Senco Properties, led by developer Bill Senne, has unveiled plans to transform the existing strip mall at 1704 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Bucktown into a seven-story, mixed-use development. The proposed structure would combine residential apartments, ground-floor retail, and a two-level parking garage, creating new housing opportunities and commercial vibrancy along the Milwaukee Avenue corridor.
Project Overview
The redevelopment aims to replace the one-story shopping center, which currently houses Garfield’s Liquor, CorePower Yoga, and a 24-spot parking lot, with a modern residential and retail complex. The project has been presented at community meetings in both Wicker Park and Bucktown, where residents provided feedback on building height, parking, and design.
Construction and Design Details
-
Building Height: 7 stories (approx. 80 feet)
-
Unit Count: 58 residential apartments (including 12 affordable units)
-
Retail Space: Approx. 11,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail along Milwaukee Avenue
-
Parking: Two-level garage with 105 spaces (75 public, 30 reserved for tenants)
-
Exterior Materials: Brick and gray metal panel cladding
-
Amenities: Fourth-floor amenity deck and private balconies for select units
-
Construction Timeline: Estimated 12–14 months once zoning approval is granted
Residential Mix and Amenities
Block Club Chicago reports that the building will feature a diverse mix of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and limited three-bedroom apartments. About 40% of units will be family-friendly layouts. Residents will benefit from:
-
A shared fourth-floor amenity deck
-
Private balconies for many units
-
Easy access to nearby retail and transit (two Blue Line stations within walking distance)
Parking and Transportation
The inclusion of 105 parking spots—uncommon for a development so close to transit—was a major discussion point. Of these, 75 spaces will be available to the public, helping offset parking lost to recent protected bike lane installations along Milwaukee Avenue. The parking structure will be open-air but screened to minimize its visual impact. Bicycle parking will also be provided to support multi-modal transportation.
Key Features:
-
7-story mixed-use building
-
58 apartments (12 affordable)
-
11,000 sq. ft. retail space
-
Two-level parking garage (105 total spaces)
-
Fourth-floor amenity deck
-
Private balconies
Construction Materials:
-
Structural concrete and steel framing
-
Brick and gray metal panel façade
-
Screened open-air parking decks
Construction Trades Required:
-
Excavation and Foundation Crews: Site prep and concrete foundation work
-
Structural Steel and Concrete Contractors: Core framing and support structures
-
Masonry Crews: Brick cladding installation
-
Carpenters and Drywall Installers: Interior framing and walls
-
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Contractors: Utility systems and service connections
-
Glaziers: Windows and storefront installations
-
Roofing Contractors: Waterproofing and finishing of rooftop amenity spaces
-
Painters and Finishers: Interior and exterior finishing work
-
Landscapers: Streetscape, amenity deck, and plantings
Community Response
Community meetings revealed general support for higher density development along Milwaukee Avenue, though concerns remain regarding building height, traffic on Wabansia Avenue, and potential noise from the adjacent CTA Blue Line tracks. Developer Bill Senne emphasized that the parking component aims to replace lost neighborhood spaces and provide convenience for both residents and visitors.
Conclusion
The proposed Bucktown development represents a significant opportunity to add new housing, retail, and public parking to a transit-rich corridor. With thoughtful integration of affordable units, tenant amenities, and design elements that reflect the neighborhood’s character, the project has the potential to deliver long-term benefits for both residents and workers. Pending zoning approval, construction could begin soon and be completed within 14 months.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 1704 N Milwaukee Avenue Mixed Use Development Bucktown - Chicago (0017090525)
