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Developer presents concept for 75,000‑sq‑ft self‑storage site behind Aldi in Sugar Grove
Summary
Developer Phil Mallister presented a concept for a mostly single‑story, drive‑up self‑storage complex off Division Drive, citing an undersupplied market and estimating $80,000–$90,000 in annual property tax revenue; commissioners welcomed the use but pressed for higher‑quality street‑facing materials, lighting studies and stormwater details.
A developer told the Sugar Grove Planning Commission on June 17 that he plans a premium self‑storage facility on a roughly 6.5‑acre parcel behind the Aldi on Division Drive and asked the board for feedback on the concept.
Phil Mallister, who identified himself as a real‑estate developer living in Naperville, said the parcel sits inside an older PUD zoned M‑1 and that a self‑storage use is permitted in the district. Mallister described a site composed of three modules of mostly single‑story, drive‑up and climate‑controlled units, estimating roughly 75,000 square feet of rentable area depending on final engineering and unit mix.
Mallister argued the market supports the project, saying local supply metrics showed a low saturation ratio and that the shortfall implies substantial unmet demand in the three‑mile trade area. He also estimated the finished development could generate on the order of $80,000–$90,000 annually in property tax revenue, which he said would primarily benefit local schools.
Commissioners used the concept presentation period to focus questions on compatibility and operations rather than engineering details (those will come later in preliminary and final PD approvals). They asked about buffers and sight lines with the adjacent subdivision, property fencing, lighting levels near the residential path, detention‑pond maintenance, and where visitor parking and office visibility would be placed. Mallister said the design team will work with engineers on stormwater detention and alignment of driveways, will provide site lighting and 24/7 monitored camera coverage for security, and will limit unit contents to non‑flammable, non‑volatile “dead storage.” He said vehicle storage would be allowed but motor‑vehicle repair would not.
On aesthetics, commissioners emphasized that street‑facing facades should fit the brick character of the adjacent retail corridor. Mallister said he plans higher‑quality facades on the office and street sides and would explore brick or stone accents blended with high‑quality composite or metal panels to keep the development visually compatible while managing costs.
The presentation was labeled a concept review only; Mallister and staff noted the next steps are engineering, a formal PD submittal and review of stormwater and fire‑protection requirements. No formal action was taken; commissioners thanked the applicant for the presentation and closed the concept review.
The commission did not receive public comment on the project at this meeting. The applicant was encouraged to return with exterior material samples, a lighting study addressing adjacent homes and the trail, and preliminary stormwater calculations for the detention area.
