Normal expands boundaries for town’s largest new residential development in years

Posted on January 18, 2023

*Artists rendering of Carden Springs in Normal. (Fairlawn Capital)*

NORMAL – An annexation agreement paving the way for Normal’s largest residential development in years won unanimous approval by the town council Monday night.

Carden Springs at the northwest corner of Beech Street and Towanda Avenue just northeast of Normal will help address the community’s housing shortage with 477 apartments and townhomes on 36 acres. The land is now used for agricultural, but the agreement with developer Fairlawn Capital reclassifies the property for medium density multi-family use.

The development will include walking and biking trails, fitness center, a swimming pool, fishing areas, pickleball courts and a dog park. There will also be electric vehicle charging stations.

Council members Scott Preston and Kevin McCarthy thanked the development firm and its partner, former State Sen. Jason Barickman, for investing in the community.

“I echo the appreciation for you and the team investing in the Town of Normal. We agree it’s a great bet, so we’re having to see you taking a risk in the Town of Normal,” said McCarthy.

Plans call for Carden Springs to be built in multiple phases over a four-to-five-year period starting this spring.

Approval of the annexation agreement was needed for Barickman’s firm to close on the sale of the property.

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