A vacant commuter parking lot near Naperville’s Route 59 Metra station could soon become a new apartment community, as plans move forward for 65 smaller-scale rental units.

The proposed Weston Ridge Apartments would be built at 540 Weston Ridge Drive, on approximately 1.5 acres just south of North Aurora Road and near the Route 59 Metra station.

Naperville’s Planning and Zoning Commission recently gave the project a favorable recommendation, sending it to the City Council for consideration.

What’s Being Proposed?

The four-story development would feature 65 micro-unit apartments, with individual units ranging from approximately 506 to 640 square feet.

The project is being designed as an attainable rental option for residents who may be priced out of larger apartments or other housing options in Naperville.

According to city documents, the apartments would include amenities such as:

• A lobby and community room

• Fitness center

• Outdoor patio

• Bike storage

• Storage lockers

• Ground-level units with private outdoor entrances

Eleven of the apartments would be located on the ground floor and feature direct private outdoor entrances, providing additional accessibility for residents.

Why This Location?

One of the biggest advantages of the proposed development is its proximity to public transportation.

The property sits near the Route 59 Metra station and Pace bus service, giving residents access to multiple transportation options without relying entirely on a car.

The development is also part of an area identified in Naperville’s Land Use Master Plan as an Urban Center, where multifamily residential development is considered an appropriate supporting use.

The city has also pointed to the need for additional housing. Previous housing assessments indicated that Naperville could need between 11,700 and 13,000 additional housing units by 2040 to accommodate projected population growth.

The Project Still Needs City Council Approval

While the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended moving the project forward, construction isn't approved just yet.

The developer is requesting several changes to the property's existing zoning and development regulations, including increasing the permitted number of residential units from 25 to 65 and increasing the maximum building height from 43 feet to approximately 47 feet.

The proposed development would also include 73 parking spaces — one space per apartment plus eight guest spaces.

Because the property is within a half-mile of the Metra station, the city notes that Illinois' new People Over Parking Act, which took effect June 1, 2026, prevents municipalities from requiring minimum off-street parking for qualifying developments near transit.

Who Would Live Here?

The development team says the apartments could appeal to a wide range of residents, including young professionals, commuters, empty nesters, active adults and seniors.

The smaller units are intended to create a lower-cost entry point for people who want to live in Naperville but may find traditional apartment sizes and rents difficult to afford.

That could make this project particularly interesting as Naperville continues to look for ways to add more housing options while maintaining its strong demand.

What Happens Next?

The Weston Ridge Apartments proposal now heads to the Naperville City Council for final consideration.

No City Council hearing date had been scheduled as of the latest reports, and the project cannot move into construction without the necessary approvals.

For now, the proposal represents another potential change coming to the Route 59 area — and one that could add dozens of new rental homes within walking distance of one of Naperville's major transit hubs.