Village Council approves phased redevelopment plan for former Dania Furniture site

Lombard's Plan Commission has taken a significant step forward in the redevelopment of the former Dania furniture store site, approving plans for a phased project that aims to transform the area into a vibrant multi-use shopping center. The meeting on June 16, 2025, highlighted the details of the third phase of this project, which includes the construction of a banquet facility, reconfiguration of the parking lot, and the addition of two new buildings.

The first phase of the project has already begun, focusing on the transformation of the 515 building into a multi-tenant space. The second phase, which involves repurposing buildings at 505 West Roosevelt and 1210 South Findlay, has received conditional use approvals and is currently in the permitting stage.

During the meeting, the petitioner sought approval for several conditional uses, including outdoor displays, a restaurant with entertainment, and the construction of multiple buildings on the site. The Plan Commission staff reviewed these requests and confirmed they align with village standards, paving the way for the project's progression.

Additionally, the petitioner requested deviations regarding signage and parking. They proposed a shopping center sign area of 165 square feet, exceeding the 150 square feet allowed, and sought permission for a 25-square-foot automatic changeable copy panel, larger than the permitted 16 square feet. The staff noted that similar signage deviations have been approved in the past, supporting the request.

Regarding parking, the petitioner requested a reduction from the required 775 spaces to 688, based on an analysis from the village's traffic consultant, KLOA. The consultant determined that this number would adequately meet the needs of the shopping plaza, considering the varied peak hours of the different uses.

The Plan Commission's approval of these requests marks a crucial milestone in the redevelopment efforts, promising to enhance the community's commercial landscape and provide new opportunities for local businesses. As the project moves forward, residents can look forward to a revitalized area that aims to serve a diverse range of needs and activities.