A brand-new apartment building is in the works for 1948 W Peterson Avenue in the West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago. This future development sits at the corner of Peterson and Winchester Avenue, on a lot that’s been empty for years and mostly used for parking or storage. Local developer Bob Loquercio bought the half-acre site earlier this year for $995,000 and hired Axios Architects and Consultants to design the building.
What’s Being Planned
The new building will be eight stories tall and reach 111 feet in height. It will have a total of 87 apartments, offering a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. Out of those, 17 units will be affordable housing, meaning they will be priced to help people with lower incomes.
Before construction can begin, the developer needs approval from the city. This includes support from the local alderman, the zoning committee, and the Chicago City Council. A community meeting will take place on April 22 to present the plans and hear feedback from residents.
Design and Appearance
Chicago Yimby reports that the building will use two colors of brick—light brick on the ground floor and darker brick on the upper levels. Black metal balconies will be added to the east, west, and south sides. Every apartment above the second floor will have its own balcony. Some bedrooms will use borrowed light, which means they won’t have direct windows but will still get natural light from nearby rooms.
What’s Inside the Building
The ground floor will feature:
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Three additional apartments located at the corner and along Winchester Avenue
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A small residential lobby
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A bike parking area with space for 51 bikes
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A garage with 39 indoor parking spots
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An additional 12 outdoor parking spots along the rear alley
Residents will also have access to a rooftop deck with views of the neighborhood.
Construction Work and Job Opportunities
The project will create jobs for construction workers and tradespeople across many specialties. Workers will be needed for:
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Clearing and preparing the site
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Building the structure with concrete and brick
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Installing HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
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Adding windows, doors, and balconies
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Completing the parking garage and common areas
The detailed design means jobs for masons, ironworkers, electricians, and more. Since the building is tall and uses different types of materials, it’s a great opportunity for experienced builders to work on a high-profile project.
Project Approval and Next Steps
Right now, the land is zoned as C2-2, which doesn’t allow for this type of residential building. The developer is asking for a zoning change to B2-5. If the city agrees, construction can begin. No official construction date or total cost has been shared yet, but the work is expected to happen in phases.
Why This Project Is Important
This development will bring more housing to West Ridge, including homes for families needing more affordable rent. It will replace an empty lot with a modern building that includes bike storage, on-site parking, and a rooftop deck. It also means job opportunities for local construction workers and contractors.
The 1948 W Peterson Avenue project isn’t just about building new apartments—it’s about giving new life to a quiet corner of the neighborhood. With public meetings scheduled and city approval underway, it’s a promising sign of growth and opportunity in West Ridge.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 1948 W Peterson Residential Development West Ridge - Chicago (0077040825)
