Village OKs 8th Extension for Madison Highlands Development

The Village Board of Oak Park on Monday reinstated an ordinance allowing developers to try to complete the proposed Madison Highlands project, located at 229-307 Madison St. and 511 S. Harvey Ave., within the timeline they've presented, the Wednesday Journal reported Tuesday.

Monday's approval marked the eighth extension for Madison Highlands LLC, according to the Journal. Other than demolition of some structures on the site, the project has not yet started, according to a village memo. 

The board in 2009 approved developer Madison Highlands LLC's plan for a  four-story, 74,000-square-foot, multi-tenant office and commercial development with on-site parking. 

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"The climate for development over the past several years has been difficult with many developments and developers failing to obtain necessary tenants or financing," Architect Nevin Hedlund wrote in a letter to village staff. 

"During the past six months, the Madison Highlands development team has continued to investigate the potential development opportunities for the site in light of current economic conditions... We have retained a local developer to help analyze potential users, site design, obtain firm commitments and create a viable development plan," he wrote. 

According to the Madison Highlands website, the development, "Combines sustainability with Class 'A' office space and prime retail opportunities in the heart of Oak Park... (The development) is expected to be LEED Silver certified."

Hedlund laid out a timeline for the project that includes completion of the sale or lease of the planned unit development by Sept. 30, building permit submittal by Dec. 16, construction by March 16, 2014 and completion by Feb. 16, 2015. 

Despite concern for the project's future expressed by neighbors and village trustees, the board voted unanimously to approve the developer's request, according to the Journal.