Plans have been revealed and approved by the Chicago City Council for the residential redevelopment of the former Peoples Gas site at 6659 North Kedzie Avenue in the West Ridge neighborhood. Located along the North Shore Channel, the 3.3-acre L-shaped parcel will be transformed into a modern gated community.
The property currently houses a mix of vacant structures, including:
A three-story brick commercial building
A two-story brick building
A single-story metal garage
These buildings, vacated around 2018, will be demolished to make way for the new development. The irregularly shaped lot is situated on the western edge of West Ridge and has long been underutilized. Originally presented to the 50th Ward earlier this year, the project has evolved through community feedback and city approval processes.
Developer PGBS MGR LLC has enlisted the expertise of local architectural firm Kennedy Mann to design the project. Key design elements include:
47 three-story townhouses, each reaching up to 38 feet in height
Four distinct home types to provide variety and appeal
Brick and white paneling façades, delivering a contemporary yet contextual aesthetic
Private balconies and backyards for each unit
Attached garages for all homes, contributing to the total of 79 parking spaces
20 shared parking spots for visitors or community use
The community will also feature a central driveway connected to Kedzie Avenue and a landscaped communal green space to enhance resident interaction and neighborhood feel.
To facilitate residential use, the site has been rezoned from M1-1 (Limited Manufacturing/Business Park District) to RM-5.5 (Residential Multi-Unit District). This rezoning was necessary to accommodate the townhome development and reflects the city’s commitment to encouraging housing in previously industrial areas.
Although no timeline has been officially announced, the City Council’s green light means the developer can now move forward with permitting and construction.
A development of this scale will engage a wide range of construction professionals and skilled laborers. Workers essential to the success of the project include:
Demolition crews for the removal of existing structures
Excavation and grading teams to prepare the site
Concrete and masonry workers for foundations and building cores
Carpenters and framers for structural framing
Plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians to install key utilities and climate systems
Roofers and waterproofing specialists for weatherproof construction
Siding and facade installers for brick and panel applications
Interior finishers including drywall installers, painters, tilers, and flooring contractors
Landscapers and hardscape professionals for green space and communal areas
Construction managers and safety officers to oversee quality and compliance
Chicago Yimby reports that this project represents a significant employment opportunity for both union and non-union workers in the Chicago area, offering a reliable stream of jobs through multiple construction phases.
Though interior layouts have not yet been made public, the emphasis on family-sized units throughout the 47 homes is a clear response to community needs. The new townhomes are expected to appeal to local families seeking ownership opportunities in a well-connected neighborhood with proximity to schools, parks, and public transportation.
With full city approval and rezoning complete, PGBS MGR LLC is now positioned to begin applying for building permits and breaking ground. The project adds momentum to the revitalization of West Ridge and continues the city’s trend of repurposing underused industrial sites for residential growth.
Once construction begins, the new townhouse community at 6659 North Kedzie Avenue will become a prominent feature of the area’s evolving landscape — a blend of thoughtful design, increased housing availability, and construction-driven economic development.
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