What’s Being Built at 902 Maple Avenue in Downers Grove?
A Closer Look at the Irving Heartt House Townhome Development
If you’ve driven along Maple Avenue near Washington Street and wondered what development is planned for 902 Maple Avenue, you’re not alone. This highly visible property, historically known as the Irving Heartt House, has been the subject of community interest for years. The site is now moving forward with a new, by-right townhome development that reflects both Village zoning standards and feedback from past proposals.
Below is a clear, factual overview of what is planned, why it’s different from earlier concepts, and how it fits within the surrounding Downers Grove neighborhood.
Property Background: The Irving Heartt House Site
The property at 902 Maple Avenue in Downers Grove is commonly referred to as the Irving Heartt House. While the structure holds local historical recognition in name, it is not a designated landmark and is not located within a historic district. As a result, redevelopment of the site is governed by zoning and design standards rather than historic use restrictions.
In 2024, a special-use approval was granted for a five-unit apartment/condo building on the property. That approval later lapsed, and the project was never constructed. The current proposal replaces that plan with a townhome development that is permitted by right under the site’s DT (Downtown Transition) zoning.
Overview of the Proposed Development
The new plan calls for the construction of seven attached townhomes within a single building, designed to serve as a transition between Downtown Downers Grove and the nearby residential neighborhood.
Key highlights include:
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Seven owner-occupied townhomes
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Three stories, plus basement and rooftop elements
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Approximately 29,534 square feet of total gross floor area
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DT – Downtown Transition zoning, where attached townhomes are an allowed use
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Design reviewed through a Certificate of Design Appropriateness (CODA) process
This approach emphasizes ownership housing rather than apartments, addressing one of the primary concerns raised during prior redevelopment discussions.
Building Design & Interior Layout
Each townhome is vertically designed to maximize livability while minimizing neighborhood impact.
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Basements include mechanical systems, utilities, storage, and a dedicated fitness room for each residence
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First floors feature rear-loaded, private two-car garages
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Second floors house the main living spaces, including kitchens and living rooms
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Third floors are dedicated to bedrooms
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Rooftop level includes an equipment penthouse, with five of the seven homes featuring rooftop pergolas
The building massing and architectural rhythm are intended to complement nearby structures while maintaining a residential scale appropriate for the Downtown Transition district.
Parking, Traffic Flow & Site Circulation
Parking and circulation were carefully planned to reduce congestion and visual impact along Maple Avenue.
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14 private garage spaces (two per townhome)
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2 on-site visitor parking spaces
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Interior bicycle parking within the building
The existing curb cut at the midpoint of Maple Avenue will be removed. Instead, the site will use one-way vehicle circulation, with entry from the southeast corner of Maple Avenue and exit onto Washington Street. All trash and storage are fully contained within each unit, eliminating the need for exterior dumpsters.
Landscaping, Screening & Neighborhood Buffering
To further respect adjacent properties, the development includes:
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Extensive perimeter landscaping
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An eight-foot solid fence along the north and west property lines
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Full compliance with all Village of Downers Grove code requirements
These elements are intended to soften the building’s presence and provide appropriate screening where the site borders established residential areas.
Design Review & Community Input
The project is subject to review under the Village’s Certificate of Design Appropriateness Ordinance, which evaluates how new development aligns with the Downtown Design Guidelines. These guidelines address site design, building massing, architectural detail, parking integration, and pedestrian experience.
During the notification process, Village staff received limited inquiries from nearby residents, primarily related to density and neighborhood compatibility. Staff clarified that:
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Townhomes are permitted by right in the DT zoning district
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The existing structure is not a protected landmark
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The current proposal differs meaningfully from earlier, higher-density concepts
Why This Development Is Different
For residents searching “Irving Heartt House redevelopment” or “what is being built at 902 Maple Ave Downers Grove,” this project represents a shift toward:
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Lower perceived density compared to prior apartment proposals
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Ownership-based housing rather than rental units
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Improved traffic flow and on-site parking
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A design approach aligned with Downtown Transition standards
Information Source & Public Review Process
Some of the project details, descriptions, and conceptual renderings referenced in this article were obtained through materials submitted to and reviewed by the Village of Downers Grove Historic Preservation & Design Review Board as part of the Certificate of Design Appropriateness (CODA) process. All plans, layouts, and renderings are conceptual in nature and remain subject to final Village approvals and potential revisions as the public review process continues. This information is shared to help provide clarity and transparency for residents seeking to better understand what is being proposed for the Irving Heartt House site at 902 Maple Avenue.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 902 Maple Avenue Development
What is being built at 902 Maple Avenue in Downers Grove?
A seven-unit attached townhome development is proposed for 902 Maple Avenue, replacing earlier plans for a small apartment or condo building that were approved but never constructed. The new proposal consists of ownership-focused townhomes permitted by right under the property’s zoning.
Is the Irving Heartt House a protected historic landmark?
While the property is commonly referred to as the Irving Heartt House, it is not designated as a local landmark and is not located within a historic district. As a result, the redevelopment is not subject to historic use restrictions, though it does undergo design review.
Why does the project go through the Historic Preservation & Design Review Board?
The project is reviewed through the Certificate of Design Appropriateness (CODA) process, which evaluates architectural design, site layout, and compatibility with surrounding properties. The Board does not review zoning or land use, which are already permitted under the site’s zoning.
How is this proposal different from the previous development plan?
A prior proposal approved in 2024 allowed for a five-unit apartment or condo building, but that approval lapsed and the project was never built. The current plan replaces that proposal with seven attached townhomes, emphasizing ownership housing, improved traffic flow, and enhanced landscaping.
Will the development increase traffic or parking congestion?
Each townhome includes a private two-car garage, along with on-site visitor parking. The project also removes an existing curb cut on Maple Avenue and introduces one-way traffic circulation, designed to reduce congestion and improve site access.
Are the plans final?
No. While the project complies with zoning and bulk requirements, final design approval is still subject to Village review. Renderings and site details may change as the process moves forward.
Where does the information about this development come from?
Project details are based on publicly available records, zoning regulations, and materials submitted to the Village of Downers Grove as part of the design review and approval process.
Who can I contact with questions about the site or surrounding real estate?
For questions about this development residents can contact the developer Barriere Construction. For questions about neighborhood impacts, or real estate trends in Downtown Downers Grove, reach to The Glover Team, local real estate experts with experience in Downtown Transition properties and development-related transactions.
Final Thoughts from The Glover Team
The Glover Team represented the seller in the off-market sale of 902 Maple Avenue and believes transparency is important when it comes to prominent neighborhood sites. This townhome development reflects a balanced approach, allowing growth while remaining mindful of surrounding homes and community character. For ongoing updates on development, housing trends, and neighborhood changes in Downers Grove, check back regularly or reach out directly.
