Cornerstone Development, LLC, has petitioned the City of DeKalb for a zoning map amendment in the Central Business District that if approved would replace what is known as the Seco Building (Otto’s), Mediterraneo Restaurant, Glitter’s (former Wright’s Jewelry) and the former Matthew Boone’s building with a four-story building with commercial on the first floor, no more than 55 luxury apartment units on the upper floors and associated surface parking. The subject property is located at 112, 118, 122 and 124 E. Lincoln Highway and 122 S. First St.
A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. in the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street in DeKalb.
See Public Notice below:
PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held before the DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission at its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. in the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, on a petition by Cornerstone Development, LLC for a zoning map amendment from the “CBD” Central Business District to the “PD-C” Planned Development Commercial District, including consideration to approve a Planned Development less than two acres and exceeding 70 percent site coverage, and approval of a Concept Plan and other approvals as required for the subject property to allow for the construction of 4-story building with commercial on the first floor, no more than 55 luxury apartment units on the upper floors and associated surface parking. The subject property is legally described as: 112 E. Lincoln Highway: LOTS 2 AND 3 (EXCEPT THE EASTERLY 4 FEET THEREOF OF SAID LOT 3) IN RUBY’S SUBDIVISION OF A PART OF BLOCK 2 IN THE ORIGINAL TOWN (NOW CITY) OF DEKALB, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK “D” OF PLATS, PAGE 23 ON OCTOBER 29, 1907, IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 118 E. Lincoln Highway: THE EASTERLY 4 FEET OF LOT 3; ALL OF LOT 4; AND THE WESTERLY 12.4 FEET OF LOT 5, ALL IN RUBY’S SUBDIVISION OF A PART OF BLOCK 2 IN THE ORIGINAL TOWN (NOW CITY) OF DEKALB, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK “D” OF PLATS, PAGE 23, ON OCTOBER 29, 1907, IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 122 E. Lincoln Highway: THE EAST 14.6 FEET OF LOT 5 AND THE WEST 1.4 FEET OF LOT 6 OF RUBY’S SUBDIVISION OF A PORTION OF BLOCK 2 OF THE ORIGINAL VILLAGE (NOW CITY) OF DEKALB, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED ON OCTOBER 29, 1907, IN BOOK “D” OF PLATS, PAGE 23, SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF DEKALB, STATE OF ILLINOIS. 124 E. Lincoln Highway: LOT 6 (EXCEPT THE EAST 4 FEET THEREOF AND EXCEPT THE WEST 1.4 FEET THEREOF) OF RUBY’S SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED OCTOBER 29, 1907 IN BOOK “D” OF PLATS, PAGE 23, OF A PORTION OF BLOCK 2 OF THE ORIGINAL VILLAGE (NOW CITY) OF DEKALB, IN DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 122 S. First Street: PART OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 22, TOWNSHIP 40 NORTH, RANGE 4, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, DEKALB COUNTY, ILLINOIS, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 1 OF RUBY’S SUBDIVISION OF A PART OF THE WEST 1/2 OF BLOCK 2, IN THE CITY OF DEKALB, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK “D” OF PLATS, PAGE 23; THENCE EASTERLY ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID LOT 1 AND THE PROLONGATION OF SAID NORTH LINE 200 FEET, THENCE SOUTHERLY AND PARALLEL TO THE WESTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 1, 70 FEET, THENCE WESTERLY IN A STRAIGHT LINE TO A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 1, 70 FEET SOUTHERLY OF THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTHERLY AND ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 1, 70 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THE SUBJECT PROPERTY ALSO INCLUDES THE ALLEY ADJOINING THE PROPERTIES LISTED ABOVE. The aforementioned legal description is comprised of Parcel Identification Numbers (PINs) 08-22-282-001, 08-22-282-002, 08-22-282-003, 08-22-282-004 and 08-22-282-007 and the alley adjoining the parcels. The subject property is located at 112, 118, 122 and 124 E. Lincoln Highway and 122 S. First St., DeKalb, IL, and generally located at the southeast corner of E. Lincoln Highway and S. First St. All interested persons are invited to appear and be heard at the time and place listed above. Interested persons are also encouraged to submit written comments on these proposals to the City of DeKalb, Community Development Department, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115 by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2017. Further information is available from the Community Development Department, (815) 748-2060. Christina Atherton, ChairmanDeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission (Pubished in the Daily Chronicle, January 30, 2017.)1261759
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165 Comments
What is going to happen to the restaurant and the jewelry store then?
