Neighbors not yet behind Kenilworth project on Park Drive

A proposed development that would see two Kenilworth storefronts demolished and converted into luxury housing will need changes in order to not only earn the village’s blessing but to also satisfy neighbors.

The development, known as Park Place, made its initial appearance in front of Kenilworth’s Architectural Review Commission on Wednesday, Oct. 15, nearly two months to the day it was introduced at a neighborhood meeting.

But commissioners tabled a vote on whether to recommend the development until Oct. 28.

Park Place is being proposed by RED3 Development, a principal holding company, and designed by NEWLOOK Development, both owned by Michael P. Freiburger.

As previously reported by The Record, Freiburger is proposing a four-story, mixed-use development for 515-519 Park Drive. Referred to as “luxury” units, Park Place would include seven condominiums ranging in size from 2,100 to 2,600 square feet. Three units would be on the second floor, three on the third floor, and a penthouse would be on the top floor.

The first floor would include a parking garage for residents and two retail spaces, which Freiburger said could include a coffee shop or wine shop, types of businesses for which local officials and residents have expressed a desire.

Federalist Antiques currently occupies 515 Park Drive, while 519 Park Drive is vacant and was most recently a travel agency.

“Ultimately, I’m here presenting this project because I have friends and neighbors in this community asking us to develop a place for them to leave their big house and stay in town to be near their families, the residents, restaurant and neighborhood they love,” he said. “I understand that change is hard and, unfortunately, there are always going to be a few neighbors that may not see the benefit to the community, but we’re just trying to help Kenilworth continue to serve its residents as times and needs change.”

Neighbors’ objections

Much of the evening consisted of commentary from residents, most of whom said they live on Park Drive.

Their comments echoed the criticisms that Freiburger and the design team heard at the August neighborhood meeting.

A common criticism was the height of the building, a proposed 48 1/2 feet, which exceeds both Kenilworth’s building guidelines (35 feet) and planned unit development guidelines (40 feet). Freiburger is seeking zoning relief for the extra eight and a half feet.

Park Drive resident Mike Kelly spoke against the proposal.

“I think you can see one of the things that is being taken into consideration is residents’ point of view, and residents’ point of view is that this project is just simply too big for this area,” he said, also objecting to Freiburger’s statement that the penthouse is set back and can’t be seen from street level.

Kelly presented to commissioners a petition he said was signed by approximately 40 residents who were also opposed to the building.

“We would say any variance exception is against the rules of what we’re trying to do in Kenilworth,” he said. “At its current state, we think that this certificate should either be stayed or denied at this point.”

Resident David Joyce shared a number of concerns about the development, including potential traffic congestion and the proposed appearance of the building.

Joyce added that he doesn’t believe a building such as Park Place belongs in Kenilworth as its appearance clashes with the surrounding buildings and homes.

“Tell me how this monolith is compatible with the one-story buildings right next to it and the modest homes to the west that are one- and two-story homes,” Joyce said. “That’s what Kenilworth is: single-family residences.”

He said the plans need to be altered.

“Let’s do what we can to downsize or eliminate this thing,” he said. “And let’s let Kenilworth be what it’s been for 100 and something years without this kind of development.”

While nearly all of the comments at the meeting were against the development, one resident, Eleanore Prince, voiced support for Park Place.

Admitting that she expected to be against the development, she said she changed her mind after seeing the presentation.

Prince said that Kenilworth is trying to upgrade its buildings and she believes that Park Place would be a good starting point for that.

“I really feel that this is very high-quality construction,” she said, later adding “I was really amazed by this presentation. I really feel the quality. And we want to bring in really high-end apartments.”

She understands the opposition, but believes that those against it will change their minds if Park Place is built.

“I think this is exceptionally important, and I think you’ll get very used to it,” Prince said.

Commissioners’ concerns

Commissioner Erin Paul complimented Freiburger on following Kenilworth’s design guidelines and studying community surveys in preparing Park Place’s design.

But she also said she was concerned about the height.

“You’re already getting an extra 5 feet,” she said. “Even though it’s allowed, it was already an exemption in addition to what exists in the village, and then you’re adding another 8 1/2 (feet).”

Paul said she’d also like to see a softer color palette on the building and agreed with residents in requesting more images of what the development would look like from multiple directions.

In addition to the height concerns, Commissioner Gunta Cepuritis said she would like to see an adjustment to its footprint.

“It just kind of sits in the middle of two separate areas, and that’s a problem,” she said. “It should go all the way to the alley.”

Freiburger responded that it was “totally unrealistic” to do that.

Cepuritis also asked if the penthouse could be removed, to which Freiburger responded that he didn’t think it would and that the plans would have to be greatly altered if that were the case.

Commissioners ultimately agreed to continue discussions on Oct. 28, partially to give Freiburger time to address concerns and also because two commissioners were absent on Wednesday and the rest of the board wanted to give them a chance to weigh in.

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