NAPERVILLE, IL - Marquette Companies, a national leader in multifamily development and property management, broke ground last week on The Union Villa Park, a seven-story mixed-use development with 238 luxury apartments and 7,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space in the Old Town neighborhood of Villa Park, a western suburb of Chicago. The development also includes 94 indoor parking spaces for public use that will serve the adjacent, new Villa Park Community Recreation Center, Cortesi Park and the surrounding business district, in addition to its reserved parking for residents.
“The Union Villa Park is an excellent example of the outcome we can achieve through true partnership with village governments and really listening to and taking into account input from village officials, surrounding businesses and residents,” said Trevor Ryan, partner and president at Marquette Companies. “As a result of this collaborative process, we have created a plan that not only addresses the demand for housing and commercial space in Villa Park but also maximizes the opportunity this location offers with improvements that benefit the community as a whole.”
Located at 100 S. Villa Ave., The Union Villa Park was inspired by the neighborhood’s history as the heart of the village where two important Chicago rail lines converged at the turn of the century. The architecture of the building reflects a more industrial character with a brick exterior and metal accents, generously sized windows and inset balconies that lend visual interest to the façade. The Old Town neighborhood recently welcomed a state-of-the-art recreation center anchoring nearby Lions Park, creating even greater desire for housing in the area, especially developments that offer convenient access to one of the area’s main attractions, the Great Western Trail bike path and the dozens of miles of trails within the local system.
“The need for quality housing in this part of Villa Park continues to rise, as evidenced by the high occupancy level at the neighboring Ovaltine Court apartment community, and the increasing interest of current residents to remain in the area while enjoying a city-center lifestyle,” said Ryan. “Renters from the surrounding western suburbs and the city of Chicago are discovering the value Villa Park offers, and all signs point to The Union Villa Park addressing pent-up demand for upscale apartment living in the village.”
The development will bring studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments to the neighborhood. In addition to the range of unit sizes meant to appeal to multiple generations of residents, The Union Villa Park will also include two outdoor amenity decks and offer an assortment of places to socialize and relax, such as a resort-style pool, cabanas, grilling stations, an outdoor lounge and dining spaces, as well as areas for private parties. Indoor amenities feature a fitness center, club room, coworking areas and a conference room, pet spa and bike storage with direct access to the adjacent Great Western Trail bike path. Apartments will feature high-end finishes including plank-style flooring; designer cabinetry and lighting; stainless steel appliances; and quartz, granite or comparable countertops.
“Working closely with Marquette Companies has helped us move forward with a development that is far more than just housing,” said Kevin Patrick, Villa Park village president. “This project represents a shared vision — one that builds upon the transformation already underway in Old Town. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for this neighborhood, and it reflects what can happen when public and private partners work together with a shared commitment to thoughtful planning and community-focused development.”
Leasing and delivery are expected to begin in fall 2027. The Union Villa Park was designed by Korb Architecture, with Weis Builders handling construction. MetLife is an equity partner.
About Marquette Companies: Based in Naperville, Ill., Marquette Companies is a multifamily development company and investment leader with a 43-year track record of success in markets across the country. The firm’s vertically integrated approach, with in-house capabilities in acquisition, construction, asset, property and construction management, enables its team to control all aspects of investments and has positioned the firm as a leading player in the multifamily investment space. Marquette’s vision is to be the top choice for living, working and investing by delivering exceptional living spaces and unparalleled customer service. The firm received 2024 Multi-Housing News Excellence Awards for Development Company of the Year (Gold honors) and Property Management Company of the Year (Silver honors), as well as a Top Employers Award from the National Apartment Association and ranked #2 among the Nation’s Top Operators Overall in Opiniion’s prestigious 2023 Resident ChoiceAwards. For more information, visit www.marquettecompanies.com