CHICAGO | General Developments

[r18tdi]

I stopped going when the owner started vomiting out his right-wing opinions leading up to the 2016 presidential election. The free market has spoken. ;)

[west-town-brad]

Bella Luna wasn't the owner of the building.

there is also a dry cleaner operating in the building....

[r18tdi]

there is also a dry cleaner operating in the building....

Not any more!

[ithakas]

Does anyone know anything about this project? I don't think I've seen any renderings or news on it.


1723 S Michigan will soon be home to a 13 Story apartment building with 149 Units and ground floor retail.

Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl_XSRArnWt/

[marothisu]

Does anyone know anything about this project? I don't think I've seen any renderings or news on it.



Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl_XSRArnWt/

Saw this the other day but forgot to post it on here. He's right. There's a pending permit for it that has been active of late, but not issued (still pending). This will count as a high rise.

"2019 CBC: DIRECT DEVELOPER SERVICES: FOUNDATION & PARTIAL SUPERSTRUCTURE (1ST-2ND FLOOR AND TO THE TOP OF CORE AT LEVEL 4 AND CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE STAIRS AND WALLS AT STAIR AND ELEVATOR CORES UP TO THE UNDERSIDE OF LEVEL 6) FOR A NEW 13-STORY, 149 D.U."


There's nothing for zoning changes either, so I'm pretty sure it's an as-of-right project. Based on my research and going about 4 LLCs deep, this is land/building owned by CMK, who also developed the 33 story building across the street from this and multiple other South Loop high rises in the area.

[Rizzo]

There's nothing for zoning changes either, so I'm pretty sure it's an as-of-right project. Based on my research and going about 4 LLCs deep, this is land/building owned by CMK, who also developed the 33 story building across the street from this and multiple other South Loop high rises in the area.

LOL, had to get the PIN, then the deed, then at about the 2nd LLC on cyberdrive to get to CMK, all on a phone of course. Looking forward to this and I'm also assuming it's as of right as well

[Randomguy34]

Bobby Rush's bill to designate much of the South Side as a National Heritage Area is set to be signed by the president. Rush said the designation will help "preserve over 200 historical assets" across the South Side and receive $1 million annually towards preservation efforts.

There are so many building's and sites I would love to see preserved, number one of course being The Forum.

https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bronzeville-Historic-Area-01-1251x1536.png
https://chicagoyimby.com/2022/01/bill-introduced-would-create-bronzeville-national-heritage-area.html

[Gedung Tinngi]

This would be fantastic! I live in the designated boundaries. SO many historic structures to be preserved and celebrated.


Bobby Rush's bill to designate much of the South Side as a National Heritage Area is set to be signed by the president. Rush said the designation will help "preserve over 200 historical assets" across the South Side and receive $1 million annually towards preservation efforts.

There are so many building's and sites I would love to see preserved, number one of course being The Forum.

https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bronzeville-Historic-Area-01-1251x1536.png
https://chicagoyimby.com/2022/01/bill-introduced-would-create-bronzeville-national-heritage-area.html

[marothisu]

Another good day for gobbling up vacant lots for new buildings this week. It's been a nice early Christmas and happy Hanukkah LOL. 2 more buildings permitted yesterday for Phase 3B of Roosevelt Square near UIC. 1257 W Roosevelt was permitted on 12/7 already to build a new 6 story, 70 unit building also on a vacant lot.

1) 1002 S Racine - This is on Taylor St and the site has been vacant for at least 15 years (https://www.google.com/maps/place/1002+S+Racine+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60607/@41.8694511,-87.6565624,3a,75y,282.49h,97.76t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swFbYOwc51ItC66U4XuBxDw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2ce242f01e97:0xe062291262faa978!8m2!3d41.8691133!4d-87.6567604). Will become a new 6 story, 67 unit + retail with 33 parking space building.

Rendering via https://chicagoyimby.com/2022/02/city-council-approves-funds-for-roosevelt-square-in-near-west-side.html
https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/View-of-1002-S-Racine-Avenue-at-Roosevelt-Square-3B.-Rendering-by-Moody-Nolan-and-LBBA.jpg

2) 1357 W Roosevelt - On the corner of Loomis. Will become a new 6 story, 70 unit + 40 parking space building. This site has also been vacant for at least 15 years. (https://www.google.com/maps/place/1357+W+Roosevelt+Rd,+Chicago,+IL+60608/@41.8669489,-87.6615123,3a,75y,142.81h,101.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1qPsdpPbUo_9-uD05HxBxA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2d1cda4606b7:0xc77ae16aa07ff4c9!8m2!3d41.8666962!4d-87.661206)

Rendering via https://chicagoyimby.com/2022/02/city-council-approves-funds-for-roosevelt-square-in-near-west-side.html
https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/View-of-1357-W-Roosevelt-Road-at-Roosevelt-Square-3B.-Rendering-by-DesignBridge.jpg

[west-town-brad]

kinda funny after interstate highway construction and urban renewal.... trust us, this time we know what we are doing!

Bobby Rush's bill to designate much of the South Side as a National Heritage Area is set to be signed by the president. Rush said the designation will help "preserve over 200 historical assets" across the South Side and receive $1 million annually towards preservation efforts.

There are so many building's and sites I would love to see preserved, number one of course being The Forum.

https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bronzeville-Historic-Area-01-1251x1536.png
https://chicagoyimby.com/2022/01/bill-introduced-would-create-bronzeville-national-heritage-area.html

[Halsted & Villagio]

kinda funny after interstate highway construction and urban renewal.... trust us, this time we know what we are doing!

Yes, 1 million will definitely break the bank… and will lead to cost overruns on par with highway construction and urban renewal. Lol. That is, if this was year 1950.

I hardly think we need to clutch pearls over 1 million dollars.

It’s a worthy cause… let’s give it a shot. Have a little Christmas spirit.

[ardecila]

2 more buildings permitted yesterday for Phase 3B of Roosevelt Square near UIC. 1257 W Roosevelt was permitted on 12/7 already to build a new 6 story, 70 unit building also on a vacant lot.

F'n finally. I assume if they paid their landscape deposit and got the permit released, they have the funding in place to start construction on all three buildings.

It takes so long to get funding for these mixed-income deals, you have a capital stack of 8, 10, maybe 15 funding sources, each one operating on a different approval and award timeline with different requirements. If even one drops out, you're screwed unless you find more money somewhere. Utterly insane how this system is ever supposed to provide housing for more than just a few lucky families.

1) 1002 S Racine - This is on Taylor St and the site has been vacant for at least 15 years. Will become a new 6 story, 67 unit + retail with 33 parking space building.

It looks like this site used to have the Eisenberg Boys and Girls Club, a single-story 1960s community center to serve residents of the ABLA projects.

2) 1357 W Roosevelt - On the corner of Loomis. Will become a new 6 story, 70 unit + 40 parking space building. This site has also been vacant for at least 15 years.

This site was never part of ABLA, but it was a row of dilapidated mixed-use buildings along the south side of Roosevelt. Many were vacant/abandoned around 2000 when they started tearing down ABLA, and they were seized by CHA as part of the new Roosevelt Square. Sad that they could not be renovated...

[marothisu]

Building permits issued for an Invest S/W project in Auburn Gresham (Chicago)

- 753 W 79th St - 5 story, 30 unit bldg w/1st floor restaurant/office space. Vacant lot for 10 years

- 838 W 79th St - 3 story, 28 unit bldg w/1st floor office space. Long time vacant lot

[Randomguy34]

Great to see! With the rehab of 839 W. 79th St, the U/C Metra stop, and new restaurants opening up, there's a lot happening on this stretch of 79th St. The city also has plans in the works for developing the vacant lots around Auburn Park Lagoon.

[ardecila]

The Metra project is not U/C yet, despite (two?) groundbreaking ceremonies.

[marothisu]

Happy new year! For 2022, I made a map of all the residential up and down conversions I could find via permitting. In total, the net of unit count in these throughout the entire city is +320, though maybe a few less as I couldn't get an original unit count on a few down conversions. There were 121 multi unit buildings converted to SFH as well. I didn't do a count by community area/neighborhood yet.

