Midwest Construction

12/07/2018

City eyes Goose Island rail acquisition for North Branch transitway

The move could clear a path for future transit options such as light rail

In anticipation of megadevelopments like Lincoln Yards bringing thousands of new residents, workers, and soccer fans to Chicago’s North Branch Corridor, city officials are moving to acquire a nearby stretch of abandoned railroad tracks for use as a possible transitway in the future.

This week, City Hall’s Committee on Housing and Real Estate approved a measure allowing the city to acquire 1.8 miles of the Chicago Terminal Railroad—a line running north-south through the middle of Goose Island—from longtime owner Iowa Pacific Holding. The ordinance is set go before the full Chicago City Council for approval on December 12.

City of Chicago
A diagram from 2017’s North Branch Framework Plan showing a potential route of the proposed transitway using the Chicago Terminal Railroad.

The right of way could be used as a new transit route as well as a multipurpose trail connecting to a proposed extension of The 606 trail and a conceptual North Branch River Trail from the city’s North Branch Framework Plan, according to the legislation.

As the North Branch evolves from industrial corridor to mixed-use neighborhood and entertainment district, the city’s proactive steps toward addressing future transportation and open space concerns is certainly commendable. That being said, there is still much about the ambitious plan that needs to be fleshed out.

Major unknowns include the transitway’s cost, timeline, funding sources, and whether it will use buses, light railcars, or even autonomous vehicles, notes the Chicago Tribune. The route would still need to extend further south of Goose Island—through Tribune Media’s sprawling 37-acre River District development and past Blommer Chocolate—to reach the commuter trains at Ogilvie Transportation Center, reported the newspaper.

If approved as expected at next week’s Council meeting, the ordinance would give City Hall additional powers to negotiate the purchase or seizure of other properties needed to complete the North Branch connector, said the Tribune.

City nears takeover of North Side rail line, in move to create new public transit route [Chicago Tribune]

New transitway in discussion for evolving North Branch Corridor [Curbed Chicago]

Jay Koziarz https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/12/7/18129543/north-branch-transit-goose-island-rail

12/07/2018

City eyes Goose Island rail acquisition for North Branch transitway

The move could clear a path for future transit options such as light rail

In anticipation of megadevelopments like Lincoln Yards bringing thousands of new residents, workers, and soccer fans to Chicago’s North Branch Corridor, city officials are moving to acquire a nearby stretch of abandoned railroad tracks for use as a possible transitway in the future.

This week, City Hall’s Committee on Housing and Real Estate approved a measure allowing the city to acquire 1.8 miles of the Chicago Terminal Railroad—a line running north-south through the middle of Goose Island—from longtime owner Iowa Pacific Holding. The ordinance is set go before the full Chicago City Council for approval on December 12.

City of Chicago
A diagram from 2017’s North Branch Framework Plan showing a potential route of the proposed transitway using the Chicago Terminal Railroad.

The right of way could be used as a new transit route as well as a multipurpose trail connecting to a proposed extension of The 606 trail and a conceptual North Branch River Trail from the city’s North Branch Framework Plan, according to the legislation.

As the North Branch evolves from industrial corridor to mixed-use neighborhood and entertainment district, the city’s proactive steps toward addressing future transportation and open space concerns is certainly commendable. That being said, there is still much about the ambitious plan that needs to be fleshed out.

Major unknowns include the transitway’s cost, timeline, funding sources, and whether it will use buses, light railcars, or even autonomous vehicles, notes the Chicago Tribune. The route would still need to extend further south of Goose Island—through Tribune Media’s sprawling 37-acre River District development and past Blommer Chocolate—to reach the commuter trains at Ogilvie Transportation Center, reported the newspaper.

If approved as expected at next week’s Council meeting, the ordinance would give City Hall additional powers to negotiate the purchase or seizure of other properties needed to complete the North Branch connector, said the Tribune.

City nears takeover of North Side rail line, in move to create new public transit route [Chicago Tribune]

New transitway in discussion for evolving North Branch Corridor [Curbed Chicago]

Jay Koziarz

The move could clear a path for future transit options connecting downtown and Lincoln Yards.

