A Joliet-based contractor is proposing two six-story buildings with restaurants and residential space to become the long-planned Trail East and Trail West developments near Uptown Circle.
Carlson Bros. has designed and constructed other multi-story, mixed-used apartment buildings across the country, including in Washington, D.C. and Virginia, according to its website.
The proposal was made public by the Uptown Design and Review Commission ahead of the commission's meeting on June 26.
Trail East
The design proposes a $35 million, 203,000-square-foot, six-story, mixed-use building with retail and restaurant space on the first floor, and 132 apartments on the remaining floors.
The restaurant space also would take over part of the second floor, with a covered balcony for patrons overlooking the Circle. Another balcony is planned for the third floor.
As proposed, 13 studio apartments, 67 one-bedroom apartments, 51 two-bedroom apartments and one three-bedroom apartment are planned, alongside a 122-space parking structure.
According to the staff report, a more detailed construction budget would be forthcoming. It lists an estimated start date of March 15, 2027, with completion around November 2027.
A building located at 104 E. Beaufort St. would be demolished. The Historical Preservation Commission was set to vote on whether or not to allow that demolition on Wednesday, but the meeting was cancelled due to severe weather. A new meeting date has not been announced.
Under the plan, a large canopy would extend from the building toward the Circle, and smaller ones would cover the storefronts along Constitution Boulevard. The parking garage would be around the rear of the building, facing College Avenue.
There are about a dozen instances of either zoning code or design guidelines the town must approve and waive. For instance, a door planned along the Circle opens into the walkway, but town staff think outdoor restaurant patio seating would prevent a collision.
Additionally, many of the materials proposed for the project are counter to Uptown code, like imitation rock work and metal siding. The report explained why staff believe the violations are generally acceptable, or why code does not necessarily apply.
There are several things that will need to be submitted by the developer later for review, like its plans for landscaping, lighting, and a sign on the outside of the building.
Trail West
The plans for Trail West slightly echo those of Trail East, but are slightly smaller. The proposal describes a 126,000-square- foot, $25 million, six-story, mixed-use building.
As with Trail East, a more detailed construction budget is forthcoming. The contractor's estimated start date is June 14, 2027, with a completion date of Feb. 16, 2029.
Instead of a sit-down restaurant and retail space, this building would host a quick-service restaurant along North Street and coffee shop along Constitution Boulevard.
As with Trail East, there would be a covered seating area facing the Circle. However, the canopy would double as a balcony for apartment residents. The building also does not curve along with the Circle, according to the plans.
The second through sixth floors would include 16 studio apartments, 36 one-bedroom apartments, and 29 two-bedroom apartments.
The plan also includes 70 parking spaces in an attached parking garage. There may be an opportunity for an art display, according to the staff report, as the first and second floors on the portions facing Constitution Boulevard and West College may not meet the town's "anti-monotony" standard, which requires no more than 15 feet of blank wall length.
Two buildings, at 102 and 104 W. North St., would be demolished to make space for the structure. As with the Beaufort Street building, the Historical Preservation Commission was set to vote on whether or not to allow that demolition Wednesday, but the weather forced a cancellation. A new meeting date has not been announced.
Again, there are some requirements in town code and guidelines related to the project that would need to be reviewed and approved by the town.
The developers also will have to follow up and submit additional plans for the landscaping, lighting, signage and access to the parking lot.
