An effort is underway to save a building in La Grange that’s more than 100 years old is taking place against the backdrop of a proposal that would demolish it and replace it with condos.
The village board is set to vote Monday night on a proposal for the site on East Burlington Avenue that currently houses the Jackson Square Antique Mall. Sixty vendors currently sell antique items inside the mall, including Mandy Levy, who sells vintage clothes.
The mall is leaving the space soon, and a heated debate centers over what to do next with the lot.
“I don’t know why we can’t repurpose something gorgeous and special that already exists. If it has to be condos, OK, but use this (building). We’re so lucky to call it our own,” said Levy, a vendor at the antique mall.
A plan introduced by developer Dan Spain would replace the building with a 39-unit condo building. The condos, which would range in size from 1,500 to 2,250 square feet, would cost between $750,000 and $1.4 million. The majority of the units would be three-bedroom, two-bathroom or four-bedroom, two-bathroom units, according to Spain.
More than 2,000 people have signed onto a petition to save what they believe is a historic landmark. Village officials told NBC 5 the site is within the La Grange Historic District, but it is not listed among the buildings of “first significance” in the 1979 historic district nomination. The village does not have a separate historic preservation ordinance.
Also known as the Jackson Moving & Storage building, the original building was built in 1903. The façade, which has art deco elements, was built in 1924.
“We’re going to be losing potentially an historic treasure,” said Kiersten Robinson, who lives in a home directly behind the building.
She also worries about her property values and privacy.
“How could I not worry about that? Going from not having anything looking into our yard to at least eight balconies. That should definitely affect resale value,” Robinson said. “Every window on the north side of our home will look into the building.”
Therese O’Sullivan, who owns the antique mall, sold the building to Spain a year ago. She supports his proposal for new housing.
“We have a lot of folks that have moved from the city and are looking to be close to the train station, and you can get to Union Station in less than 30 minutes on the Metra here,” O’Sullivan said.
Spain pointed out that the village’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan named housing near public transportation as a priority. He believes it’s a difficult building to retrofit. The second floor, example, has 6-foot-tall ceilings.
“We’re participating in the village’s formal process and will respect the outcome of tonight’s meeting. We care deeply about La Grange and are committed to engaging thoughtfully with the community,” Spain said in a written statement to NBC 5.
“I share my opinion as the person who used to own the building. Repurposing it is just not really something you can do,” O’Sullivan added.
As for the antique mall, O’Sullivan said the vendors plan to move into a new space nearby within the next six months.
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