The developers of a proposed condominium in Lake Bluff have received final approval from the village board to begin construction, though some residents remain opposed to the plan.
On Oct. 27, trustees formally voted to grant a special use permit and zoning variations for a four-unit condominium building at 570 Evanston Avenue, on the northwest corner of Evanston and Scranton Avenues. The project, presented by Block Three LLC, had previously earned recommendations from multiple advisory boards following a lengthy review process. The board had given its initial approval on Oct. 12.
“It’s time to move forward,” Trustee Taryn Fisher said.
“It’s a story that comes to a conclusion tonight,” added Village President Regis Charlot.
The proposed 13,000-square-foot building would sit on the two easternmost lots of the area commonly known as Block Three and would neighbor another condominium project currently under construction by local developers Todd Altounian and Peter Witmer.
The building, reaching up to 34 feet in height, is designed to include four units on the first and second floors, a partial third floor with access to rooftop decks, and an eight-car garage.
“It actually does a really nice job of transitioning from single-family residences into the downtown area,” Trustee Katharine Hatch said. “It was a well-considered and well-thought-out plan brought to us by a family we’ve been working with for years.”
Hatch also cited the need for more housing options for residents who wish to remain in Lake Bluff as they age.
“We need this kind of housing in Lake Bluff,” she said. “We hear this all the time.”
Lake Bluff residents Jason and Courtney Trombley, who did not speak during the Oct. 27 meeting, but commented afterward, manage Block Three LLC.
“We feel we’ve come to a great outcome for what will be an amazing offering for Lake Bluff residents,” Jason Trombley said.
However, opposition remains strong from some neighbors. More than 170 people have signed an online petition against the development, citing concerns about density and neighborhood character.
Jean Niemi Mills, who lives near the site, spoke out against the plan during earlier meetings. Although she did not address the board this time, she said afterward she is still considering legal action to block the project.
Michael Goldsberry, a former member of the village’s Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, urged officials to slow down development in the area.
“We already have a big condo development going in. It seems like we should give it some time to see what happens and if it was a good decision,” he said. “I don’t know that there was a big rush to get into this right off the bat.”
Charlot said the board’s actions were consistent with the village’s comprehensive plan.
“We need to move forward with that plot of land because it is central to the village,” he said.
While earlier public meetings grew tense at times, Courtney Trombley said neighborhood feedback ultimately strengthened the design.
“The more thoughts, voices, and minds we had around it, the more it became a full collaborative effort with the neighbors and the village,” she said. “Everybody got involved.”
The Trombleys said financing is secure, interest has already been expressed in three of the four units, and they expect to name a general contractor within the next few weeks. Construction is expected to begin in the spring and take about a year to complete.
“We hope to have it done and folks moved in by the time of the famous Lake Bluff Fourth of July Parade in 2027,” Jason Trombley said.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.