Geneva Officials Grant Third Extension For Mixed-Use Project

Developer Juan Jose Crespo has been granted a third extension by Geneva City Council to continue searching for financing to transform the former Duke & Lee’s auto repair shop into a mixed-use building, more than three years after first getting a green light from officials.

The proposed project calls for 60 apartments, roughly 6,000 square feet of commercial space and 63 off-street parking spaces at 609 South Third Street in the western Chicago suburb, Shaw Local News Network reported.

Under Geneva’s zoning ordinance, site plan approval typically expires after one year unless a building permit has been issued and construction has begun. Despite the previous approval and two prior extensions, construction has yet to commence.

Property owner Crespo sought an additional year to secure building permits and initiate construction. A broker representing the property, Brian Zatz, also said that Crespo is in talks to sell the site, but the interested buyer needs time to secure financing.

“That’s the most difficult part,” Zatz told the outlet. “We believe this is going to happen. … The objective would be for them to break ground in 2024, all things being equal.”

Despite Zats’ optimism, Fifth Ward Alderman Robert Swanson initially voiced concerns about the repeated extensions, emphasizing the property’s significance as an entryway to the downtown Geneva area. Zatz noted that the potential buyer was committed to the project and did not intend to walk away, as they had already invested a substantial amount in the deal and plan to develop the project as currently designed.

Community Development Director David DeGroot confirmed that the project is permit-ready, and extending the site plan approval would facilitate final permission without further delay. The extension does not prevent other developments from being proposed.

The council ultimately voted 8-0 in favor of the extension, with two absent members, despite Swanson’s hesitation. While some expressed reservations, the extension was seen as a means to allow the prospective new owner to secure financing and move forward with the project.

— Quinn Donoghue