Come on The same guy will get the TIF MONEY … Get real this person and the mayor are pals…
it is good thing but Dekalb is always jacked with the trains bottle necking the town now 1st and Lincoln will be jacked too
Austin Michael
Wanna live there?
Pffffft.
I don’t see how this would ever work given the lack of parking and the lack of clientele for luxury apartments, but go for it. Anything to deter the Rockford feel that DeKalb is starting to have. Iâm just shocked that anyone would want to do business with the City of DeKalb and jump through all of their hoops.
People can’t afford apartments around here. Many people have pets and I’m sure they won’t be allowed. Need to create some businesses downtown. I agree the parking will be a nightmare. I guess the can but my groceries from Walgreens.
The old SECO building. My dad had his office there
Let’s not forget they called Cortland Estates luxury apartments when they built them as well. It’s a tag they put on things. I think it will mean that it’s Apartments hahaha
Nina May
Hey maybe they’ll want to put a ice rink there.
I’m sure what ever happens it’ll be stupid
Why? Because a part of the current owners let the building become completely inhabitable and instead of holding them accountable the city just authorizes “new” to be built…nice job Dekalb
And when I think of “Luxury Apartments” I think of them being 20 feet away from train tracks where trains go by every 20 mins.
Otto’s was like the best dank seedy music and pool bar in all of DeKalb. Now, it’ll just be dank seedy hipster apartments that only look dank and seedy but are just overflowing with hoppy craft beers and wine.
“The Residences at Otto’s Corner”
DeKalb appears to be thriving. I’ve been there several times when Jacob swims in the summers. I mean like driving there everyday, lol. “Development” is to be expected, and so, people who get romantic and sentimental might get a bit upset. It’s nice to see these communities outside of Chicago thriving, as most the state is not doing so well.
Dane Towne they could be re-doing Waterman Rd lol. Or fixing that bump in the overpass on Peace by the tolls
That’s county and state. Good luck there.
This is a private investor wanting to invest in our community. Those things are County and State’s responsibility. The City could sure use fixing our roads too!
At least it won’t become another park. If someone wants to build something new downtown for the first time in since Walgreens have at it. Just make sure it blends in with the local architecture.
This city really needs more family friendly fun atmospheres.
There are plenty of empty buildings… rent or buy one and start something fun!!
Grace Mott that sounds so easy doesn’t it? If only I could afford one.
Bring ottos back! So many good times in that place.
Long time coming
Why would a college town need luxury apartments?
Because there are more than just college people living in Dekalb. We have far too many low income housing developments and most of the other apartments are rented by college students. Why not provide a nice place for people to rent away from the college apartments and atmosphere. Downtown needs to be developed rather than buildings left vacant. This could bring in new business as well. Give a boost to the other businesses there as well.
I moved out here for school but I’ve always lived near downtown. Other students I’ve met have never even been over here! It’s somehow “too far” I would’ve loved other options for renting!
Relieved it’s not one of the other ideas I’ve heard floated around. Eager to learn full details.
Why would want something nice being built downtown, people may end up wanting to go there, Just keep building low income section 8. ( add heavy sarcasm look and sigh here)
Why would want something nice being built downtown, people may end up wanting to go there, Just keep building low income section 8. ( add heavy sarcasm look and sigh here)
We dont need another empty lot on Lincoln Highway but 55 luxury apartments…?
Where is Cornerstone Development based and who owns it?
Where is Cornerstone Development based and who owns it?
Google “Conerstone Development, LLC”, and prepare to spend some time…
which one is it? I googled and there’s a bunch all over the place
don’t they have to list their address or something on the application? who the hell are these people? Isn’t there a RFP on a big project like this?
Go to the Cyberdriveillinois site (Illinois sec of state) and look up this entry: MST 05951127 CORNERSTONE DEVELOPMENT LLC- you will get their names and business addresses.
Papas!!!!
