Over persistent community opposition, the La Grange Board of Trustees Monday unanimously approved a 5-story, 39-unit condo complex on the site of the Jackson Square Antique Mall building at 112 E. Burlington Ave.

Several issues raised by residents have dogged the proposal, including the height of the building, the possibility of parking problems in an already crowded downtown area, and setbacks variances nearby residents feel encroach on their living spaces.

Also prominent in the discussion was the historic status of the Jackson Square building. Built in 1903 and expanded in 2023, it is an example of Egyptian art deco revival, designed by noted warehouse architect George Kingsley.

Village officials granted developer, Dan Spain, who also owns The Elm Restaurant, several amendments, including allowing the building’s 74-foot height to exceed the 70-foot maximum set by village code and changing the property’s zoning from commercial to multiple family residential. The project also received a special use permit and site plan approval.

The project has generated controversy in La Grange for months.

After a four hour meeting in October, the village’s Plan Commission approved the proposal to bring to the Village Board, but it fell short of being unanimous with a 5-2 vote.

The development will consist of 15 two bedroom, two bath units with a den, 18 three bedroom, 2.5 bath units, and 16 three bedroom, 2.5 bathroom with a den units. The condos will range in cost from $750,000 to $1.3 million.

Residents showed up Monday night to offer their opinions on the plan before the vote, with 21 speaking out against the condo development and four speaking in favor of it.

Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/13/la-grange-demolition-jackson-square-condos/