Developer looking to put 46 single-family, 36 townhome sites on River Road

A development group is looking to put a mix of single-family residences and townhomes on River Road in Algonquin, a concept which they presented to village trustees earlier this week.

Called River Ridge Estates, AK Group LLC is proposing 46 single-family home sites, 25 of which will have a river frontage and dock, and 36 townhome sites, consisting of duplex and four-unit buildings for the property.

On Tuesday, representatives from the AK Group LLC showed members of the Committee of the Whole, which consists of members of Algonquin’s Village Board, plans for an “updated, contemporary housing design,” which includes a mix of glass, stone brick and light, according to village documents.

The plan is for the buildings to have a “unique urban aspen” architectural style, according to the developers’ presentation.

AK Group LLC has presented two concepts to the village before: One in 2008, which was denied because of small lot sizes, variations from the subdivision ordinance, and an overall lack of public utilities, and another time in 2013. Although the proposed concept for the 2013 development was approved after overall lot sizes were increased and the overall street layout at the site was improved, the AK Group ultimately determined that the market wouldn’t support the high-end single-family concept.

Since then, AK Group updated the concept with a new tree preservation plan, a street plan that “meets the maximum grade” required under village ordinance, updated utility, water and sewer extensions and updated home siting on each lot.

Density for River Ridge Estates would be 3.15 units per acre under the new plan, which is less than the four units per acre allowed under the property’s current zoning. Overall, the site would be 26 acres, with common and open spice provided, according to the developers’ concept plans.

Because of the “large amount” of woodland around the proposed development and previously-raised issues pointed out in previous plans, village staff recommended that a “comprehensive tree preservation plan” be developed.

At Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Algonquin trustees expressed concern over traffic in the area that would be spurred by River Ridge Estates. Trustee Maggie Auger said she was nervous about the traffic from the development going to North River Road.

In response, developers said they are proposing turnarounds, so people can maneuver the area.

Developers are hoping to get through the entitlement process within the next six months and break ground on the single-family residences and townhomes in spring, Shallcross said. They are now going to review and revise their plans based on trustee feedback, he said, and come back to present to trustees at a later date.

The developer’s goal is to also start home site sales in 2022, according to their presentation to board members.