Robert Feldacker It doesn’t work for me
Speaking of which, the Stagecoach Theatre building already has caissons sunk for a 7- or 8-story building! When the Moose built it, back it the 50s, they planned on having a tall building, but ran out of money and topped it off at two stories.
Interesting!
Interesting!
That’s cool history to know, Jim!
That’s cool history to know, Jim!
as a member of the Stage Coach Players, I know we’d LOVE to “raise the roof” to have a way to ‘fly’ scenery and people on stage….but it would cost $million+
Too bad! They should have just opened up the “subway!”
Too bad! They should have just opened up the “subway!”
55 appartments? And they will park where? In a city lot that they have to get up at midnight and move or get a ticket! Parking is a issue!
That was my question.
I’m sure they’ll repurpose a city lot.
55 appartments? And they will park where? In a city lot that they have to get up at midnight and move or get a ticket! Parking is a issue!
That was my question.
I’m sure they’ll repurpose a city lot.
Every time I come back to DeKalb it just continues to feel like the city is slowly dying. This is a good opportunity.
Every time I come back to DeKalb it just continues to feel like the city is slowly dying. This is a good opportunity.
Hay Stack
Hay Stack
I encourage the citizens to put input on this by attending the February 15 Plan Commission meeting or the City Council meeting if it makes it that far. Whether you’re unhappy or happy. There is a public hearing scheduled for that night. And at every Plan Commission meeting there is time set aside for citizen comments on anything outside of the planned public hearing. Very rarely do citizens show and they are welcome and encouraged!
I encourage the citizens to put input on this by attending the February 15 Plan Commission meeting or the City Council meeting if it makes it that far. Whether you’re unhappy or happy. There is a public hearing scheduled for that night. And at every Plan Commission meeting there is time set aside for citizen comments on anything outside of the planned public hearing. Very rarely do citizens show and they are welcome and encouraged!
I’m curious to know what that would mean for Mediterraneo ð
You are welcome to come to the Plan Commission meeting on February 15 as hopefully they will outline that. Or watch it on the public channel or YouTube to see what was discussed. But I’m sure that question will be asked.
I’m curious to know what that would mean for Mediterraneo ð
You are welcome to come to the Plan Commission meeting on February 15 as hopefully they will outline that. Or watch it on the public channel or YouTube to see what was discussed. But I’m sure that question will be asked.
So someone actually wants to build something in downtown?! Heaven forbid. I think we should turn that down and let the city tear it down and we can have another vacant lot.
So someone actually wants to build something in downtown?! Heaven forbid. I think we should turn that down and let the city tear it down and we can have another vacant lot.
Let’s fix the roads first how about that?
Let’s fix the roads first how about that?
Damn true don Don Omalley someone not thinking
Damn true don Don Omalley someone not thinking
Haha… Better bring some decent wages to DeKalb or those apartments will as sit empty as Otto’s.
That won’t happen. The city and the state want to raise our already high taxes. They want to raise and impose new taxes on business. To get major business to come and/or stay (like target distro, 3m and so on) they give tax rebates to and leave the full brunt of it on small businesses that already struggle. Problem is, these companies receiving the tax rebates don’t create middle class jobs and a lot of the employees do not live in, nor shop in our community.
Build it! That building is sitting empty, and not generating any income. Dekalb is full of affordable apartments and needs some new, high end apartments. If this doesn’t get built the building will simply get demolished and it will be another vacant lot not bringing in any tax income.
Build it! That building is sitting empty, and not generating any income. Dekalb is full of affordable apartments and needs some new, high end apartments. If this doesn’t get built the building will simply get demolished and it will be another vacant lot not bringing in any tax income.
What about residential parking for the people living there?
There will be a plan forthcoming Mary. Zoning won’t ok the project without it.
So 55 luxurious apartments for who?
All the bankers in DeKalb
Oh wait all the hard working blue collar workers who could buy a house for what the rent is….
So you will need a credit score of 750 to rent it for 1200 to 1500 a month and live by Lord Stanley’s..im in
sure won’t be NIU people….all who could afford that don’t want to live in DeKalb anyway
Wait dont i remember some council people selling some property to the city on first and locust for business and luxury apts before and its just grass….
So 55 luxurious apartments for who?
