The first step in the next phase of the Shoppes at Fox River was recently approved by the Plan Commission.
At its last meeting, the commission approved a zoning change for 9.86 acres of land from limited business and industrial park to a Community Business Planned Unit Development.
The commission also changed the land-use amendment plan from industrial to commercial.
City Planner Jennifer Andrews said those steps were needed for the developer's plan, which calls for more retail uses in the area in question, at 1180 W. Sunset Drive.
Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust is looking at adding six buildings, totaling 186,000 square feet. Ramco's expansion plans include a five-tenant building, at 90,000 square feet, and a separate 65,000-square-foot freestanding building that likely would accommodate one tenant. There would also be four small buildings, totaling 31,000 square feet.
The next step in the process is the Plan Commission's approval of a certified survey map and a preliminary site plan, and an architectural review. The commission was expected to make those approvals at its meeting Wednesday, June 11.
Andrews said the shopping center, which currently has about 25 retailers, is valued at about $50 million. As part of the second phase of development, a 55,000-square-foot Hobby Lobby opened this spring. One of the new buildings being proposed would be adjacent to the new Hobby Lobby.
Michael Sullivan, senior vice president of asset management of Ramco, said recently that he was working to secure commitments on the tenants. He hasn't revealed who they potentially could be but had said 'the variations are endless' and could include fast/casual dining, a soft goods store or clothing stores.
'He wasn't releasing the tenants until he closed on the land,' Andrews said. 'I know he's anxious to get going.'
The retail development's first phase in 2010 included a 132,000-square-foot Target, a 60,000-square-foot Pick 'n Save and other smaller stores.
The first part of the second phase, completed in late 2012, included a T.J. Maxx, Ulta Salon and Cosmetics, Rue 21 and Charming Charlie's, totaling more than 47,000 square feet of retail space on six of the 18 acres of developed land adjacent to the existing first-phase buildings.