After nearly a year of planning and negotiation, the Village of Barrington is on the cusp of a major revitalization with the proposed Golden Triangle / City Center Barrington redevelopment — a transformative mixed-use project that promises to bring new life to the heart of downtown.

Village trustees are expected to cast a final vote on the proposal April 28. If approved, construction could begin immediately.

A Bold Vision for the Heart of Barrington - City Center Barrington

The $90 million project, which will likely be rebranded as “City Center Barrington,” is led by Compasspoint Development and local developer Joe Taylor III and is located at 200-300 N. Hough Street. The crown jewel of the plan is Mylo Barrington, a four-story luxury building featuring 125 high-end residential units and approximately 12,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. City Center Barrington will also include Motor Cave Auto Suites, luxury car condo suites.

Taylor, a Barrington resident, is enthusiastic about contributing to the town’s future. “This is good for the community,” he said. “I'm excited to be a developer in my hometown for the next 20 years. I will be doing everything I can to make this project a success.”

A Strong Retail Anchor

A major component of the retail plan is a 6,000-square-foot space being actively negotiated with a restaurant tenant, a high-end, regional steakhouse operator that is very well known in other suburbs and downtown Chicago. Taylor and his leasing partner, Barrington resident Dick Spinell of Mid-America Real Estate, believe this anchor will draw additional interest and activity to the area. “Securing this one lease will put City Center Barrington on the map,” said Taylor. “We think other businesses will want to be adjacent to that kind of draw.”

As part of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) incentive, Taylor and his team have committed to maintaining 6,000 square feet of retail space for at least 10 years, with 50% of the current TIF award being retained to support this vision. “Securing this restaurant partner in a longer-term lease would help fulfill this deliverable and keep the TIF agreement going,” Taylor confirmed.

Living Local: Luxury at the Mylo Barrington and Motor Cave Auto Suites

The Mylo Barrington apartments will bring high-end residential options directly into the village center. Rents will range from the mid-$2,500’s to over $6,000 for three-bedroom units. The residences will be designed with top-tier finishes, curated interiors, and a host of amenities.

The development also includes the Motor Cave Auto Suites — luxury car condos that are already roughly 65% sold, with full deposits and signed contracts. Units are priced starting at $400,000 and are expected to be fully sold out by late summer, according to Taylor.

A Plaza for the People

In addition to housing and retail, Taylor has agreed to personally fund and build Park Avenue Plaza, a central public gathering space located between Cook and Station Streets — just steps from the new development and across from the former McGonigal’s Pub, should the vote pass.

The plaza will feature outdoor seating, green space, hardscaping, planters, overhead string lighting, and space for events like live music and more. The project aligns with Barrington’s 2021 Park Avenue vision and “aims to become a vibrant outdoor, grassy green hub for the community,” said Taylor.

Construction on the plaza is expected to begin within a few months of the apartment groundbreaking, with an estimated 8–9 month build timeline. If the vote passes, work could begin as early as this summer, with completion by spring 2026.

Smart Planning for Growth

Parking and traffic have been carefully considered as part of the plan, according to Taylor. The City Center Barrington development will provide over 400 parking spaces, including 250 open to the public. Many will be tucked beneath the building’s second floor. Additionally, a new connection to the Metra parking lot on the south side of the tracks will improve access and circulation to the BMO Parking lot and Village businesses south of Main Street.

Village leaders are also exploring other traffic and parking improvements — though these plans and updates have yet to be formally determined and announced.

Strong Local Support Across the Board

The City Center Barrington project has garnered support from all local taxing bodies and stakeholders, according to Taylor. Incoming Village President Mike Moran, who currently serves on the Village Board, has been fully involved and engaged with the project.

“We’ve got a strong local team managing this, all of whom have skin in the game being current residents of Barrington,” said Taylor. “The project’s underlying goal is to support the local community and keep it thriving.”
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PHOTO GALLERY, courtesy of Joe Taylor and Motor Cave Auto Suites

City Center Barrington - The Mylo

Pictured (left to right): Exterior, Pool. Unit Interior, Lobby/Club Space