Realistically this could be closer to +400 but I counted the Belden-Stratford apartment conversion in this (-69 units technically..). There's also 3 convents being converted to multi unit housing that I counted.


https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1CiPLvv8_DtuUoHTG_go3LmcCZ6lhnNzh&ll=41.83828678790482%2C-87.6713478&z=10

Biggest up conversions
1. 4714 W Irving Park Rd (https://www.google.com/maps/place/4714+W+Irving+Park+Rd,+Chicago,+IL+60641/@41.9534574,-87.7462064,3a,75y,314.87h,97.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smimLCwijPNWHHkcmsPw2EA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fcc4897f6f4c9:0x51dc370b6dd803b9!8m2!3d41.9536706!4d-87.7461446) - Old Sears conversion from 0 units to 202

2. 2219 N Hamilton Ave (https://www.google.com/maps/place/2219+N+Hamilton+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60647/@41.9214659,-87.6814305,3a,75y,41.55h,93.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVyZUlEzo5bqcKbnvBE6wgA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd29392249495:0xd145efcb5025722c!8m2!3d41.921782!4d-87.6812042) - Convert convent to 23 units

3. 4640 N Western Ave (https://www.google.com/maps/place/4640+N+Western+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60625/@41.9660588,-87.6889097,3a,75y,291.28h,111.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBhRzCoM6JRV28FDPnOfHxw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2056101a34f:0xdcfa297b1c0973c9!8m2!3d41.9660582!4d-87.689096) - Convert commercial/storage building (0 units) to 18 units

4. 1356 W Chestnut St (https://www.google.com/maps/place/1356+W+Chestnut+St,+Chicago,+IL+60642/@41.8979381,-87.6625734,3a,75y,32.99h,115.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbMFqc__K2qitfosygHa1wA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2d4f09424bd:0xcb11d0089d542a8e!8m2!3d41.8981879!4d-87.662189) - Convert church to 18 units

5. 2407 N Kedzie Blvd (https://www.google.com/maps/place/2407+N+Kedzie+Blvd,+Chicago,+IL+60647/@41.9250946,-87.7068982,3a,75y,96.88h,90.5t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3OZBkzdfIcdGREtfu934ZA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fcd65694646a7:0xe8ecf8a6cd00c950!8m2!3d41.9250839!4d-87.7065373) - From 7 units to 22. Some sort of addition, I think

6. 1218 W Lexington St (https://www.google.com/maps/place/1218+W+Lexington+St,+Chicago,+IL+60607/@41.8722536,-87.6575318,3a,75y,332.19h,96.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1hfcN2GhvEOmTVGS8E10Vg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2ce1e806b107:0x397d8ed152a8142c!8m2!3d41.8724855!4d-87.6577659) - Convert convent to 14 units.

7. 4637 N Ashland Ave (https://www.google.com/maps/place/4637+N+Ashland+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60640/@41.9663516,-87.669292,3a,75y,116.4h,90.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sObHGrLOiNREPQruqgRZ6yA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2254680c269:0x7b87a26807765674!8m2!3d41.9663037!4d-87.669032) - Convert from convent to 14 units.

8. 2344 E 70th Pl (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Townhouse+Apartments/@41.7671522,-87.5673228,3a,75y,31.49h,116.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1skWdynliLEhjchttRGuQ5zA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x880e284e4b226331:0x9669e74cdb11f828!2s2344+E+70th+Pl,+Chicago,+IL+60649!3b1!8m2!3d41.7673695!4d-87.5680952!3m4!1s0x880e284effef9809:0x6bd5dc475eef61c0!8m2!3d41.7672932!4d-87.5667393) - Add 12 new units to existing 16 story high rise a little east.

9. 4504 N Clark St (https://www.google.com/maps/place/4504+N+Clark+St,+Chicago,+IL+60640/@41.9635913,-87.6664067,3a,75y,313.92h,87.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbGphAjn0TmcWgZicnfyU-w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd230429bcaa1:0xc38fa716a6abfd8d!8m2!3d41.9636769!4d-87.666715) - Add a 4 story addition to existing 1 story building for 12 new units

10. 1810 N Wells St (https://www.google.com/maps/place/1810+N+Wells+St,+Chicago,+IL+60614/@41.9152124,-87.6348624,3a,75y,274.97h,99.26t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1smLYHFUn21UbQfbx46Q7_JQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DmLYHFUn21UbQfbx46Q7_JQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D174.10722%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd341d80f39c1:0x1b9b7e98958621e!8m2!3d41.9151857!4d-87.6353337) - Convert from 8 to 18 units

[west-town-brad]

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/1/2/23488854/2023-chicago-real-estate-investment-gentrification-wicker-park-bucktown-lincoln-yards-sterling-bay

nothing new here but pulling together all the planned projects heading northwest from the loop to create the story of where future growth is heading

[Bombardier]

Bella Luna wasn't the owner of the building. The "Rock Center" building owners, so the story goes, kept turning down bigger and bigger offers until Rock Center finally told them to go get screwed. Likely, the OCS developers did the same. Those 2 properties likely aren't worth much - given the prime location - since you can't do much with them given their small floorplates. I used to live near Rock Center and the best they could ever do was rent the 1st 2 floors to some retail store or restaurant with the top 2 floors vacant. The Bella Luna site is worth even less. I used to go to Bella Luna 5 or 6 times a year because the food was OK and the prices not bad, but they were never even half full. Being that they were never anything to write home about and the location was crap, COVID probably finally did them in. I stopped going when the owner started vomiting out his right-wing opinions leading up to the 2016 presidential election.

Agreed. The owners of the building dropped the ball big time and will not get anything near what JDL offered them originally so they could consolidate the block for OCS. Fortunately JDL was able to design around them and now they are left with a less valuable property. Also regarding Bella Luna, I heard the owner loudly complaining in blatant racist terms about someone playing hip hop on the Touchtunes. That was the last time I went there but rarely ever saw more than a few people in there. I always thought it was there for money laundering as I can't see how they could have turned a profit. Maybe I've just watched Ozark a bit too much.

[oshkeoto]

Very interesting!

How did you identify these permits?

And does this just include rehab, not units lost/added via teardowns?


Happy new year! For 2022, I made a map of all the residential up and down conversions I could find via permitting. In total, the net of unit count in these throughout the entire city is +320, though maybe a few less as I couldn't get an original unit count on a few down conversions. There were 121 multi unit buildings converted to SFH as well. I didn't do a count by community area/neighborhood yet.

Realistically this could be closer to +400 but I counted the Belden-Stratford apartment conversion in this (-69 units technically..). There's also 3 convents being converted to multi unit housing that I counted.


https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1CiPLvv8_DtuUoHTG_go3LmcCZ6lhnNzh&ll=41.83828678790482%2C-87.6713478&z=10

Biggest up conversions
1. 4714 W Irving Park Rd (https://www.google.com/maps/place/4714+W+Irving+Park+Rd,+Chicago,+IL+60641/@41.9534574,-87.7462064,3a,75y,314.87h,97.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smimLCwijPNWHHkcmsPw2EA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fcc4897f6f4c9:0x51dc370b6dd803b9!8m2!3d41.9536706!4d-87.7461446) - Old Sears conversion from 0 units to 202

2. 2219 N Hamilton Ave (https://www.google.com/maps/place/2219+N+Hamilton+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60647/@41.9214659,-87.6814305,3a,75y,41.55h,93.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVyZUlEzo5bqcKbnvBE6wgA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd29392249495:0xd145efcb5025722c!8m2!3d41.921782!4d-87.6812042) - Convert convent to 23 units

3. 4640 N Western Ave (https://www.google.com/maps/place/4640+N+Western+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60625/@41.9660588,-87.6889097,3a,75y,291.28h,111.03t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBhRzCoM6JRV28FDPnOfHxw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2056101a34f:0xdcfa297b1c0973c9!8m2!3d41.9660582!4d-87.689096) - Convert commercial/storage building (0 units) to 18 units

4. 1356 W Chestnut St (https://www.google.com/maps/place/1356+W+Chestnut+St,+Chicago,+IL+60642/@41.8979381,-87.6625734,3a,75y,32.99h,115.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbMFqc__K2qitfosygHa1wA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2d4f09424bd:0xcb11d0089d542a8e!8m2!3d41.8981879!4d-87.662189) - Convert church to 18 units

5. 2407 N Kedzie Blvd (https://www.google.com/maps/place/2407+N+Kedzie+Blvd,+Chicago,+IL+60647/@41.9250946,-87.7068982,3a,75y,96.88h,90.5t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3OZBkzdfIcdGREtfu934ZA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fcd65694646a7:0xe8ecf8a6cd00c950!8m2!3d41.9250839!4d-87.7065373) - From 7 units to 22. Some sort of addition, I think

6. 1218 W Lexington St (https://www.google.com/maps/place/1218+W+Lexington+St,+Chicago,+IL+60607/@41.8722536,-87.6575318,3a,75y,332.19h,96.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1hfcN2GhvEOmTVGS8E10Vg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2ce1e806b107:0x397d8ed152a8142c!8m2!3d41.8724855!4d-87.6577659) - Convert convent to 14 units.

