 22 townhomes with an average size of 3,500 square feet, according to information from JPD.
The company stated in a report to the village that it has a commitment to conserving and enhancing the existing natural landscape.
“Significantly, the project is conceived and planned as a benefit specifically for Oak Brook and nearby communities,” the company stated. “The project is not intended to and will not function as a regional destination.
“The limited density, commercial square footage, and layout of the project are designed to enhance living and shopping choices for Oak Brook residents and others from nearby communities. Additionally, of course, the project will honor the history of this landmark property by preserving its natural beauty and ensuring that the property remains accessible and open for Oak Brook residents to enjoy.”
JPD stated that its proposed master plan incorporates walkability, traditional neighborhood structures, pedestrian-friendly streets and pathways, and connectivity to diverse public spaces, all woven together with quality design and sustainable practices. Functionally, the proposed master plan includes three district “zones,” each with its own character and function.
“JPD Oak Brook Holdings is confident that the proposed master plan will leverage the existing
property, allowing for productive reuse that uniquely accommodates both Oak Brook residents and the workforce in the area during daytime hours,” JPD stated.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