12/07/2018

Committees push Pilsen, Little Village preservation strategy, five-year housing plan

The ordinances were approved at City Council committee meetings

A city strategy to preserve Little Village and Pilsen’s housing and the mayor’s five-year housing plan were two measures on the City Council’s Housing and Real Estate committee’s agenda on Thursday morning. The two plans were pushed through, albeit with a little controversy, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

There was a dispute during the meeting regarding a quorum, according to the newspaper. 15th Ward Alderman Ray Lopez wanted to postpone the vote because fewer than eight of the committee’s 15 members were present. After a short recess, the meeting went on with six members followed by a vote to approve the items up for discussion.

The committee approved ordinances that amended an Affordable Requirements Ordinance pilot program in Pilsen and Little Village and authorized the city to acquire land for El Paseo trail. Also on the agenda was an ordinance to adopt the mayor’s five-year housing plan. These ordinances were introduced at the last City Council meeting in November.

The mayor’s preservation plan for Pilsen and Little Village comes in part from the city’s effort to stop gentrification ahead of the El Paseo trail project. The strategy details new housing resources to help existing residents avoid displacement caused by gentrification, ways to increase sustainable jobs, and open space improvements to build the neighborhood’s resources.

Another part of the strategy called for the creation of a historic district in Pilsen, which was approved at the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards meeting on Thursday.

Commission grants a preliminary landmark designation to the Pilsen District, a dense and varied collection of historic buildings built by Bohemian immigrants in the late 19th century and early 20th century and preserved and enriched by Mexican immigrants over the past 50 years. pic.twitter.com/1eQm67UUt7
— Chicago DPD () December 6, 2018

The mayor’s five-year housing plan was developed over a seven-month period and based on input from 120 “housing professionals” and around 150 ideas submitted through an online portal, according to the mayor’s office.

The plan includes a $1.4 billion framework that would support 40,000 residential units, invest in affordable rental housing and resources for vulnerable residents, provide tools for neighborhoods facing gentrification, and expand affordable homeownership opportunities. 48th Ward Alderman Osterman shared a presentation with some details on the proposal which can be found on his website.

As part of the mayor’s budget, the housing plan for 2019 to 2023 would be implemented by a new Department of Housing instead of the Department of Planning and Development.

Next week the full City Council will vote on these measures. That meeting will take place at 10 a.m. on December 12.

As The Paseo progresses, city strategizes to preserve nearby neighborhoods [Curbed Chicago]

Plan to stop gentrification in Pilsen, Little Village rammed through committee [Chicago Sun-Times]

Housing plan presentation [Alderman Osterman’s office]

Sara Freund

The ordinances were approved at City Council committee meetings

12/07/2018

Committees push Pilsen, Little Village preservation strategy, five-year housing plan

The ordinances were approved at City Council committee meetings

A city strategy to preserve Little Village and Pilsen’s housing and the mayor’s five-year housing plan were two measures on the City Council’s Housing and Real Estate committee’s agenda on Thursday morning. The two plans were pushed through, albeit with a little controversy, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

There was a dispute during the meeting regarding a quorum, according to the newspaper. 15th Ward Alderman Ray Lopez wanted to postpone the vote because fewer than eight of the committee’s 15 members were present. After a short recess, the meeting went on with six members followed by a vote to approve the items up for discussion.

The committee approved ordinances that amended an Affordable Requirements Ordinance pilot program in Pilsen and Little Village and authorized the city to acquire land for El Paseo trail. Also on the agenda was an ordinance to adopt the mayor’s five-year housing plan. These ordinances were introduced at the last City Council meeting in November.

The mayor’s preservation plan for Pilsen and Little Village comes in part from the city’s effort to stop gentrification ahead of the El Paseo trail project. The strategy details new housing resources to help existing residents avoid displacement caused by gentrification, ways to increase sustainable jobs, and open space improvements to build the neighborhood’s resources.

Another part of the strategy called for the creation of a historic district in Pilsen, which was approved at the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards meeting on Thursday.

Commission grants a preliminary landmark designation to the Pilsen District, a dense and varied collection of historic buildings built by Bohemian immigrants in the late 19th century and early 20th century and preserved and enriched by Mexican immigrants over the past 50 years. pic.twitter.com/1eQm67UUt7
— Chicago DPD () December 6, 2018

The mayor’s five-year housing plan was developed over a seven-month period and based on input from 120 “housing professionals” and around 150 ideas submitted through an online portal, according to the mayor’s office.

