A four-story condominium building with 18 units has been proposed for downtown Edison Park, according to an April 9 presentation by Jim Ronan of Ronan Construction at the 41st Ward Zoning Advisory Committee meeting. The development would be located at 6681-6685 N. Northwest Highway, currently used as a parking lot for the Emerald Isle Bar and Grill, and requires a zoning change from the City Council.
The proposal is significant as it would bring new residential options and commercial space to the area. The project includes a garage with 18 parking spaces, private balconies for each unit, and approximately 29,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial storefront space.
Ronan said two-bedroom condos are expected to cost between $450,000 and $500,000 while three-bedroom units may cost around $600,000. Under Chicago’s affordable housing ordinance requiring that developments seeking zoning changes set aside 20 percent of their units as affordable housing, four units in this building would be designated for people earning less than 60 percent of the city’s area median income—currently $50,400 for a one-person household.
During the meeting attended by about thirty people on April 8, concerns were raised regarding potential parking overflow onto residential streets if residents have more than one car. Some attendees also questioned the height of the proposed building since neighboring structures are only two stories tall.
Frank Icuss from the advisory committee said members will consult local residents and businesses before making any decisions on whether to recommend approval. Another committee meeting is planned for May; updates will be posted on its website. Chris Vittorio, chief of staff for Alderman Anthony Napolitano (41st), said after a committee vote Napolitano will issue his recommendation to City Council.
If approved by city officials, Ronan estimates construction would take about eighteen months. In related news nearby at 6750 N. Northwest Highway—the former M.J. Suerth Funeral Home property—plans are advancing for an eighty-two-unit apartment complex comprised of two four-story buildings with forty-one apartments each after previously receiving committee approval.
