Another six-story development gets City of Highwood’s blessing

More change is on its way to Highwood’s downtown area.

The City of Highwood on June 2 cleared the way for a six-story, mixed-used development with 93 residential units in the 400 block of Sheridan Road. 

Called The Modena, the $32 million development will cover five lots — 412, 416,  420, 424 and 430 Sheridan Road — inside the city’s TIF district, according to an ordinance approved by the City Council. 

During the June 2 council session, Mayor Charlie Pecaro said city officials have reviewed this property for “a very long time.” In response to a question, Pecaro also clarified that the development will not include any affordable-housing units.

Alderman Krista Hanson abstained from the final vote on June 2.

The City of Highwood had owned the properties involved in the project before selling them to developers for $2.75 million, according to city officials. Three of the parcels — 420, 424 and 430 Sheridan — are vacant lots, while 412 and 416 Sheridan are parking lots.  

A city statement released following the vote says the City of Highwood purchased the first of the five parcels in 2021 and released a request for proposals for the site in 2024.

The project, according to the City, “reflects more than a decade of planning that aligns with the City’s long-term vision first outlined in its 2013 Comprehensive plan, which identified this area of Sheridan Road as a key opportunity for reinvestment and future growth.”

The project site is just north of another major redevelopment site: the former Nite N’ Gale property, 346 Sheridan Road, which Moyer Properties is turning into a six-story, 105-unit development.

The 93-unit, six-story building in the 400 block of Sheridan will include 101 parking spaces and 3,161 square feet of ground floor retail space.

According to documents presented to City officials, the building’s features will include a community roof deck and lounge, a 24/7 fitness center and bike storage.

Highwood Redevelopment Associates, Zeller Real Estate, Harlem Irving Companies and Hamilton Partners have teamed up to develop the luxury-apartment project, according to city documents. They plan to break ground in 2027 and expect the first occupancy of the building to come in mid-2028.

Developers now must obtain the necessary permits to start building. 

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