The plan includes a $1.4 billion framework that would support 40,000 residential units, invest in affordable rental housing and resources for vulnerable residents, provide tools for neighborhoods facing gentrification, and expand affordable homeownership opportunities. 48th Ward Alderman Osterman shared a presentation with some details on the proposal which can be found on his website.

As part of the mayor’s budget, the housing plan for 2019 to 2023 would be implemented by a new Department of Housing instead of the Department of Planning and Development.

Next week the full City Council will vote on these measures. That meeting will take place at 10 a.m. on December 12.

As The Paseo progresses, city strategizes to preserve nearby neighborhoods [Curbed Chicago]

Plan to stop gentrification in Pilsen, Little Village rammed through committee [Chicago Sun-Times]

Housing plan presentation [Alderman Osterman’s office]

Sara Freund https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/12/7/18129741/city-council-little-village-pilsen-housing-plan-gentrification

12/07/2018

Charming Logan Square cottage asking $530K scores contract quickly

The handsomely renovated North Side home didn’t last long on the market

In Logan Square, an attractive worker’s cottage that listed Monday for $530,000 quickly lined up a buyer—scoring a contract in just four days. Built in 1895 and gut rehabbed in 2014, the quick-to-sell Spaulding Avenue property offered an irresistible blend of old school charm, modern amenity, and great location.

Behind its traditional gray and white trim and red front door, the three-bedroom cottage features a stylish living room with a bay window and wood-burning fireplace. Off the rear, a fourth bedroom was sacrificed to create a new open layout kitchen and dining area overlooking a fenced-in rear yard and patio. The home’s two bathrooms, HVAC system, and plumbing were also refreshed.

“The sellers did a really nice job of staying to true to the vintage style of the home and the area while also adding contemporary touches like new lighting,” listing agent Shanley Henry of Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty told Curbed Chicago. “The activity around this listing has been crazy and is a testament to sweat equity the owners put into the home and the desirability of the Logan Square area.”

It’s unclear what the contracted buyer agreed to pay for the property and Henry won’t comment on the specifics of the still-contingent offer. Given the speed of the sale, however, it’s likely that the renovated cottage fetched a price pretty close to its $530,000 ask. According to public records, the home last sold four years ago for $325,000.

2327 N. Spaulding Avenue [Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty]

Previous Logan Square coverage [Curbed Chicago]

Jay Koziarz

The handsomely renovated North Side home didn’t last long on the market.

12/07/2018

Charming Logan Square cottage asking $530K scores contract quickly

The handsomely renovated North Side home didn’t last long on the market

In Logan Square, an attractive worker’s cottage that listed Monday for $530,000 quickly lined up a buyer—scoring a contract in just four days. Built in 1895 and gut rehabbed in 2014, the quick-to-sell Spaulding Avenue property offered an irresistible blend of old school charm, modern amenity, and great location.

Behind its traditional gray and white trim and red front door, the three-bedroom cottage features a stylish living room with a bay window and wood-burning fireplace. Off the rear, a fourth bedroom was sacrificed to create a new open layout kitchen and dining area overlooking a fenced-in rear yard and patio. The home’s two bathrooms, HVAC system, and plumbing were also refreshed.

“The sellers did a really nice job of staying to true to the vintage style of the home and the area while also adding contemporary touches like new lighting,” listing agent Shanley Henry of Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty told Curbed Chicago. “The activity around this listing has been crazy and is a testament to sweat equity the owners put into the home and the desirability of the Logan Square area.”

It’s unclear what the contracted buyer agreed to pay for the property and Henry won’t comment on the specifics of the still-contingent offer. Given the speed of the sale, however, it’s likely that the renovated cottage fetched a price pretty close to its $530,000 ask. According to public records, the home last sold four years ago for $325,000.

2327 N. Spaulding Avenue [Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty]

Previous Logan Square coverage [Curbed Chicago]

Jay Koziarz https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/12/7/18125769/logan-square-renovated-workers-cottage-for-sale

12/06/2018

Aon observatory, Uptown Theatre rehab headed for key vote

The Plan Commission’s December agenda looks anything but boring

While December is historically a slow time when it comes to city officials to approve major zoning changes, this month’s meeting of the Chicago Plan Commission is set to consider a number of notable developments. The draft agenda includes the rehabilitation of two historic theaters, the construction of hundreds more rental apartments, and plans to create a public observation deck atop downtown’s Aon Center.