7. 4637 N Ashland Ave (https://www.google.com/maps/place/4637+N+Ashland+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60640/@41.9663516,-87.669292,3a,75y,116.4h,90.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sObHGrLOiNREPQruqgRZ6yA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd2254680c269:0x7b87a26807765674!8m2!3d41.9663037!4d-87.669032) - Convert from convent to 14 units.

8. 2344 E 70th Pl (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Townhouse+Apartments/@41.7671522,-87.5673228,3a,75y,31.49h,116.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1skWdynliLEhjchttRGuQ5zA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x880e284e4b226331:0x9669e74cdb11f828!2s2344+E+70th+Pl,+Chicago,+IL+60649!3b1!8m2!3d41.7673695!4d-87.5680952!3m4!1s0x880e284effef9809:0x6bd5dc475eef61c0!8m2!3d41.7672932!4d-87.5667393) - Add 12 new units to existing 16 story high rise a little east.

9. 4504 N Clark St (https://www.google.com/maps/place/4504+N+Clark+St,+Chicago,+IL+60640/@41.9635913,-87.6664067,3a,75y,313.92h,87.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbGphAjn0TmcWgZicnfyU-w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd230429bcaa1:0xc38fa716a6abfd8d!8m2!3d41.9636769!4d-87.666715) - Add a 4 story addition to existing 1 story building for 12 new units

10. 1810 N Wells St (https://www.google.com/maps/place/1810+N+Wells+St,+Chicago,+IL+60614/@41.9152124,-87.6348624,3a,75y,274.97h,99.26t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1smLYHFUn21UbQfbx46Q7_JQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DmLYHFUn21UbQfbx46Q7_JQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D174.10722%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880fd341d80f39c1:0x1b9b7e98958621e!8m2!3d41.9151857!4d-87.6353337) - Convert from 8 to 18 units

[marothisu]

Very interesting!

How did you identify these permits?

And does this just include rehab, not units lost/added via teardowns?

These are only renovation/alteration permits of existing buildings (which some do include some additions to them to add units sometimes). Tear downs are a completely different story. I'm sure there could be things happening without permitting but I just looked at those permits. There's many indications via the language used in the permit to identify them.

[build_tall_chicago]

River North/Streeterville should say goodbye to new tall developments for the near future again because Ald. Reilly is running unopposed now. What a shame.

[west-town-brad]

River North/Streeterville should say goodbye to new tall developments for the near future again because Ald. Reilly is running unopposed now. What a shame.

That seems to be what those residents who live there, and bother to vote in city elections, want.

This would be the guy’s 5th term.

[chicubs111]

^ Just read this morning... what a shame...How in the hell for a city of this size with the second largest downtown in America in the most lucrative ward in the city can nobody be putting their hat in to run against Reilly ..who in my opinion is not meant to handle the big city type politics and just panders to NIMBYS over their selfish superficial issues like protecting their views.

[r18tdi]

At least the new 34th ward will take a big chunk of the central Loop and West Loop Gate away from Brendan. As the downtown population continues to grow, the footprint of the the 42nd will continue to shrink.

[west-town-brad]

^ Just read this morning... what a shame...How in the hell for a city of this size with the second largest downtown in America in the most lucrative ward in the city can nobody be putting their hat in to run against Reilly ..who in my opinion is not meant to handle the big city type politics and just panders to NIMBYS over their selfish superficial issues like protecting their views.

the 32nd ward also has no opposition running, and that's the ward now redrawn to include all of Lincoln Yards. if you want to play real life sim city that's the ward you want!

the alderman also panders to NIMBYs.... so maybe that's how you get elected and stay?

(full disclosure I live in the 32nd ward)

[ithakas]

An interesting story on the conversion of the Delaware Building (Randolph/Dearborn) into residential:

Landlord says McDonald’s is blocking a landmark renovation

Attorney Steven DeGraff wants to convert the old Delaware Building at 36 W. Randolph St. into residences, in line with a city government push for more housing in the Loop. But he said he’s being stymied by fast-food giant McDonald’s, which had a restaurant in the building until a couple of years ago.

McDonald’s still has a long-term lease for the first two floors. DeGraff said the Chicago-based company won’t agree to a design change he needs for the renovation.

Source: https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/2023/1/3/23531516/mcdonalds-landlord-landmark-renovation-delaware-building

[r18tdi]

An interesting story on the conversion of the Delaware Building (Randolph/Dearborn) into residential:
That McDonald's closed, so what's the beef?

[west-town-brad]

An interesting story on the conversion of the Delaware Building (Randolph/Dearborn) into residential:



Source: https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/2023/1/3/23531516/mcdonalds-landlord-landmark-renovation-delaware-building

sounds like the developer won't agree to MCD's terms for a lease buyout

[west-town-brad]

https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/2117-2139-N-Milwaukee-Ave-Chicago-IL/22013424/

the congress theater is listed as a distressed sale

[ardecila]

That McDonald's closed, so what's the beef?

McDonald's still has years left on their lease and they won't give the developer the space he needs to add a 2nd exit stair (just under 100sf that would be removed from McDonalds space).

We're only hearing one part of the story, too - how is the building ownership structured? McDonald's owned the whole building at one point, so in selling it off they probably reserved a lot of power for themselves even as a tenant. Maybe the developer is unilaterally demanding to eat up part of McDonald's space without agreeing to let them out of their lease. Etc etc.

[twister244]

https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/2117-2139-N-Milwaukee-Ave-Chicago-IL/22013424/

the congress theater is listed as a distressed sale

So does this mean the renovation plans are now on the back burner now? I was under the impression there was a plan in place, but maybe that has collapsed.

[LouisVanDerWright]

So does this mean the renovation plans are now on the back burner now? I was under the impression there was a plan in place, but maybe that has collapsed.

I think Baby Baum is realizing he can't make the numbers work even with Daddy's money!

[emailspyro@gmail.com]

Friends, I am so curious about the very large development site near Elston and Damen. I believe it was a Sun times printing center. Vacant land on both sides of Elston.
The one with the COSCO Shipping containers.
There has been a “build to suit” sign up but with no name, just a phone number. Odd.
Of course the alderman doesn’t respond to emails and has no info on his site. He also supports developments such as Chick Fil A at Elston so can’t be too hopeful.
That area also saw the Vienna beef redevelopment fall through as the gold course will thankfully not go in.
IMO this can become a mixed use area that can take advantage of the river front and access to great ready neighborhoods.
Any info on this?

[Busy Bee]

Since we're talking about McDonald's... Did you know they used to have a roast beef sandwich? Makes you wonder if they made a business arrangement with Arbys agreeing to stop selling roast beef in exchange for Arbys never selling hamburgers...


https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GD6qtc2_AQA/hqdefault.jpg

[Suburban Shadow]

Building permit issued for 224 S. Ashland.
5 stories, 56 units and 56 parking.

This building permit is a surprise that it was never brought up here that I can remember. Could the address be wrong?

[marothisu]

Building permit issued for 224 S. Ashland.
5 stories, 56 units and 56 parking.

This building permit is a surprise that it was never brought up here that I can remember. Could the address be wrong?

It's correct. I believe I wrote about it on here sometime around the summer.

[Klippenstein]

It's correct. I believe I wrote about it on here sometime around the summer.

Do you know if 133 S Ashland Ave ever started construction?

[marothisu]

Weird. I thought I posted it but I can't find it. It was on the ZBA meeting in April:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/zlup/Administrative_Reviews_and_Approvals/Agendas/ZBA_April_2022_Minutes.pdf

Vivify Construction is the developer, who did 33 S Ashland, 128 S Laflin, 1247 W Madison, etc not far away. Expect some more generic boxy crap:
https://vivifyconstruction.com/completed#cd6b22c0-6bb8-405e-b86c-c780e4a91b95

224 S. Ashland is Vivify Construction’s most recent project located in the West Loop area of Chicago. The 5 story building features high end one and two bedroom apartments overlooking downtown Chicago. The 56-unit brick building will offer a heated garage, rooftop patio and grill, and dog run. Aside from the building amenities, the great location offers easy access to downtown and is located in a growing community.

[Jibba]

Weird. I thought I posted it but I can't find it. It was on the ZBA meeting in April:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/zlup/Administrative_Reviews_and_Approvals/Agendas/ZBA_April_2022_Minutes.pdf

Vivify Construction is the developer, who did 33 S Ashland, 128 S Laflin, 1247 W Madison, etc not far away. Expect some more generic boxy crap:
https://vivifyconstruction.com/completed#cd6b22c0-6bb8-405e-b86c-c780e4a91b95

Emetify.

