Murphy Development Group reveals plans for Primrose Childcare in Naperville

The Village of Westmont held a Planning and Zoning Special Meeting on May 14, 2025, to discuss a proposed childcare facility by Murphy Development Group at 98 East Naperville Road. Chris Horney, representing the developer, outlined the project, which aims to convert an existing two-story, 30,000 square foot building into a Primrose School, a high-end childcare provider with over 500 locations nationwide.

Horney emphasized the significance of the project, noting that it would be the first Primrose School in the area and would cater to up to 82 children. The facility is designed to focus on kindergarten readiness, providing educational programs rather than merely babysitting. The local franchisee, CJ, who resides in Hinsdale, will manage the school, ensuring community involvement in its operations.

The meeting addressed several key zoning requests, including a variance for the front yard playground, which is positioned close to an angled property line, and a request to reduce the width of parking spaces from the standard 10 feet to 9 feet. Horney argued that the narrower spaces are common in their facilities and would allow for additional parking, which is crucial for operational efficiency.

The existing building currently houses Salt Creek Ballet on the first floor, with general office space above. As part of the transition, Salt Creek Ballet will move to the second floor, allowing the daycare to occupy the first floor. Horney noted that the daycare's operational hours would be from 7 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, with no defined drop-off or pick-up times, which could help alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the anticipated timeline for the daycare's opening, which could take several years to reach full capacity due to the nature of childcare enrollment. The project represents a significant investment in the community, with the potential to provide valuable educational resources for local families. Further discussions and decisions regarding the zoning variances will follow in upcoming meetings.