The current office complex at 5600 Wolf Road.
Anyone looking to buy a Western Springs home in recent years has realized a basic economic issue: the supply of homes does not match the demand for them.
As a result, prices have soared. Land lots have been gobbled up. Buyers bought and bulldozed older or smaller homes, building bigger, newer ones in their stead.
It's a good problem to have, as it demonstrates the attractiveness of the community. But it's a problem nonetheless.
One solution that keeps popping up: townhouse and condominium developments. Downtown Foxford Station, which was built in the last decade, is the most prominent example of these developments. But there's also been smaller complexes at the intersection of Harvey Avenue and Ogden as well as The Hill at 514 Hillgrove.
And now, 29 more townhomes could be coming to 5600 Wolf Road.
The Western Springs Board of Trustees approved the application to overhaul the site – a somewhat abandoned, somewhat creepy, overgrown office park. The current 23,000 square-foot building was built in 1998 and primarily housed medical offices.
The proposed townhouse development.
The trustees debated whether these townhomes will help alleviate the housing shortage. Those in favor say these developments appeal to empty nesters looking to downsize, freeing up other homes in the area. The townhouses could also serve as a gateway to the community for young families looking to buy a traditional home.
Detractors argue that you're adding a lot of people to a small parcel of land. You're also getting all that accompanies this increased population density, such as traffic and noise. In addition, these complexes do not directly address what many people want: their own homes with yards.
The village needs to bring creative solutions to address the housing shortfall and make it more affordable to live in Western Springs. I agree with the trustees: this is one such solution.
Around Town:
This week marked the start of significant nighttime lane closures on I-294 southbound between St. Charles Road and the Hinsdale Oasis.
These closures are expected for five nights and run from 8 pm to 5 am. Some areas will be down to a single lane.
Referendum 2025 is still being debated around town.
A special Tower Topics edition arrived in the mail last week focusing on the issue.
I'm no expert. But it seems that Western Springs' infrastructure challenges are not the kinds of problems that get better or cheaper with time.
Lyons Township's boys swim team finished 11th in the IHSA state competition. They finished 27th at state last year.
Local Food Review
Pictured: Ella's Smash Burger ($18) with side Caesar salad.
Ella's Italian Pub in Western Springs: Finally, a Western Springs restaurant that checks all the boxes of a favorite, go-every-week neighborhood haunt: an inviting ambiance, great food, and reliable service. The menu is upscale but unpretentious, with a range of salads, entrees, and Detroit-style pizzas. The smash burger is a delight.
Thanks for reading. We'll see you back here - or around town - sometime soon.