Pearl Street Commercial Gets Approval for Mixed-Use Self-Storage Project in Woodstock, IL

Update 7/11/17 – Pearl Street received approval to develop its proposed mixed-use property, which will include a self-storage facility and a Casey’s General Store, part of a Midwest chain of convenience stores. The storage property will contain 500 to 600 units. Exterior improvements will also be made to the building, according to the source.

The 4,400-square-foot Casey’s, constructed on the south end of the property, is expected to open in four months. A vacant parcel on the corner of the site will be marketed to retail and restaurant outlets, a source reported.

“I appreciate the investment in this corner,” said councilmember Mark Saladin. “I like the concept of having this lot available for another use. I know that Casey’s [in Crystal Lake, Ill.] appears to be a clean, well-run store. I know there are a lot of people that love that station.”

Turner, who originally opposed the project, hopes Pearl Street will attract higher-end businesses to the vacant parcel. “I like the lot, and I hope it's something creative, but that is up to you guys,” he said. “It’s a very prime traffic way, so something upscale would be nice if you could lure them in.”

Founded in Des Moines, Iowa, Casey's General Store operates 1,963 stores in 12 states.

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8/12/16 – Real estate developer Pearl Street Commercial LLC has proposed a mixed-use project in Woodstock, Ill., that would feature self-storage, a convenience store and gas station. The development at the southwest corner of Highway 14 and Illinois Route 47 would require the conversion of an existing 90,000-square-foot structure as well as some roadwork. The city council would need to approve rezoning to allow interior self-storage as well as grant a special-use permit for fuel sales and rubber stamp a two-lot subdivision, according to the source.

The property is the former home of a Blain’s Farm & Fleet complex. The retailer used the existing building as a storage warehouse. The gas station would include a lane to accommodate semi-trucks, and the convenience store would be built on what is now a parking lot in front of the warehouse, the source reported.

Developer Steve Schwartz told the council during a recent meeting the project would require resurfacing Davis Road, which fronts the property. The street would also need to be redirected farther west of Route 47, and a “right-in-only” point would be built from Highway 14.

Schwartz estimated the convenience store and gas station would command about $15 million in annual sales, from which the city would collect about $150,000 in sales tax.

Councilmember Mike Turner was reluctant to back the project, calling the intersection “probably the No. 1 parcel in the city of Woodstock.” “The question I have is whether this is the right thing on this particular parcel in upholding the vision and direction for the city of Woodstock,” Turner said during the meeting. “I’m struggling with whether this is the right thing for that place.”

Turner argued a car dealership, restaurant or other retail uses would better serve future population growth in the area.

Other council members were concerned about the possible environmental impact of having fuel tanks on the property, which is near the headwaters of the Kishwaukee River and a soccer complex.

Mayor Brian Sager downplayed environmental risks due to advances in modern fuel systems and reminded the council the property has been passed over by other investors due to its development challenges, which include the wetlands.

Property owner Diane Sonday spoke in favor of the self-storage complex. “Frankly, anything would be better than what’s there,” she told the council.