Here’s quick a look at the high-profile projects headed before city commissioners for approval later this month:

Woodhouse Tinucci Architects
The apartments proposed next to the Congress Theatre will have zero parking.

Congress Theatre rehab and apartments

This long-discussed rehab of Logan Square’s Congress Theatre will restore and reopen the landmarked venue at 2135 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The historic 1926 building will add 14 residential units and 50 hotel rooms to its upper floors. Developer New Congress LLC will also seek zoning approval for a new seven-story, 72-unit transit-oriented rental building slated for a parking lot across the street. The theater overhaul and new apartments both come from Chicago design firm Woodhouse Tinucci Architects.

Lamar Johnson Collaborative
The Uptown Theatre overhaul will restore the landmarked building’s classic signage.

Uptown Theatre renovation

If the Congress rehab wasn’t enough good news for fans of Chicago’s historic movie palaces, the Plan Commission will also vote on a proposal to bring the 93-year-old Uptown Theatre back to its original grandeur. Led by partners Jam Productions and Farpoint Development and designed by local architectural firm Lamar Johnson Collaborative, the ambitious effort will restore the massive Spanish Baroque Revival-style building at 4816 N. Broadway and increase its capacity to 5,800 people.

Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture
A rendering of 808 N. Wells Street.

808 N. Wells apartments

In River North, developer AMLI Residential will seek a zoning change to build a 17-story apartment building at the northwest corner of Chicago Avenue and Wells Street at the former site of a stalled condo project. Designed by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture (HPA), the new plan would include 6,300 square feet of ground floor commercial space topped by 318 compact rental units. The transit-oriented development (TOD) would provide parking for 318 bicycles and mere 16 cars.

Chicago City Clerk
Phase 3 elevation drawings from Old Town Park’s zoning application.

Old Town Park phase 3

Further north along Wells, more apartments are looking to join the multiphase redevelopment of the Atrium Village site known as Old Town Park. Developer Onni Group is seeking zoning for the project’s third high-rise tower—a 41-story building with 456 rental units, office space, retail, and parking for 193 vehicles. The proposed HPA-designed building would rise 447 feet, peeking above the 426-foot Old Town Park phase 2 tower which is currently under construction to the immediate east.

Solomon Cordwell Buenz
The proposed observatory would remove columns from the tower’s upper levels to provide better outward views.

Aon Center observation deck

The commissioners are also expected to vote on a zoning change supporting the addition of a 1,185-foot-tall exterior elevator, observation deck, rooftop thrill ride, and ground-level entrance pavilion to Chicago’s Aon Center at 200 E. Randolph Street. Designed by Chicago-based Solomon Cordwell Buenz, the $185 million project aims to transform the 1970 office building into the city’s next hot tourist destination—competing directly with the Willis Tower’s Skydeck and the 360 Chicago observatory atop the former Hancock Center.

Chicago Plan Commission December 2018 draft agenda [City of Chicago]

Aon Center observatory takes step forward [Curbed Chicago]

Chicago development news [Curbed Chicago]

Jay Koziarz https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/12/6/18124700/chicago-development-aon-observatory-uptown-theatre

12/06/2018

Aon observatory, Uptown Theatre rehab headed for key vote

The Plan Commission’s December agenda looks anything but boring

While December is historically a slow time when it comes to city officials to approve major zoning changes, this month’s meeting of the Chicago Plan Commission is set to consider a number of notable developments. The draft agenda includes the rehabilitation of two historic theaters, the construction of hundreds more rental apartments, and plans to create a public observation deck atop downtown’s Aon Center.

Here’s quick a look at the high-profile projects headed before city commissioners for approval later this month:

Woodhouse Tinucci Architects
The apartments proposed next to the Congress Theatre will have zero parking.

Congress Theatre rehab and apartments

This long-discussed rehab of Logan Square’s Congress Theatre will restore and reopen the landmarked venue at 2135 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The historic 1926 building will add 14 residential units and 50 hotel rooms to its upper floors. Developer New Congress LLC will also seek zoning approval for a new seven-story, 72-unit transit-oriented rental building slated for a parking lot across the street. The theater overhaul and new apartments both come from Chicago design firm Woodhouse Tinucci Architects.

Lamar Johnson Collaborative
The Uptown Theatre overhaul will restore the landmarked building’s classic signage.

