Downers Grove Village Council unanimously voted this week to build a new hotel and restaurant on the southeast corner of Ogden and Walnut avenues.
Holladay Properties, headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, has received approval to build a Woodspring Suites extended stay hotel and a yet-to-be-determined restaurant on Ogden Ave. 2751-2761. The location is east of I-355 and south of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority’s headquarters.
The council also approved the rededication of the property to allow a plot of land for the retention of rainwater on its southeast corner. In addition, the restaurant could have a drive-through lane.
A restaurant was under contract for the location, but it has withdrawn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Duffey Phelps, vice president of hospitality at Holladay Properties.
“Our goal would be to have more of a restaurant with seating,” Phelps said at a council meeting this month. “We’re keeping it flexible because some fast-casual eateries have now added drive-throughs. We’d prefer something that has breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That’s just a better convenience.”
Phelps also disclosed that Holladay Properties was in talks with the Downers Grove Park District. The Parkviertel is planning to build a sports center, Walnut Park, south of the hotel and restaurant.
“The park district expects the proposed facilities at Walnut Park to serve primarily the residents of Downers Grove,” said Dawn Hartman, director of marketing and community engagement for Downers Grove Park District. “However, the site offers the ability to host sports tournaments, exhibitions and special events that support local tourism and complement the hotel and restaurant.”
Holladay Properties received some praise from village officials for its previous investment in Downers Grove – as the developer and management company of the luxury apartments in Burlington Station at 5100 Forest Ave., which opened near Metra Station in 2018. The company was also recognized for its collaboration with the village and park district.
“This could prove to be another good example of our collaboration with another tax authority – in this case the park district,” said village commissioner Rich Kulovany this month. “It’s two entities that work together for the benefit of Downers Grove.”
Holladay Properties plans to start construction in March 2022 and open the hotel by the end of the year.
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