[ardecila]

Weird. I thought I posted it but I can't find it. It was on the ZBA meeting in April:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/zlup/Administrative_Reviews_and_Approvals/Agendas/ZBA_April_2022_Minutes.pdf

Vivify Construction is the developer, who did 33 S Ashland, 128 S Laflin, 1247 W Madison, etc not far away. Expect some more generic boxy crap:
https://vivifyconstruction.com/completed#cd6b22c0-6bb8-405e-b86c-c780e4a91b95

aka Michigan Avenue Real Estate Group. Yuck.

And the variance they got was to allow more residential on the ground floor. Barftastic.

[Chi-Sky21]

Why do they do that! I am still shocked they got anyone to buy the other units on the ground floor. Who would want to live with that view and noise of ashland right there, not to mention security concerns.

[ithakas]

Has anyone seen any permit activity for this small parking lot at Plymouth and Ida B. Wells? https://www.google.com/maps/place/501+S+Plymouth+Ct,+Chicago,+IL+60605/@41.8755575,-87.6286864,3a,75y,188.64h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scXuOBmghw2I3L0piblkj5Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m6!3m5!1s0x880e2c97fed981cb:0xe30868605ffe507!8m2!3d41.8754901!4d-87.6284091!10e5

I noticed yesterday there were concrete barricades put up blocking all the vehicle entrance points.

[west-town-brad]

Why do they do that! I am still shocked they got anyone to buy the other units on the ground floor. Who would want to live with that view and noise of ashland right there, not to mention security concerns.

it's housing that is affordable.... versus AFFORDABLE HOUSING (TM)

[ardecila]

Has anyone seen any permit activity for this small parking lot at Plymouth and Ida B. Wells? https://www.google.com/maps/place/501+S+Plymouth+Ct,+Chicago,+IL+60605/@41.8755575,-87.6286864,3a,75y,188.64h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1scXuOBmghw2I3L0piblkj5Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m6!3m5!1s0x880e2c97fed981cb:0xe30868605ffe507!8m2!3d41.8754901!4d-87.6284091!10e5

I noticed yesterday there were concrete barricades put up blocking all the vehicle entrance points.

That lot falls within the landmark district, so there is no by-right development option... you would see something on the Landmarks agenda if anybody was building new.

Could be soil boring for something in the future... or just restoration on the wall of the ComEd substation, which looks pretty jacked-up right now.

[marothisu]

The developer of the huge Asian mall in Aurora (Windfall Group) has taken over the project at 465 W Cermak to convert the ~120 year old warehouse into new uses. Previously it called for a 200 room hotel at the top but now apparently it'll be residential at the top. Not sure how many units but I'd expect at least 100. Bottom floors to still feature groceries, dining, entertainment, retail, etc. I think this stalled out when COVID-19 hit and their site lists a Spring 2023 groundbreaking date.

Windfall Group has other projects around the US of the same kind (mostly, but not all Asian mall) also near Minneapolis and lists future projects near New Orleans, Houston, Champaign, Aurora, NYC, Atlanta, etc. Also upcoming Pacifica Square project in Rolling Meadows. The company is based in Aurora and has business/investors from US, Canada, and China apparently.


This is around the corner from Jefferson Square, another mainly Chinese mall with the huge Chinese grocery store 88 Marketplace. Also a short walk to Radius venue/club. Also very close to the new-ish Chinese retail plaza Canal Plaza at Canal & Archer.

Via https://windfallusa.com/development-projects/
https://vbhf3f.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cermack.jpg

[nomarandlee]

Good lord I love that district, and all the potential within it.

If that ends up like the renders that would be fantastic. Hopefully afterward the good juju can skip the river over Cermak and infuse some redevelopment into those other era buildngs.

[mh777]

Anyone know if this (https://www.google.com/maps/place/1+W+Grand+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60610/@41.8916518,-87.6285126,3a,75y,134.74h,89.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3bbUTPq1i9P2ELz5f7ZRDg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2cadf5109677:0x5802d1aab8905d43!8m2!3d41.8914429!4d-87.6284278) is zoned for a high rise?

"Rock Bottom Brewery abruptly closes Chicago location (https://www.chicagobusiness.com/restaurants/rock-bottom-brewery-closes-river-north-location?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_term=crainschicago&utm_content=c1c20f08-cdd3-4079-8747-88f665b423f7)"

[Suburban Shadow]

Anyone know if this (https://www.google.com/maps/place/1+W+Grand+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60610/@41.8916518,-87.6285126,3a,75y,134.74h,89.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3bbUTPq1i9P2ELz5f7ZRDg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2cadf5109677:0x5802d1aab8905d43!8m2!3d41.8914429!4d-87.6284278) is zoned for a high rise?

"Rock Bottom Brewery abruptly closes Chicago location (https://www.chicagobusiness.com/restaurants/rock-bottom-brewery-closes-river-north-location?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_term=crainschicago&utm_content=c1c20f08-cdd3-4079-8747-88f665b423f7)"

The property is zoned DX-12, so a good size residential project could definitely be built there.

[BVictor1]

Anyone know if this (https://www.google.com/maps/place/1+W+Grand+Ave,+Chicago,+IL+60610/@41.8916518,-87.6285126,3a,75y,134.74h,89.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3bbUTPq1i9P2ELz5f7ZRDg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2cadf5109677:0x5802d1aab8905d43!8m2!3d41.8914429!4d-87.6284278) is zoned for a high rise?

"Rock Bottom Brewery abruptly closes Chicago location (https://www.chicagobusiness.com/restaurants/rock-bottom-brewery-closes-river-north-location?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_term=crainschicago&utm_content=c1c20f08-cdd3-4079-8747-88f665b423f7)"

That building shouldn't be touched.

[OhioGuy]

That building shouldn't be touched.

The façade should be saved 100%, though maybe something like what was done here in Lakeview (but much taller) would be the ideal outcome?

https://goo.gl/maps/gKknY32W2rMrD9Pr9

[brian_b]

Bobby Rush's bill to designate much of the South Side as a National Heritage Area is set to be signed by the president. Rush said the designation will help "preserve over 200 historical assets" across the South Side and receive $1 million annually towards preservation efforts.

There are so many building's and sites I would love to see preserved, number one of course being The Forum.


It's done:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1942/text#idc3816af3cb394c169048d5db49802612

I haven't logged in a long time and have spent 20-30 minutes scrolling back a bunch of pages to find out about the redevelopment (???) of the National Guard Armory at Calumet and Cullerton. Didn't find anything. I just got the public notice about a zoning change hearing.

They want to go from DX-3 to DR-3. Anyone know the plans? What does DX-3 to DR-3 gain you? Seems like you are dropping the option to build offices and changing some lot setback requirements but nothing else.

[urbanpln]

That building shouldn't be touched.

Totally Agree!

[ardecila]

What does DX-3 to DR-3 gain you? Seems like you are dropping the option to build offices and changing some lot setback requirements but nothing else.

Ground floor residential is what comes to mind. So likely more townhouses, or another MAREG building with weird grade-level condos?

[brian_b]

Ground floor residential is what comes to mind. So likely more townhouses, or another MAREG building with weird grade-level condos?

Oh, I see. Yes, that is most likely what's going on. With a FAR of 3 you aren't going to get a lot of height. A small coffee shop over there would do pretty well, but not a whole lot else. It's too bad that site is going to end up as townhouses.

[Busy Bee]

Via https://windfallusa.com/development-projects/
https://vbhf3f.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cermack.jpg


That looks damn good.

[marothisu]

That looks damn good.

Yeah, it'll be great to hopefully see this building and maybe others like it renovated and used again. Kind of weird location but I mean getting residential in here is pretty good. Considering there were 200 hotel rooms planned for this originally, I'll bet it'll be 100+ residential units instead.

I hope that eventually the owners of Jefferson Square mall a few blocks away revive their plans for the big gravel/grass lot across the street. Originally it was supposed to be 233 residential units and a bunch of new retail across 6 new buildings. But the city never approved the plan..then COVID happened and they returned the area to B2-3 zoning. Still mixed use but I think they nixed the plans for now. Part of the vacant lot is used as parking for 88 Marketplace because their actual parking lot isn't big enough at peak hours.

I hope one day they can have plans to build it up though and have multiple hundreds of new residents in the general area.

