The Lake Bluff Village Board has given initial approval to plans for a four-unit condominium building at 570 Evanston Avenue, advancing a proposal that has divided neighbors over whether the project fits the character of the area.
In two unanimous votes at their Oct. 13 meeting, trustees supported the final plan, zoning variations, and other modifications for the development at 570 Evanston Avenue, on the northwest corner of Evanston and Scranton. The proposal from Block Three LLC — controlled by Lake Bluff residents Jason and Courtney Trombley — calls for a nearly 13,000-square-foot building with four residences set for the first and second floors, a partial third floor with rooftop deck access, and an underground garage with eight parking spaces.
The project would rezone the site from single-family residential to a planned mixed-use development. The same location, often referred to as “Block Three,” has been the focus of redevelopment discussions for years.
“It’s the right thing to do. I wouldn’t be standing here if I didn’t believe it.” said Tom Dobbins, the architect representing the Trombleys. “We were very careful to test the waters to make sure we weren’t ramrodding something down Lake Bluff’s throat and the neighbor’s throat.”
Dobbins previously said the condominiums are expected to sell for between $2 million and $2.5 million each, and that his team has already received serious interest from three Lake Bluff residents.
Village officials said the proposal aligns with the community’s long-term planning goals.
Village President Regis Charlot said a key objective of the village’s comprehensive plan is to create housing options that allow longtime residents to remain in Lake Bluff as they downsize.
“I’m proud of what we are doing today,” Charlot said. “We are trying to do the best for this community.”
Trustee Taryn Fisher said she supported the proposal for the currently vacant lot, even though she wished for more affordable options.
“Change is hard. We have all committed to change on this lot,” she said. “If it’s not this project, it could be another single-family home that you don’t like the way it looks. We have to work as neighbors and community members to allow the process to play out.”
Trustee Raffi Elchemmas referred to the project receiving positive recommendations from the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as the Architectural Board of Review, following multiple public presentations.
“We put our trust in our advisory boards,” he said.
Still, several residents voiced objections at the board meeting, arguing that the building’s size and density would alter the character of the neighborhood.
“This isn’t about housing diversity,” said resident Judith Sharp. “It is about maximizing developer profit and showing that Lake Bluff is easy to build in at the expense of our community’s standards and desires.”
Neighbor Jean Niemi Mills, who has opposed the plan throughout the review process, reiterated her stance.
“We want the density to stay the way it is,” she said.
After the meeting, Niemi Mills said she has retained an attorney and has not ruled out filing a legal challenge.
Other residents, however, supported the project. Paul Lemieux, a former village trustee and past member of several advisory boards, said the proposal fits with the community’s broader land-use plans.
“It is consistent with the village’s strategic and land-planning goals,” Lemieux said. “It is consistent with the development of multi-family housing on the west side of that property.”
Following public comment, the village board voted by voice to advance the measure to a second reading.
“We’re pleased the board voted in our favor and advanced it to the second reading,” Dobbins said after the meeting.
Courtney Trombley declined to comment after the vote.
Village Administrator Drew Irvin said a final vote on the proposal is scheduled for the board’s Oct. 27 meeting.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.