Plan calls for demolition of former Bakers Square

A convenience store and gas station is being proposed for the former Bakers Square property on Libertyville's southern border.

GW Properties of Chicago wants to demolish the vacant former restaurant at 1195 S. Milwaukee Ave. and build a 7-Eleven and gas station.

The village's appearance review commission last month gave a positive recommendation for the exterior design elements with the condition the company return later regarding signage.

According to information submitted to the village, GW Properties is the contractor purchaser of the 1.34 acre-site.

The area just south of the Greentree Plaza strip mall is zoned commercial but will need a special use permit. A public hearing before the village's plan commission/zoning board of appeals is scheduled for Oct. 26.

As proposed, the 5,300-square-foot convenience store would be open 24 hours.

The company also intends to establish delivery procedures to limit noise and traffic that would bother neighbors.

Built in 1981, the building near Greentree Parkway, initially was occupied by Poppin' Fresh Pies, which was renamed Bakers Square by 1983.

The Libertyville location was among those closed this past January when the company filed for filed for voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization.

Heather Rowe, the village's economic development coordinator, said the site is desirable because of high visibility and traffic volume, proximity of residential areas and a lot that can accommodate a number of uses.

Information provided to the village shows 28,700 vehicles travel daily on Milwaukee north of Greentree and 26,000 to the south.

"It is a terrific commercial corner and has generated a lot of interest from potential retailers," she said. "We're excited about the prospect of re-use for the property."