[BVictor1]

https://twitter.com/ChicagoParks/status/1612856934515838995

Get involved in planning for the future of Grant Park! Join us for the 1st virtual community meeting to discuss the Framework Plan design process on Wed., Jan. 11 at 6:30 pm.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FmEbCKEaAAAK6rN?format=jpg&name=medium

ZOOM Registration: https://t.co/kWGrhpqSqb

[build_tall_chicago]

https://twitter.com/ChicagoParks/status/1612856934515838995


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FmEbCKEaAAAK6rN?format=jpg&name=medium

ZOOM Registration: https://t.co/kWGrhpqSqb
Please cap the Metra lines. Please cap the metra lines
..

[Kngkyle]

Columbus dr should not exist...Grant Park could be one of the finest urban parks in the country, but all the roads running through it ruin it. For compromise, keep LSD and Michigan Ave, but make all the other roads parkspace

The road is the main thoroughfare whenever there is a large event in Grant Park (lolla, taste, etc) so it has value outside of just car traffic. That said, it should be vastly reduced to maybe 2 lanes in each direction with no turn lanes, much lower speed limit, regular pedestrian crossings, and speed humps to enforce the lower speed limit. Basically it should be used for local traffic only when not in use for events.

The east/west roads also need a road diet.

[BrinChi]

Yes ideally all through traffic would be underground - N/S under Columnus, and E/W connecting LSD to Ida B Wells. Ideally JBDLSD would be buried between Roosevelt and Randolph too. Very slow traffic with 1-hour parking on the surface. But we'd need Federal dollars to make a project like that happen.

[BruceP]

Yes ideally all through traffic would be underground - N/S under Columnus, and E/W connecting LSD to Ida B Wells. Ideally JBDLSD would be buried between Roosevelt and Randolph too. Very slow traffic with 1-hour parking on the surface. But we'd need Federal dollars to make a project like that happen.

The city has much, much greater transportation needs, such as expanding the subway/L system.

[BrinChi]

Agree, but our stupid country has a lot more infrastructure dollars available for roads than transit. Ideally we'd invest to make our urban roads work for pedestrians, such as Grant Park, and expand transit simultaneously. To afford stuff like this we'd have to put an end to sprawl nationwide and commit only to improvements in densifying areas; otherwise maintenance.

[twister244]

Two words:

Palm Chicago

Build out palm islands to compete with Dubai.

J/K - Honestly, besides capping the train lines, and maybe improving the road network to be more ped friendly, what else can be done with Grant Park, outside of major transit overhauling?

[ardecila]

Yes ideally all through traffic would be underground - N/S under Columnus, and E/W connecting LSD to Ida B Wells. Ideally JBDLSD would be buried between Roosevelt and Randolph too. Very slow traffic with 1-hour parking on the surface. But we'd need Federal dollars to make a project like that happen.

Build a tunnel for LSD from North Ave or Oak St down to the end of I-55. Put the whole thing in a submerged tube below Burnham/Monroe/DuSable Harbors and the playpen. You can just float the pieces into place and sink them. The only tricky bit is crossing under Solidarity Dr and Navy Pier headland. Since LSD is truck-free, you don't even need the same intense ventilation.

[Rizzo]

I agree of getting rid of Columbus drive….at least at Monroe would be my idea, and at least considering scarce dollars. Capping the tracks would be nice, but aren’t a significant barrier due to their pedestrian connections over top. Plus, railroads are cool to look at, compliment our skyline. It’s really no different than being a river to me, but that’s just my personal opinion. The major overhauls I see necessary are upgrading paths and landscaping. There’s worn asphalt everywhere. I’d like to see permeable paver walkways, granite curbs, and more benches. The ball fields are great for rec leagues and at least get default maintenance after Lolla, otherwise I’d say make them artificial turf if concerts are moved to Northerly.

I don’t see any need to upgrade LSD except at Oak. It would be cool to tunnel it, but not unless there’s some major benefit such as increased property value that would cause a sudden boom of development….but those borders already seem to have peaked in their development potential.

[jpIllInoIs]

CAP the Track Capping IC does so much for the Park aesthetically and functionally. Just getting rid of the scar slicing through Chicagos front yard is enough reason to cap the IC. But it also creates new usable acreage to GP. The cap can be mostly hardscape and intended to replace the linear uses of Columbus drive like the Taste and other big events. The cap could be themed in rooms like the Chicago river walk. Some rooms could be built as amphitheater sites with multilevel raised seating, others could have pergolas or market roofs offering shaded lounges when not in use for events. With the Cap replacing the event functions of Columbus Dr.- the drive could be scaled way back to a traffic calmed Boulevard. Or a dedicated transitway or get rid of it.

[BVictor1]

������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������
3950 N. Damen

https://twitter.com/AldMattMartin/status/1613243707720867840
https://www.aldermanmartin.com/3950damen

������Proposed development at Irving/Damen/Lincoln
������ January 25
������ 6:30 PM

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FmNkJcVWYCQt-dU?format=jpg&name=medium

QUICK FACTS
3959 N. Lincoln (Adaptive Reuse of Existing Bank Building)

Under this proposal, the bank building would be converted to mixed-use with additions built to match the height of the building along Lincoln and along the alley to the east.

The rehabbed building would include:

5,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor;

92 residential units, evenly split between one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms;

25 car parking spaces accessed from the alley.

3950 N. Damen (New Development on the Parking Lot)

The developers propose building 8 stories at the corner of Irving Park and Damen, before dropping down to 4 stories (matching the existing building to the south) south of the alley that runs parallel to Irving Park.

The building would be set back from the sidewalk along Irving Park (5 feet) and along Damen (15 feet) to expand pedestrian space. It would include a 3,000 square foot plaza along Damen.

The building would include:

3,500 square feet for Fifth Third Bank fronting Irving Park, as well as an internal bank drive-through;

1,700 square feet of additional retail space fronting the plaza;

166 residential units above the first floor, including 65 studios, 33 one-bedrooms, and 68 two- and three-bedrooms;

73 car parking spaces. Parking would be accessed from Damen on the south end of the site and from the alley, as would the bank drive-through.

ZOOM Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A7K_-IyXT6yf8FIdXuyPYg

[Steely Dan]

^ cool!

92' will really help solidify the urban feel of the intersection.

And speaking Lincoln/Irving/damen, the project listed as PD 1535 in that diagram has already commenced site demo.

[bnk]

CAP the Track Capping IC does so much for the Park aesthetically and functionally. Just getting rid of the scar slicing through Chicagos front yard is enough reason to cap the IC. But it also creates new usable acreage to GP. The cap can be mostly hardscape and intended to replace the linear uses of Columbus drive like the Taste and other big events. The cap could be themed in rooms like the Chicago river walk. Some rooms could be built as amphitheater sites with multilevel raised seating, others could have pergolas or market roofs offering shaded lounges when not in use for events. With the Cap replacing the event functions of Columbus Dr.- the drive could be scaled way back to a traffic calmed Boulevard. Or a dedicated transitway or get rid of it.

This is a good post. Capping here is more important than capping the Kennedy or the IKE. The amount of taxes generated on building overlooking the tracks will pay for it.

Look at what Millenium park did by increasing property values after capping the quarry train station with MP


What is left should be easy so long as they don't put huge tunnage aka like the Bean above it.


Just for crips sake just grass cap it

[twister244]

CAP the Track Capping IC does so much for the Park aesthetically and functionally. Just getting rid of the scar slicing through Chicagos front yard is enough reason to cap the IC. But it also creates new usable acreage to GP. The cap can be mostly hardscape and intended to replace the linear uses of Columbus drive like the Taste and other big events. The cap could be themed in rooms like the Chicago river walk. Some rooms could be built as amphitheater sites with multilevel raised seating, others could have pergolas or market roofs offering shaded lounges when not in use for events. With the Cap replacing the event functions of Columbus Dr.- the drive could be scaled way back to a traffic calmed Boulevard. Or a dedicated transitway or get rid of it.

Let's do a new fountain too! Almost like a 21st century Buckingham on the area that is being capped. That could be a cool way to add spice to the park.

[BVictor1]

CAP the Track Capping IC does so much for the Park aesthetically and functionally. Just getting rid of the scar slicing through Chicagos front yard is enough reason to cap the IC. But it also creates new usable acreage to GP. The cap can be mostly hardscape and intended to replace the linear uses of Columbus drive like the Taste and other big events. The cap could be themed in rooms like the Chicago river walk. Some rooms could be built as amphitheater sites with multilevel raised seating, others could have pergolas or market roofs offering shaded lounges when not in use for events. With the Cap replacing the event functions of Columbus Dr.- the drive could be scaled way back to a traffic calmed Boulevard. Or a dedicated transitway or get rid of it.

