Autobahn club seeks rezoning to expand
By Bob Okon bokon@stmedianetwork.com March 5, 2013 8:06AM
Updated: April 6, 2013 6:27AM
Autobahn Country Club, the Joliet club for people who like to drive fast cars, is looking to get bigger.
The club wants to add 11 acres to make room for 24 more team lots, which members use as private garages and condominiums. The expansion would increase Autobahn’s size to nearly 329 acres with 76 team lots.
Autobahn also has two tracks used not only by members for fast driving but also by car manufacturers for testing, demonstrations and other events.
Autobahn needs zoning approval for the expansion. A public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday before the city council, which is expected to vote after the hearing.
Autobahn is buying the additional land from CenterPoint Properties, which is developing its industrial park in the area. The land would be rezoned from intermodal zoning to light industrial for Autobahn’s use.
Autobahn was developed in 2003. It was a novel concept then and is the only country club for racing enthusiasts in the Chicago area.
The club planned to add hotel rooms at one time, but that plan was set back when the recession hit, said James Haller, Joliet’s director of community and economic development.
But membership interest in the condo-garage lots has remained steady, Haller said.
“They continue to have traction from members of the club. That’s why they’re going to go on with it,” he said.
Autobahn a few years ago also added a clubhouse with banquet and dining facilities.
