Community Corner

Willow Creek Community Church Seeking Height, Signage Variations

The 75,000-square-foot church proposed at 2000 Shermer Rd. is seeking zoning variations for its height, signage and parking lot.

Willow Creek Community Church, a 75,000-square-foot megachurch proposed at 2000 Shermer Rd., is seeking zoning variations for its height, signage and parking lot.

Glenview's zoning board of appeals is expected to discuss the controversial property at its next meeting on Monday, Jan. 13. Opponents of the church say they are concerned about the traffic it might bring to the nearby residential neighborhood, as well as to the Glen, while Willow Creek has made several concessions to address the concerns, pledging to rearrange its Sunday schedule and limit weekday services.

The church is asking the zoning board to permit the building to stand up to 49 feet tall, nearly 10 feet higher than the maximum allowed. It is also seeking to install more than two signs that are greater than 20 square feet and to build a parking lot with fewer than the 94 landscaped islands, three landscaped rows and 94 interior parking lot trees required by village ordinance. 

The church purchased one of the last available parcels from the old Glenview Naval Air Station this spring, while residential developer Edward R. James Partners bought the other parcel, for a total of $22 million. Edward R. James is proposing to build 172 new homes at 3000 West Lake Avenue.

Earlier: Traffic Among Biggest Concerns Over Willow Creek Church, New Homes


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here