I wouldn't consider the IC tracks a scar, but history. At one time the tracks were in the lake. The park is all fill. I'd like to see at least a section or two left open so you can see down.

The Columbus Plaza curve needs a diet and partial restoration.

[jpIllInoIs]

I wouldn't consider the IC tracks a scar, but history. At one time the tracks were in the lake. The park is all fill. I'd like to see at least a section or two left open so you can see down.

The Columbus Plaza curve needs a diet and partial restoration.

Well the stockyards were history too, you dont still want to see that mess, and IC terminal at the river is critical history but now we have East Lakeside, The CNW terminals at Wolf Point thankfully gone and replaced with a dense tower collection, Erie terminals north of Kinzie are now filling with the K2's and Guinness tap, and Fulton Market...nobody is wringing hands about dramatic transformation there. Time to move on and beautify this crater cut. Plenty of places to get train viewing including Ping Tom Park. If anything an elevated train viewing platform should go there for the railfanning.

[BVictor1]

Well the stockyards were history too, you dont still want to see that mess, and IC terminal at the river is critical history but now we have East Lakeside, The CNW terminals at Wolf Point thankfully gone and replaced with a dense tower collection, Erie terminals north of Kinzie are now filling with the K2's and Guinness tap, and Fulton Market...nobody is wringing hands about dramatic transformation there. Time to move on and beautify this crater cut. Plenty of places to get train viewing including Ping Tom Park. If anything an elevated train viewing platform should go there for the railfanning.

The stockyards are gone... The tracks are still very much in use and probably won't be going anywhere. You're comparing what's gone to what still exists. Ping Tom Park isn't Grant Park and that's what we're discussing.

[west-town-brad]

I've noticed a streetscape project underway/maybe near completion on Grand Ave between Damen and Western: Sidewalks redone, trees added, street repaved, etc.

Also the intersection of Grand & Western is being rebuilt where that large poorly maintained art installation is and it looks like the intersection is being reconfigured to remove the south spur off of Grand going East which may result in some kind of plaza around the art.

Anyone have any info on these projects? I cant find any online.

There is a new 5ish story building planned on one of the vacant lots at this intersection as well, which is nice to see as there is good potential here.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8904812,-87.6864389,221m/data=!3m1!1e3

[untitledreality]

The road is the main thoroughfare whenever there is a large event in Grant Park (lolla, taste, etc) so it has value outside of just car traffic. That said, it should be vastly reduced to maybe 2 lanes in each direction with no turn lanes, much lower speed limit, regular pedestrian crossings, and speed humps to enforce the lower speed limit. Basically it should be used for local traffic only when not in use for events.
Grant Park doesn't need a road to handle the demands of those events, just hardscape.

Rip up Columbus from Roosevelt to Monroe (thereby rendering Congress Plaza useless so take that out as well), backfill with pedestrian only surface flush hardscape, line with trees. Done. You just created an enormous version of the Mall in Central Park.

Reduce Jackson and Balbo to one lane each way with a center turn lane while you are at it.

Parks are for people, not cars.


Yes ideally all through traffic would be underground - N/S under Columnus, and E/W connecting LSD to Ida B Wells. Ideally JBDLSD would be buried between Roosevelt and Randolph too. Very slow traffic with 1-hour parking on the surface. But we'd need Federal dollars to make a project like that happen.
Just remove and reduce. There are plenty of other routes drivers can take that dont involve crossing Grant Park.

[untitledreality]

I wouldn't consider the IC tracks a scar, but history. At one time the tracks were in the lake. The park is all fill. I'd like to see at least a section or two left open so you can see down.

Agreed, but perhaps the trench under the Art Institute would suffice? Possibly an extra sliver at both Van Buren and 11th Street stations?

I have always been less concerned with the visuals, and more of the continuity of the park. Between the grid of large roadways, IC trench, AIC, LSD, and the general formal layout of the park it feels much smaller and more isolated than it should.

[ardecila]

I've noticed a streetscape project underway/maybe near completion on Grand Ave between Damen and Western: Sidewalks redone, trees added, street repaved, etc.

Also the intersection of Grand & Western is being rebuilt where that large poorly maintained art installation is and it looks like the intersection is being reconfigured to remove the south spur off of Grand going East which may result in some kind of plaza around the art.

Anyone have any info on these projects? I cant find any online.

There is a new 5ish story building planned on one of the vacant lots at this intersection as well, which is nice to see as there is good potential here.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8904812,-87.6864389,221m/data=!3m1!1e3

Usually a streetscape is just rebuilding the sidewalks and curbs. The Grand Ave project is a total reconstruction of the street including drive lanes and sewers. They are working their way from the city limits toward downtown. I think the street before was just asphalt laid on top of the original pavers from the 1800s. The new street is built to modern standards with concrete base and an asphalt top layer.

Unfortunately they also widened the street somewhat to provide wider lanes for trucks, which means narrower sidewalks than before. Supposedly they considered adding bike lanes, but they couldn't do it because the plans were approved for Federal funding back in the early 2000s and the design was set in stone back then. Not sure if this is true, or just a convenient excuse.

[Rizzo]

^ cool!

92' will really help solidify the urban feel of the intersection.

And speaking Lincoln/Irving/damen, the project listed as PD 1535 in that diagram has already commenced site demo.

I’ve written a letter of support as a nearby property owner.

[ajradfotwo]

2400 N Halsted

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52623439481_404a40bd4f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ob9TbH)20230112_130451 (https://flic.kr/p/2ob9TbH) by ajdrewster (https://www.flickr.com/photos/163202144@N08/), on Flickr

[BVictor1]

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-meeting-95th-street-corridor-plan-tickets-465986206287

Jan 18
Community Meeting: 95th Street Corridor Plan

https://mcusercontent.com/c7bbbc801c9d3ab7fbf494281/_compresseds/0bfb766f-8dc6-e02b-e92b-cbaf9d6515c5.jpg

[moorhosj1]

Great Crain's article on local TIF tax receipts (https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/tax-increment-financing-districts-cook-county-collected-16-billion-2021). Not sure if this goes here, but it includes information relevant to a bunch of development.

Red-Blue Modernization:

Unlike typical TIF districts, transit TIFs are limited in that they don’t siphon off tax dollars that would otherwise go to Chicago Public Schools. They also last 35 years, meaning that absent intervention, the RPM TIF will keep drawing funds until 2051.

A 2016 CTA presentation projected for the TIF to raise $625 million for the project, with the rest of the funding due from city and federal sources. Yarbrough’s report shows that the TIF’s fundraising outpaced projections, and after five years in existence, the district had already collected $632 million.

But Chicago Public Schools claimed more than $300 million of that amount, and the special rules of this transit TIF dictate that 20% of the remaining money passes along to other taxing bodies. That means only about $242 million of the revenue the TIF has collected thus far can be tapped for rail construction and related costs, according to a spokesman for the Chicago Department of Planning and Development.

LaSalle residential conversions:

The downtown LaSalle Central TIF is unmatched among the city’s traditional, non-transit TIF districts, having collected about $175.5 million from taxpayers last year. The infusion added to the nearly $197 million that was already sitting in the TIF’s fund balance at the end of 2021, according to city planning department records.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has pledged to tap the LaSalle Central TIF district to help fund the construction of 1,000 new housing units, including as many as 300 affordable units, as part of an effort to breathe new life into the flagging LaSalle Street corridor in the Loop.

West Loop transit (Potential $ for A-2 project and Metra station):

The Kinzie Industrial TIF, which includes the booming Fulton Market district and which the City Council voted to extend last month at the planning department’s urging, raised almost $98 million last year, outpacing its revenue from the prior year by more than 36%.

The City Council voted last year to add 12-year extensions to four TIF districts, including Kinzie Industrial.

[west-town-brad]

Great Crain's article on local TIF tax receipts (https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/tax-increment-financing-districts-cook-county-collected-16-billion-2021). Not sure if this goes here, but it includes information relevant to a bunch of development.


I was mostly shocked to see that 10% of all property tax revenue comes off the top of the city budget and goes into TIF funds. I don't know how one runs a city that way, other than trying to push work that would otherwise be funded by the city budget into a TIF district.

Really poor way to run things and gives residents an uneven result based on city geography.

[ardecila]

I was mostly shocked to see that 10% of all property tax revenue comes off the top of the city budget and goes into TIF funds. I don't know how one runs a city that way, other than trying to push work that would otherwise be funded by the city budget into a TIF district.

Really poor way to run things and gives residents an uneven result based on city geography.

