By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – New projects like an apartment complex planned for north Normal have become rare occurrences in recent years due to a stagnant economy. So, planning commissioners in the town seemed pleased to approve a development that would be just east of the Starplex movie theaters on McKnight Street.

Eventually, The Park at Constitution Trail will include 85 apartments in 13 buildings on almost five acres.

“The code allowed for additional units, but our push was for more of that green space. We wanted to scale that back and accommodate more green space, in addition to differentiation in the buildings as well,” said developer Terry Blake of Normal. He also wants to build a sidewalk linking the apartments to nearby Constitution Trail.

Blake plans to build the apartments in phases. The first phase calls for construction of five 2 1/2 story buildings to the south containing 25 four bedroom apartments. It’s hard to say when the entire complex will be done, according to Town Planner Mercy Davison.

“It’ll depend on what demand looks like as to how they phase this in,” said Davison.

“Will they come in with two buildings the next time, will they do all of them, will they not to any for 10 years? We have no idea,” Davison said.

Normal Town Council members vote on the planned unit development May 21.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]