A proposed mixed-use development in Downtown Downers Grove is getting bigger — again.

Plans for Forest Pointe, a redevelopment proposed for 5112–5120 Forest Avenue, originally called for six apartments above new commercial space.

The proposal was later increased to nine apartments.

Now, the latest Village of Downers Grove agenda describes a 13-unit apartment building, with the revised project scheduled to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission on September 21.

It's another change for a prominent downtown property — and one that could bring additional housing, restaurants, retail and office space just steps from the heart of Downtown Downers Grove.

What Is Being Proposed on Forest Avenue?

The Forest Pointe project is planned for the west side of Forest Avenue between Gilbert Avenue and Curtiss Street.

Developer Brownstone Homes, LTD is seeking amendments to the property's existing Planned Unit Development and Special Use approvals to move forward with the revised mixed-use building.

The latest Village agenda describes the proposal as a mixed-use 13-unit apartment building.

The property is currently part of Planned Development #74 within Downers Grove's Downtown Core zoning district.

The Project Was Originally Approved With Just Six Apartments

Forest Pointe isn't an entirely new proposal.

Earlier this year, plans called for a three-story, roughly 39,000-square-foot mixed-use building.

Under that version, the first floor would contain a restaurant, retail spaces, residential lobby and parking garage.

The second floor would be dedicated to office space.

Six apartments — five two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom unit — were planned for the third floor.

The development also included a two-level, partially underground parking garage with 17 spaces.

In March, the Downers Grove Village Council unanimously approved the zoning and special-use requests needed for that six-unit version of the project.

Then Six Apartments Became Nine

By August, the developer had returned with another version.

Village documents for the August 24 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting described Forest Pointe as a nine-unit mixed-use apartment building.

That represented a 50% increase in the residential component compared with the six apartments previously approved.

The developer requested that consideration of the revised plan be continued until September 21.

But there's now another notable change.

The Latest Plan Calls for 13 Apartments

The Village's current agenda for the September 21 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting identifies Forest Pointe as a proposed 13-unit apartment building.

If that number moves forward, the residential portion of the project would have more than doubled compared with the six apartments originally approved earlier this year.

The developer is requesting a Planned Unit Development Amendment and Special Use Amendment for the revised project.

Exactly how the additional apartments would change the building's interior layout, parking arrangement or commercial components will be an important part of the upcoming review.

Why This Location Matters

Forest Avenue puts the development directly within Downtown Downers Grove.

That means future residents would be close to restaurants, shops, community amenities and the Downers Grove Main Street Metra station.

Projects like Forest Pointe reflect a broader development pattern happening in many established Chicago suburbs: adding housing within existing downtown districts rather than creating entirely new subdivisions farther from commercial centers and transit.

More downtown residents can also mean more potential customers within walking distance of local restaurants and businesses.

At the same time, additional density can raise questions about parking, traffic and how new construction fits within an established downtown.

Those issues have already been part of the discussion surrounding Forest Pointe.

Parking Has Been Part of the Conversation

The original six-unit proposal included 17 spaces within a two-level partially underground parking garage.

Parking was also discussed during earlier public review of the development, with some residents raising concerns about downtown parking availability and increasing density.

With the residential count now potentially increasing from six to 13 apartments, parking and the project's revised configuration could receive additional attention as the proposal returns for review.

This Isn't Just an Apartment Building

One reason Forest Pointe is worth watching is that the proposal isn't solely residential.

The original project was designed to combine several uses in one downtown building.

Plans included:

• Apartments

• Restaurant space

• Retail storefronts

• Office space

• Indoor parking

That type of mixed-use development could introduce new residents while also adding commercial activity along Forest Avenue.

The details may change as the proposal evolves, but the overall concept represents another investment in Downtown Downers Grove.

What Happens Next?

The Downers Grove Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on September 21 at 7 p.m. at the Downers Grove Civic Center.

The commission will consider the developer's request for amendments related to the revised project.

Because the latest agenda now references 13 apartments, it will be worth watching whether that version ultimately receives a recommendation and moves forward to the Village Council.

For now, the development remains a proposal.

FAQs

Where would Forest Pointe be located?

The proposed development is at 5112–5120 Forest Avenue in Downtown Downers Grove, on the west side of Forest Avenue between Gilbert Avenue and Curtiss Street.

How many apartments are proposed?

The latest Village agenda describes the project as a 13-unit mixed-use apartment building. Earlier versions called for six and later nine apartments.

Was Forest Pointe already approved?

A previous version containing six apartments and commercial space received Village Council approval in March 2026. The developer is now seeking amendments for an expanded residential plan.

Will the development include businesses?

The previously approved design included restaurant, retail and office space in addition to apartments. The project is being reviewed as a mixed-use development.

When is the next public hearing?

The Downers Grove Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to consider the proposal on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Final Thoughts

Forest Pointe started the year as a six-apartment development.

Then it became nine.

Now the latest Village documents describe 13 apartments.

That's a significant change for what was already one of the more interesting mixed-use proposals in Downtown Downers Grove.

The bigger story, however, goes beyond the apartment count.

Forest Pointe represents the type of development increasingly shaping established suburban downtowns — putting new housing within walking distance of restaurants, businesses and commuter rail while making more intensive use of existing downtown property.

Whether Downers Grove ultimately approves this expanded version remains to be seen.

But with the proposal continuing to evolve, September 21 will be an important date to watch.