It's a way for the mayor to retain some discretion over the city budget. That way the entire budget doesn't get claimed by unions. The unions know it, which is why they are the loudest voices against TIF.

Personally I think it's important for the city to have a strong (elected) leader who can set priorities and have access to the resources needed to follow through. Obviously sometimes those priorities might be misguided or foolish (relocation/corporate handouts), but I think most of the TIF funded projects are genuinely important and sometimes they are a grand slam success. Without TIF we wouldn't have gotten Millennium Park, for example.

Note that it's not an unchecked power either, since City Council needs to approve each and every TIF expenditure.

I admit that TIF is robbing Peter to pay Paul. Maybe we wouldn't need this kind of financial trick if Chicagoans accepted a higher general tax rate and city employees didn't demand lavish salaries. But, as the kids say, y'all aren't ready for that conversation.

[ardecila]

Red-Blue Modernization:
Red-Blue Modernization:

Quote:
Unlike typical TIF districts, transit TIFs are limited in that they don’t siphon off tax dollars that would otherwise go to Chicago Public Schools. They also last 35 years, meaning that absent intervention, the RPM TIF will keep drawing funds until 2051.

A 2016 CTA presentation projected for the TIF to raise $625 million for the project, with the rest of the funding due from city and federal sources. Yarbrough’s report shows that the TIF’s fundraising outpaced projections, and after five years in existence, the district had already collected $632 million.

But Chicago Public Schools claimed more than $300 million of that amount, and the special rules of this transit TIF dictate that 20% of the remaining money passes along to other taxing bodies. That means only about $242 million of the revenue the TIF has collected thus far can be tapped for rail construction and related costs, according to a spokesman for the Chicago Department of Planning and Development.

It's true that CPS and other taxing bodies took a big chunk of the money, but that's by design. The $242M raised for CTA's RPM project is still more money than they expected to have by this point. If they can use that money to pay off the debt early and save the taxpayers money on interest, that's a big win. Let's hope the contractor doesn't suddenly hit "cost overruns" after 2.5 years of smooth sailing.

Note the Blue Line (Forest Park branch) is a separate TIF - authorized by Springfield but not actually created yet. If they try, they will run into the same problem as the Red Line South Extension TIF - you can't squeeze blood from a stone. The West Side neighborhoods that line the Forest Park branch have very low property values and don't have much revenue to siphon off.

So, my guess is they will try to get Federal or state money to pay for most of the work. They've already announced the first chunk which will rebuild Racine station and the tracks from Damen-Halsted. But if they can't get more Fed/state money for future phases, then they will turn to the same play they used on the Red Line South Extension - soak the neighborhoods close to downtown where property values are high. That means West Loop and Little Italy.

[Kngkyle]

As far as I can tell TIFs are the only way we make any progress in this city. I'm all for 'em.

[marothisu]

New plans for 246-62 W 22nd Pl in Chinatown. New 7 story, 52 unit building (mostly or all affordable housing) with 11 parking spaces. Height would be 79 feet. Back in 2018, city council approved zoning change for an 8 story, 89 senior housing unit building here but COVID basically canceled those plans. The site today is where the Chicago Chinese Benevolent Association is and they would go on the first 2 floors. The next 5 floors would be apartments. Name of this new complex would be the CCBA Apartments (Chicago Chinese Benevolent Association). So basically the current 2 story building for CCBA and the small plaza/parking lot next to it would be replaced by this (https://www.google.com/maps/place/246+W+22nd+Pl,+Chicago,+IL+60616/@41.8521428,-87.6341989,3a,75y,26.82h,90.93t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sEu16mwr3hn19uM91VaGzNQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x880e2c616443539f:0xb117d2b10de6b771!8m2!3d41.8522959!4d-87.6338499)

The developer is The Michaels Development Company, which is based in NJ but has an office in Chicago (and multiple other cities). Architect is WJW Architects from Chicago.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FmZXvv5XEAAtC9g?format=png&name=360x360

[marothisu]

Not to get off topic, but I admire how the Chinese build up their communities and practice group economics. Chinatown sits on prime real estate but is still majority Chinese and isn't gentrified. Something I wish the black, mexican, and other communities in this city did more.

I found this rendering thru a Chinese article from a national Chinese publication (there's a zoning app up for next week). The article actually talks exactly about how they want to make this affordable housing to make sure the community is covered at the lower/lower-ish income levels as prices rise in the area in Chicago (as well as the entire country). I think switching from senior housing to all age levels is probably a good long term idea. There is another 7 or 8 story development nearby slated for Chinatown with a bunch of new housing. I would love to see more of this happen. There has been a handful of 4 story buildings built in the last few years in Chinatown but it would be nice to see a bunch of 7+ story ones go up like this.

There is a PBS documentary from last year about history of Chinatowns in Boston, DC, and Chicago. They focus mostly on Boston and DC but both of those Chinatowns have really reduced in Chinese population/business big time exactly because they kind of gave in more to outside development. They make it a point in the documentary to talk about how Chicago is still one of the only Chinatowns in the US that has resisted the tide and is still heavily actually Chinese, and expanding. One of the representatives from Chicago on that documentary mentions how Chinese people from all over the US have been moving to Chicago lately. I have seen a little of that anecdotally at 88 Marketplace in East Pilsen. A lot of cars with out of state plates there (NY, NJ, CA, WA, etc) doing grocery shopping. Manhattan's Chinatown to an extent but they have had development in and around the area - not as bad as DC and Boston for erasing but there's increasing pressure there. Flushing in Queens is almost a better way of looking at it. They have new high rises and such and it's almost exclusively from Chinese developers. The new housing there is much better than the old housing in Manhattan's Chinatown. There has been some movement lately like this in Chicago. I guess SF and Philadelphia are like this to an extent. I wish the documentary covered more of Chicago, but I think they covered the other 2 to show how they gave into non-Chinese developers and show how Chicago isn't like that.

[galleyfox]

I

There is a PBS documentary from last year about history of Chinatowns in Boston, DC, and Chicago. They focus mostly on Boston and DC but both of those Chinatowns have really reduced in Chinese population/business big time exactly because they kind of gave in more to outside development. They make it a point in the documentary to talk about how Chicago is still one of the only Chinatowns in the US that has resisted the tide and is still heavily actually Chinese, and expanding.

That’s the “A Tale of Three Chinatowns” documentary?

https://youtu.be/_Mvn8MpW7cc

[marothisu]

That’s the “A Tale of Three Chinatowns” documentary?


Yup. I wish they spent more time on Chicago but the message in the documentary for Chicago's Chinatown is definitely more positive than DC and Boston.

[galleyfox]

Yup. I wish they spent more time on Chicago but the message in the documentary for Chicago's Chinatown is definitely more positive than DC and Boston.

Couldn’t be helped. Chicago’s Chinatown is just too particular in geography and history to serve as an example for other Chinatowns.

The director’s inspiration was the DC Chinatown, and since Boston’s Chinatown is on a similar trajectory, that’s where the time and focus lies.

Narratively, Chicago is included to tone down the film’s bleakness, and imply that the American Chinatown lifestyle and culture probably won’t disappear forever. That Chinese Americans and immigrants will still be drawn to Chinese community and history, wherever that may be.




https://www.amazon.com/Through-Chinatowns-Eyes-April-1968/dp/B07VWLC35T

[marothisu]

Couldn’t be helped. Chicago’s Chinatown is just too particular in geography and history to serve as an example for other Chinatowns.

The director’s inspiration was the DC Chinatown, and since Boston’s Chinatown is on a similar trajectory, that’s where the time and focus lies.

Narratively, Chicago is included to tone down the film’s bleakness, and imply that the American Chinatown lifestyle and culture probably won’t disappear forever. That Chinese Americans and immigrants will still be drawn to Chinese community and history, wherever that may be.




https://www.amazon.com/Through-Chinatowns-Eyes-April-1968/dp/B07VWLC35T

Yes. Actually Flushing is a tiny bit better of a comparison to Chicago's due to constraints. Although Flushing has a few less geographic constraints but still has some (Flushing Creek and I-678). That's why, though, some of the leaders in Chinatown were heralding Jefferson Square as important because it jumps outside of the geographic bounds. That area is still constrained though. Expansion into Bridgeport, McKinley Park, etc though is pretty important for this. Most of the expansion of Chinese people in Chicago are those areas along I-55 as well as downtown and a few north side areas. Pretty much the only way that Chinatown proper can expand now is by going more vertical (which would be awesome). Same thing happened in the Main St area of Flushing as well actually. Although it's not technically constrained (to the west is a Korean area) those areas don't have many vacant lots or anything. The areas where they went more vertical there were in place of smaller industrial buildings. Will be interesting to see if Chinatown in Chicago follows a similar path. This plus another recent proposal of similar or greater height...maybe it'll pick up some steam.

