Trustees approve conference center and exhibition hall site plan at 2100 Sanders Road

The Village Board granted preliminary approvals for a proposed conference center and exhibition hall at 2100 Sanders Road, moving the project forward after staff and the New Development Commission recommended approval.

Director Jeff Brady summarized the revised proposal: demolition of a 106,000‑square‑foot office building and construction of a facility with about 26,000 square feet of event space, reduced height and removal of a previously proposed second floor. The applicant agreed to additional landscaping, a six‑foot cedar fence along the north edge, an eight‑foot evergreen hedge along Sanders Road and façade changes to limit windows on the north side to reduce light and noise toward adjacent single‑family homes and the Cook County Forest Preserve land.

The new design also adds landscape islands and two shade trees per island in the parking area and includes a commitment by the applicant to participate in decorative signal components at the Sanders Road intersection. The New Development Commission had unanimously recommended approval following the applicant’s revisions.

Public commenters offered both support and suggestions—some praised the project as a neighborhood‑friendly alternative to warehouse redevelopment; others urged careful attention to cost responsibilities for any intersection improvements. Trustees asked questions about materials and potential long‑term maintenance obligations; the board voted to approve the preliminary items and directed the applicant to continue coordination with staff and the commission for final appearance and permit approvals.

The project will return for second consideration and final approvals as required by the village’s established review process before construction permits are issued.