A developer wants to construct a four-story apartment building for senior citizens in downtown Mundelein.

The building has been proposed for about 1.9 acres at 101 E. Maple Ave., just east of Seymour Avenue. The Alan Josephsen Co. recycling facility operates there now.

If the development progresses, village officials hope to help the recycling business relocate to a different spot in town.

Mayor Steve Lentz said the recycling business doesn't belong where it's at and voiced support for the apartment-building plan.

"(It) would be a home run for residents," Lentz said.

A Cleveland company called PIRHL Developers is behind the project, which was publicly unveiled during Monday night's village board meeting.

The apartment building could have 70 to 80 units as well as about 3,000 square feet of ground-floor retail or restaurant space, according to a village memo.

PIRHL approached village officials last summer about constructing a building on Hawley Street near Chicago Avenue. Village leaders said they liked the concept but recommended it find an alternative site.

That led PIRHL to the Maple Avenue property.

"We think we're on the right track," PIRHL representative David Burg said Monday night.

The company is calling the proposed building "District Senior Living." The project could cost about $20 million to complete.

The site's proximity to shops, restaurants and other businesses in the downtown area would be beneficial to residents, officials said.

The village board took no action on the plan Monday. Ray Semple was among the trustees who supported the concept.

"This is fantastic," Semple said. "I think it's a potential game-changer for downtown Mundelein."

Trustee Bill Rekus said the developers have a "blank slate" to work with at the site.

"We hope that you'll give us a Rembrandt in the end," Rekus said.

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