[galleyfox]

Yup. I wish they spent more time on Chicago but the message in the documentary for Chicago's Chinatown is definitely more positive than DC and Boston.

The directors did do a lot of discussions and Q&As regarding their thoughts and approach regarding the Chinatowns. Not much in the way of new statistics, but interesting nonetheless.

Basically, the directors weren’t quite aware of the situation in Chicago at first.

They wanted to do DC, but thought that comparing it to other Chinatowns would be more compelling and began doing some research.

They chose Boston because they had well-established contacts but little existing media documentation, and Chicago because a colleague told them it was actually growing at a good pace, (which surprised them a good deal).

https://youtu.be/nKHs0FUIJyE
https://youtu.be/Wo5-lmI2Lbc

https://youtu.be/rxzAsOArK9c
https://youtu.be/IpwvLmMtoKA

[Via Chicago]

Not to get off topic, but I admire how the Chinese build up their communities and practice group economics. Chinatown sits on prime real estate but is still majority Chinese and isn't gentrified. Something I wish the black, mexican, and other communities in this city did more.

The Mexican community absolutely practices group economics. Pilsen/little village? 26th Street is a powerhouse and it's entirely Mexican small businesses uninterrupted all the way from California to the Cicero border. You'd be hard pressed to find a vacancy. And the community overwhelmingly shops local. You could extrapolate this out to most of the SW side including back of the yards, Brighton Park, Chicago lawn, the near west burbs, etc

In terms of the black community, there are obviously massive historical factors and headwinds at play here which don't entirely overlap with Mexican and Chinese immigrant communities which we don't need to rehash here but is important to keep in mind on this particular holiday. It also helps that the historically Mexican and Chinese communities didn't completely burn to the ground. On the advice of another poster here I wound up reading Family Properties (history of N Lawndale) and despite knowing a lot of this stuff surface level it was still eye opening never the less

[ardecila]

That area is still constrained though. Expansion into Bridgeport, McKinley Park, etc though is pretty important for this. Most of the expansion of Chinese people in Chicago are those areas along I-55 as well as downtown and a few north side areas. Pretty much the only way that Chinatown proper can expand now is by going more vertical (which would be awesome).

I dunno, I think there is not a high pressure of land values to the S, SW, or E of Chinatown. That community can continue to expand into McKinley or even Brighton Park, Armour Square, and Bronzeville.

There's little reason to go vertical (yet) which is why Chinatown is still mostly low-rise, and highrise proposals have gone nowhere. I don't think the Chinese community is aesthetically opposed to highrises like other groups in the city, so they will start going tall the second it actually makes sense to do so. Unfortunately the areas with CTA access are also terrible for development, being sandwiched between expressways and industrial areas. More reason to build an Orange Line stop at Canal...

Also, I like the architecture for this new building. A classy standing seam metal siding on the main building, and then a beautiful brick base with a moon gate entry to a recessed court. The back is hardie panel though which is unfortunate.

[marothisu]

I dunno, I think there is not a high pressure of land values to the S, SW, or E of Chinatown. That community can continue to expand into McKinley or even Brighton Park, Armour Square, and Bronzeville.

There's little reason to go vertical (yet) which is why Chinatown is still mostly low-rise, and highrise proposals have gone nowhere. I don't think the Chinese community is aesthetically opposed to highrises like other groups in the city, so they will start going tall the second it actually makes sense to do so. Unfortunately the areas with CTA access are also terrible for development, being sandwiched between expressways and industrial areas. More reason to build an Orange Line stop at Canal...

Also, I like the architecture for this new building. A classy standing seam metal siding on the main building, and then a beautiful brick base with a moon gate entry to a recessed court. The back is hardie panel though which is unfortunate.

I was talking about East Pilsen between the river, expressway, etc being constrained. There is room to build there though somewhat. Too bad it appears that the plans to build over 220 new residential and also retail in 6 more buildings across from Jefferson Square is not happening yet (hopefully sometime). Was supposed to be all 6+ story buildings.

The funny part is that University Village from Roosevelt to 16th, if you view it from the Dan Ryan looks exactly like 1 part of Shanghai. I pointed it out to my wife and mother in law and they agreed - laughed their asses off at how true it was.

As my wife put it "do you think a lot of us really want to live in multi unit buildings in China? A lot of us do want houses." There are quite a few villas in China for rich people but even many upper middle class these days will never get that. That is one reason though why Bridgeport, McKinley Park, Brighton Park, etc and also Lincoln Park is so attractive.

BUT at the same time, there are so many younger Chinese people living downtown in nice, more expensive high rises who could easily afford houses in some of those SW side neighborhoods because they don't want that. They do want to live vertically with a lot of things around them. Parts of South Loop are especially popular for the very reason that it is close to Chinatown but you can live in a nice high rise. If Chinatown itself went vertical and was able to build some nice places, I guarantee you there would be younger Chinese people there who make some good money living there who would normally have been living in South Loop, Loop, or Streeterville. To an extent it's exactly what they figured out in Flushing in NYC. The neighborhood has gone more vertical in the last 10 to 15 years and have some pretty nice housing there in those. They've definitely gotten their fair share of people who would have normally lived in or near Manhattan to live there instead. When I was younger and dating someone from SE Asia (Chinese descent 100 years earlier), she and all of her friends loved Chinatown. They wanted to live there but thought the housing sucked. So they all opted for places in downtown nearby and the ones who couldn't afford downtown went to areas like Lincoln Park so they could get to Chinatown on the red line.


For the record, the guy who is mostly behind Pacifica Square in Aurora and behind Pacifica Chicago as I posted on here the other day, is planning a mixed use residential high rise in Flushing and I think another one elsewhere in Queens. I think he does development in Hong Kong too.

[r18tdi]

Two Fish Crab Shack Planning $9 Million Bronzeville Expansion With Rooftop Cafe — And Housing

Owner Yasmin Curtis hopes to complete the project, which envisions 10 two-and three-bedroom units, by 2025.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/01/17/two-fish-crab-shack-planning-9-million-bronzeville-expansion-with-rooftop-cafe-and-housing/

GRAND BOULEVARD — After nearly seven years on 47th Street, Two Fish Crab Shack owner Yasmin Curtis has her eyes on expansion.

Curtis is in the early stages of a $9 million plan to build a new home for her popular restaurant on an adjacent vacant lot that will also include housing. The entrepreneur hopes to complete the project by 2025.

“I got my first set of renderings in 2019. Once I realized that you can build up I thought it would be a great opportunity to create more density in the community and more density on 47th Street because there are so many vacant lots,” Curtis said, adding that owning the building had always been part of the plan.

The Low End native worked with several architectural firms on the renderings and chose a design that would fit in with the neighborhood vibe. She plans on hiring a Black-owned construction firm to carry out the vision, which includes rooftop and sidewalk cafe dining areas and a garden for residents.

As for the housing, Curtis wants to build 10 two- and three-bedroom units above the restaurant. She’s unsure whether they’ll be condos or apartments, telling Block Club she’ll leave it to the market to decide.

https://lede-admin.blockclubchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/01/TwoFishCrabShack.png?resize=1366,766

Not bad!

[nomarandlee]

wo Fish Crab Shack Planning $9 Million Bronzeville Expansion With Rooftop Cafe — And Housing

Owner Yasmin Curtis hopes to complete the project, which envisions 10 two-and three-bedroom units, by 2025.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/01...e-and-housing/

Loving the design. About as good as a four-story building gets (if executed).

[mh777]

Tower crane permit issued for 1104 N Elston (https://chicagoyimby.com/2023/01/caisson-permits-issued-for-parking-garage-at-new-west-town-warehouse-and-distribution-center.html). There's already one crane stub in the ground, but with the size of this building I wouldn't be surprised if we saw multiple tower cranes.

https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1237-W-Division-Street-01-1536x829.png

[r18tdi]

The skyline view from the Kennedy is about to get way suckier...

[emailspyro@gmail.com]

The skyline view from the Kennedy is about to get way suckier...

You are so right r18tdi. Coming in from NW side, one of the nicest view points of the skyline will be blocked by a long wall and instead of skyline we will be seeing the trucks parked on the roof.

The city should have never okayed this. The lot is a few minutes walk over to Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village to the West and few blocks to West town to the South. This could have been a nice new enclave for residential with views of the city and access to the river. That would have pushed the city to develop the river frontage that is slated to be a park but without any residents, will probably remain a fenced off lot for years to come.