Two transit-oriented developments are planned for the 1700 block of North Western Avenue at the border of Bucktown and Logan Square. The projects are conveniently located near the CTA Blue Line and the 606 Trail. They will bring a combined 131 residential units and 49 parking spaces to the area per Chicago Curbed.
The first development is located at 1741 N. Western Avenue and just received its first construction permit on Monday. It will be replacing a demolished two story structure with a five-level building that will include seven parking spaces and 25 residences which is down from the 37 units first presented back in 2017. The brick and metal exterior was designed by Pro-Plan Architects and remains mostly unchanged according to 32nd Ward chief of staff Paul Sajovec.
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Across the street, a large transit-oriented development is going to replace a gas station and car wash at 1750 N. Western Avenue. The developer is GW Property Group and the designer is NORR Architects. This project will include the following:
- 106 apartment units
- 42 parking stalls
- Retail space
- Direct public access ramp to the 606 trail from its second floor
This ramp will give both residents and trail users direct access to a second-floor retail space, terrace, and public restrooms.
Nearby North Side communities have concerns regarding the new developments near the elevated biking and jogging path. Some welcome the increased economic activity and rising property values but other residents are upset over the swelling rents and the demolition and single-family deconversion of existing affordable housing stock.
Chicago officials have responded to these concerns last year by introducing changes to the Affordable Requirements Ordinance in the Milwaukee Avenue corridor that increased the required percentage of affordable housing from 10 to 15 percent.
New projects are complying with the revised rules (1750 N. Western Avenue features 16 affordable-rate units) and the area will continue down its path of rapid transformation.
According to The Real Deal, the 2.7 mile 606 Trail has proven popular since it opened on the Near Northwest Side in 2015. Besides drawing crowds of bikers, runners and stroller-pushing families, the trail has led to surging home prices and rents in the neighborhoods it passes through.
DataBid is currently reporting on the following projects:
Western Avenue Apartment Development - Bucktown (0079082917)
1750 N. Western Avenue Mixed Use Development - Chicago (0042070918)
