Life Time revises plan for club on former Lake Zurich Hackney's site
Life Time Fitness is going forward with plans to build a health club on the site of the former Hackney's restaurant in Lake Zurich, despite opposition from some residents and neighbors.
Sarosh Saher, the village's community development director, said his office is reviewing Life Time's updated proposal, but it appears they have addressed the main concerns raised by residents at a public meeting in August.
"There are more or less minor changes to address all of the issues brought up by the village board and surrounding residents," Saher said.
The initial plan called for the Hackney's building at 880 N. Old Rand Road. to be demolished to make way for a new three-story, 125,000-square-foot fitness center, along with two outdoor pools and about 600 parking spaces.
The center would feature cardiovascular and resistance training areas, as well as studios for cycling, yoga and Pilates. It also would include dance, art, music and tumbling studios for children.
When Life Time representatives brought the plan before the village board Aug. 21, residents who live nearby expressed concerns the building would be too big and the parking lot would destroy the green space on the Hackney's property.
Life Time's revised plan adds additional landscaping to screen the property from neighbors to the north and east, Saher said. The company also will conduct a study to determine what impact lighting on the building and in the parking lot will have on surrounding properties.
In August, Trustee Jim Beaudoin suggested Life Time move the building to the west, farther away from homes.
Life Time's new plan calls for the building to be a little further south and west than their initial plan, Saher said.
According to the project overview Life Time submitted to the village in August, the company hopes to create a luxury resort and country club-type experience by using expensive building materials and creating large lounge areas for socializing and relaxing. There also will be a full-service salon and spa as well as two cafes, one indoor and one outdoor. Saher said the plan likely will go before the village's planning and zoning commission Nov. 15.