Uptown Theatre renovation

If the Congress rehab wasn’t enough good news for fans of Chicago’s historic movie palaces, the Plan Commission will also vote on a proposal to bring the 93-year-old Uptown Theatre back to its original grandeur. Led by partners Jam Productions and Farpoint Development and designed by local architectural firm Lamar Johnson Collaborative, the ambitious effort will restore the massive Spanish Baroque Revival-style building at 4816 N. Broadway and increase its capacity to 5,800 people.

Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture
A rendering of 808 N. Wells Street.

808 N. Wells apartments

In River North, developer AMLI Residential will seek a zoning change to build a 17-story apartment building at the northwest corner of Chicago Avenue and Wells Street at the former site of a stalled condo project. Designed by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture (HPA), the new plan would include 6,300 square feet of ground floor commercial space topped by 318 compact rental units. The transit-oriented development (TOD) would provide parking for 318 bicycles and mere 16 cars.

Chicago City Clerk
Phase 3 elevation drawings from Old Town Park’s zoning application.

Old Town Park phase 3

Further north along Wells, more apartments are looking to join the multiphase redevelopment of the Atrium Village site known as Old Town Park. Developer Onni Group is seeking zoning for the project’s third high-rise tower—a 41-story building with 456 rental units, office space, retail, and parking for 193 vehicles. The proposed HPA-designed building would rise 447 feet, peeking above the 426-foot Old Town Park phase 2 tower which is currently under construction to the immediate east.

Solomon Cordwell Buenz
The proposed observatory would remove columns from the tower’s upper levels to provide better outward views.

Aon Center observation deck

The commissioners are also expected to vote on a zoning change supporting the addition of a 1,185-foot-tall exterior elevator, observation deck, rooftop thrill ride, and ground-level entrance pavilion to Chicago’s Aon Center at 200 E. Randolph Street. Designed by Chicago-based Solomon Cordwell Buenz, the $185 million project aims to transform the 1970 office building into the city’s next hot tourist destination—competing directly with the Willis Tower’s Skydeck and the 360 Chicago observatory atop the former Hancock Center.

Chicago Plan Commission December 2018 draft agenda [City of Chicago]

Aon Center observatory takes step forward [Curbed Chicago]

Chicago development news [Curbed Chicago]

Jay Koziarz

The Chicago Plan Commission’s December agenda looks anything but boring.

12/06/2018

Wicker Park Queen Anne with coal room converted to wine cellar asks $850K

The sweet home was built in 1888

This four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home with Queen Anne details in the heart of Wicker Park went on the market less than a week ago. It’s listed for $850,000.

The property comes with a spacious master bedroom, two outdoor decks, a landscaped backyard, and a fully finished basement. The kitchen overlooks a dining room with a blue accent wall and is equipped with a double oven, wine fridge, and cherry wood cabinets.

The master bedroom features a massive walk-in closet and an additional room that could be made into an office. The historic home was built in 1888 and the owners renovated a former basement coal storage room into a wine cellar.

The single family home was split into two residences which are currently being rented. The other unit is also for sale asking $700,000 and the two are listed together for $1,550,000. While the properties could be converted back into one home, each address has its own private entrance and fenced-in backyard.

1632 N. Claremont Avenue [Main Street Real Estate Group]

1636 N. Claremont Avenue [Main Street Real Estate Group]

Sara Freund

The sweet home was built in 1888.

12/06/2018

Wicker Park Queen Anne with coal room converted to wine cellar asks $850K

The sweet home was built in 1888

This four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home with Queen Anne details in the heart of Wicker Park went on the market less than a week ago. It’s listed for $850,000.

The property comes with a spacious master bedroom, two outdoor decks, a landscaped backyard, and a fully finished basement. The kitchen overlooks a dining room with a blue accent wall and is equipped with a double oven, wine fridge, and cherry wood cabinets.

The master bedroom features a massive walk-in closet and an additional room that could be made into an office. The historic home was built in 1888 and the owners renovated a former basement coal storage room into a wine cellar.

The single family home was split into two residences which are currently being rented. The other unit is also for sale asking $700,000 and the two are listed together for $1,550,000. While the properties could be converted back into one home, each address has its own private entrance and fenced-in backyard.

1632 N. Claremont Avenue [Main Street Real Estate Group]

1636 N. Claremont Avenue [Main Street Real Estate Group]

Sara Freund https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/12/6/18129063/for-sale-queen-anne-wicker-park-850k