All the bankers in DeKalb
Oh wait all the hard working blue collar workers who could buy a house for what the rent is….
sure won’t be NIU people….all who could afford that don’t want to live in DeKalb anyway
Yeah they put all luxury apartments 200 ft from the loudest railroad tracks around
It doesn’t take long to get used to that.
I think its ridiculous who would want to hear all that noise
Sound proof? Sure that can be done
From someone that has lived next to those same tracks, It gets where you don’t notice it……..
Yeah they put all luxury apartments 200 ft from the loudest railroad tracks around
It doesn’t take long to get used to that.
I think its ridiculous who would want to hear all that noise
Sound proof? Sure that can be done
From someone that has lived next to those same tracks, It gets where you don’t notice it……..
You can soundproof it. The former Kroehler furniture factory building in Naperville is right next to the tracks and was converted to luxury apartments.
I’m more curious where the parking is going to be. The lots in that area are nowhere near sufficient now, without 55 apartments.
I say build it, though I’d like to see the plans.
They have them, on the tracks, in Geneva and all the other Northwest Suburbs.
It’s a start! Let’s get downtown DeKalb the way it use to be!
The potential is certainly there!
Luxury apartments are frequently located adjacent to railroad tracks for commuting purposes. Obviously, that isn’t a factor in this build, but it certainly isn’t an unreasonable hurdle for these builders to tackle. Personally, I can’t think of a better location for this project.
Skyline enhancement!
Skyline enhancement!
Yeah because a luxury apartment complex is really needed when rents in dekalb are ether all high or low income. Makes total sense
I’m pretty sure Cornerstone has done more research on the topic then you have. They aren’t stupid and if they think the market can support “luxury” apartments I’d be willing to bet it can!
It will causes rents to go up around dekalb which is already to damn high. I don’t care what research they have done.
So you are just assuming this?
No just going off what I have seen in many other communities and what public studies sad few years back about another luxury apartment complex. This is a damn college town. This is a just a greedy investment firm looking to drive up there own personal profits at the expense of the community as a whole.
So chris Walters maybe the city should look for a non profit to build.
If the other apartments treat people like crap wouldn’t it make sense to bring in another group to provide more competition. High end apartments would make the other apartments owners raise their game.
No it would just make other owners feel they can raises rents.
Yeah because a luxury apartment complex is really needed when rents in dekalb are ether all high or low income. Makes total sense
I’m pretty sure Cornerstone has done more research on the topic then you have. They aren’t stupid and if they think the market can support “luxury” apartments I’d be willing to bet it can!
It will causes rents to go up around dekalb which is already to damn high. I don’t care what research they have done.
So you are just assuming this?
No just going off what I have seen in many other communities and what public studies sad few years back about another luxury apartment complex. This is a damn college town. This is a just a greedy investment firm looking to drive up there own personal profits at the expense of the community as a whole.
So chris Walters maybe the city should look for a non profit to build.
We don’t need a luxury apartment complex period. Half the apartments around here treat the tenants like crap and cost way to much as it is. The last luxury apartment complex that asked rent was starting around $1500-$2000. Who the hell can afford that. This town needs affordable housing run by people who actually care and aren’t income restricted or section 8 crap.
No it would just make other owners feel they can raises rents.
They need to fix renters rights laws before any of that happens. Rent in this town IS already too high. Also there’s not much luxury downtown to attract tenants of luxury apartments. Who’s going to rent them? I mean if the price is the same as the crappy places around then its a better alternative but there are no shortages of apartments and houses for rent. I don’t see the point until more of the area is fixed up.
There is nothing luxury about living in Dekalb it is a farming community college students treat the city like crap anyways have lived here all my life most of the places to rent here in Dekalb and Sycamore area are owned and run by slumlords
I’m sorry, but if I want to live in a luxury apartment, I’d go live in the ones in Sycamore. I don’t want to pay $2k/mo or more and be right next to college bars, limited restaurants, a train track, an adult store and the corner where the liberals pointlessly protest every Friday.
No way!
No way!
Hope the Mediterrano will not be displaced.
Hope the Mediterrano will not be displaced.
Totally dislike this idea.
Why? Something needs to be done.
Four story would overpower that corner. 55 luxury condos?!?
I’d rather see an “overpowering” building than several abandoned ones!
