K. Hovnanian looking to build up to 500 residential units on Naperville property

Developer K. Hovnanian is seeking a zoning change from Naperville village officials that could allow it to build as many as 500 units on the old Nokia campus off Interstate 88.

City officials have yet to make a formal decision on the plan, but heard a pitch from K. Hovnanian representatives for the 175-acre property that’s surrounded by the Danada Forest Preserve, according to the Chicago Tribune, which reported on the zoning change request.

The plan could include a variety of single-family homes and an apartment building, said Russ Whitaker, an attorney for the builder. The number of dwellings could range from 300 to 500, depending on a potential 200- to 300-unit apartment building.

Jon Isherwood, director of land acquisition for K. Hovnanian Homes, said the builder would consider options for Naperville’s aging population. A portion of the units will be geared toward empty-nesters, he said.

According to the Daily Herald, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County couldn’t meet the asking price for the land in 2011, and plans for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to use it as a summer concert venue fell through in 2014. Suggestions that it be used as a warehouse were rejected because of the expected increase in truck traffic in the otherwise bucolic area. [Naperville Sun]  — John O’Brien