More Development for Prairie and First?

It looks like another addition may be coming to the Prairie Corners development at Prairie and First. The project started in 2000 under controversy, and began construction in 2003. The townhomes were built and occupied, and seem to be working fine, since it was downsized from 39 to 25 units, but there is still a vacant, undeveloped corner. These are the last four units of the 2003 planned development, where a gas station once stood. These last four units are evidently envisioned as work/live loft spaces, which could be a big improvement over the vacant lot that's there now. Prairie Corners was originally the site of a small commercial district from when this was the outskirts of Des Plaines. In the 1910s and 20s, this area was a big growth center as the Des Plaines Manor I and II subdivisions were developed, and there was still a passenger station on the Soo Line on First. While it made sense at the time to have shops, a grocery, and other services there, that need went away over time. These new uses make sense.

Loopnet - Des Plaines Commerce Lofts