Of course something needs to be done, but this seems out of place.
I bet if it was a four story Trader Joe’s everyone would be all for it! ð
Um, no.
Most College towns including Normal have seen a rebirth with new mixed apartments/business’ being built in their city center. In order for commercial districts to thrive they have to have people living there. This is great density for people to shop, dine and support the downtown.
Luxury? I’m sorry, I understand mixed use buildings. This is overkill when there are already empty lots a block or so west of this intersection.
The empty lots sitting a block west haven’t even had a formal proposal brought forth. Kind of difficult to build something that hasn’t even been fully created. A workshop to learn what they were thinking of doing was done but nothing formal off that workshop had made it to even be decided on.
If there wasn’t so much push back from the residents I bet those empty lots would be developed by now.
There wasn’t much push back from residents if I remember correctly. I don’t think many people showed up to voice their opinion. Unless they all showed up at the City Council workshop.
Totally dislike this idea.
Why? Something needs to be done.
Four story would overpower that corner. 55 luxury condos?!?
I’d rather see an “overpowering” building than several abandoned ones!
Of course something needs to be done, but this seems out of place.
I bet if it was a four story Trader Joe’s everyone would be all for it! ð
Um, no.
Most College towns including Normal have seen a rebirth with new mixed apartments/business’ being built in their city center. In order for commercial districts to thrive they have to have people living there. This is great density for people to shop, dine and support the downtown.
Luxury? I’m sorry, I understand mixed use buildings. This is overkill when there are already empty lots a block or so west of this intersection.
The empty lots sitting a block west haven’t even had a formal proposal brought forth. Kind of difficult to build something that hasn’t even been fully created. A workshop to learn what they were thinking of doing was done but nothing formal off that workshop had made it to even be decided on.
If there wasn’t so much push back from the residents I bet those empty lots would be developed by now.
There wasn’t much push back from residents if I remember correctly. I don’t think many people showed up to voice their opinion. Unless they all showed up at the City Council workshop.
Chris Atherton There was a formal proposal by Shodeen for the lots next to Pearl St. Terrible proposal, so that’s an empty corner that Shodeen owns and will likely do nothing with for years.
Then it must have been enough to not need Plan Commission because we only saw the concept workshop. And we voiced our suggestions and opinions.
Paulette Lindgren maybe you should purchase the lot and build what you think should go there? I’m tired of folks condemning those that actually will invest in this town!
Just because I don’t think 55 luxury apts is a good fit there, that doesn’t mean I like the property the way it is, Grace Mott.
I thought I remembered a plan that encompassed the Illinois Main Street concept, although I can’t find the conversation about that.
The only other plan I heard was the City and NIU helping to build a hotel there. We’d ALL lose on that idea. I like the idea of PRIVATE investors redoing this corner. The City should be spending $ on our roads IMO.
Kyle Knuuttila I lived in Normal for 5 years in the late 90’s. Went back there a couple months ago and couldn’t believe the difference. I stopped and looked around and thought to myself “How can DeKalb do what they did”
Mixed use on that corner is a great idea, certainly. The fact that the plan needs a zoning amendment points out (to me, at least) that either the height, architecture, or density may be different than originally intended. I don’t know how old the zoning is for that corner though. I’m sure the planners will look at it.
Well, there is no such beast as a four story Trader Joes…
The residents of dekalb will shoot this down so fast!
I never understand when something nice is proposed it gets shot down, or has so much push back the city council pushes it back for years. This fits the long term plan of downtown.
Every time! The people of dekalb are so closed minded!
The residents of dekalb will shoot this down so fast!
I never understand when something nice is proposed it gets shot down, or has so much push back the city council pushes it back for years. This fits the long term plan of downtown.
Every time! The people of dekalb are so closed minded!
The people of DeKalb want development that makes sense given the incomes of the majority of the people in town. Luxury apartments do not help the majority, but cater only to the minority. Develop for the median income or a bit above the median income, not for the elite. People are sick of everything that caters to the elite.
Regardless what the people want what can the city actually support? I’m sure cornerstone has spent thousands on research to show the market can support “luxury” apartments. If the research showed otherwise we wouldn’t even be having this conversation.
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Who wants a one bedroom luxury apartment?