By Mary Goldmeer
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The Litchfield Park City Council will consider key amendments to its Litchfield Square development agreement with LP Heritage Partners LLC
The amendments, to be considered at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, at at 101 W Wigwam Blvd.,  in the Litchfield Park Branch Library Community Room, are intended to keep the developer on track for construction for the project in the city’s long-planned downtown district.

Heritage Partners purchased Parcel 3 in Litchfield Square in 2022 and acquired Parcel 4, a parking area, in 2024 through an amended agreement. Under that agreement, construction was required to begin by April 15, 2025.

The proposed second amendment would push that deadline slightly, requiring all permits to be paid by April 15 and groundbreaking to begin by May 1.
If construction does not start on time, the developer will face a $500 daily late fee.

Once work begins, the project must be completed within 18 months unless an extension is granted. The city would also provide reimbursement for asphalt construction at the Litchfield Square entry, in addition to curb and gutter costs previously covered.

To support Heritage Partners in securing financing, the city also will consider a subordination agreement that grants UMB Bank priority interest in the property as collateral for the developer’s construction loan. The city would retain the right to reclaim the property if construction is not completed on schedule, though any reconveyance would be subject to satisfying the bank’s deed of trust.

City staff have recommended approval of both agreements, emphasizing their importance in keeping the project on track.

Heritage Partners’ project will be among the first major development in Litchfield Square, a downtown hub that has been in the works for decades. The city first envisioned the district in 1994, acquiring land over the years and working with residents to ensure the development aligns with the community’s character.

“Our goal is to enhance the city of Litchfield Park by preserving the uniqueness of our community,” said Mayor Thomas Schoaf. “As we look at changes and as we look at development … we try to make sure that that change will not hurt the character of our neighborhoods.”

Heritage Partners is expected to break ground in early May on a mixed-use building featuring two restaurants, office space and retail. A second building, anticipated to begin construction by October, will also house commercial tenants.

A third planned building will be three stories, with retail and restaurants on the first floor and condominiums above. Construction on that phase is expected to begin before 2026.

“(It) is a really good start. It’s about half of what will end up eventually there … we’re anticipating significant interest in the other parcels for the finishing pieces,” Schoaf said.

The city has invested $40 million in infrastructure for Litchfield Square, exceeding initial estimates due to market conditions. However, Schoaf has assured residents that city finances remain stable and core services will not be affected.

With construction moving forward, Litchfield Square is expected to become a defining feature of Litchfield Park, blending modern development with the city’s historic charm.

Visit litchfieldpark.gov for more information.