A proposal to build a four-story, 40-unit apartment building at 2652 W. Chicago Ave., on the border of Humboldt Park and Ukrainian Village, has received the backing of Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) after several rounds of community meetings.
The developer, Barrett Homes, is seeking a zoning change for the project, which would also include 23 parking spaces. The site has been vacant for years after previously housing an Advance Auto Parts store.
Barrett Homes presented three options at a recent meeting: a four-story building with 46 apartments and nine affordable units; a four-story building with 40 apartments and six affordable units; and a smaller option with 15 condominiums and no affordable units or retail space. The first two options require City Council approval for rezoning.
Zoning attorney Nicholas Ftikas, representing Barrett Homes, said, “We’re trying to show some level of flexibility. We’ve heard that height and density initially were an issue. I appreciate that there’s a difference of opinion on that. We’re just trying to figure out and present to the community what are viable options. What can we make work? What can we bring to a bank and get financing for, that’s a real, deliverable project?”
After hearing feedback from neighbors about concerns over building height and parking availability — especially given the property’s proximity to bus lines but not train service — Villegas announced his support for the 40-unit plan in a statement: “Citywide, we need to build, build, build. Increasing the housing supply will lower costs, make housing more affordable, and set our city up for success,” he said. “Developments like 2652 W. Chicago Avenue, which increase density and generate more tax revenue, are key to neighborhoods being walkable, transit-oriented and featuring thriving foot traffic that benefits small businesses and the local economy.”
Aldermanic prerogative gives alderpeople significant influence over development decisions in their wards in Chicago; projects rarely proceed without their support.
At Thursday’s meeting attended by at least 40 residents at Villegas’ office — relocated from its original venue due to scheduling issues — opinions were divided on which proposal should move forward. Some residents expressed concern about insufficient parking if larger developments moved ahead.
Pahola Vasquez commented after the meeting: “We don’t have that many things around. There are buses, but there is no ‘L,’ there are no stores that you can just walk to… So people that live in that neighborhood mostly are going to need a car.”
Jonathan Carlson added support for development but preferred fewer units with one-to-one parking: “I think it’s pretty fortunate to have something go up quickly. But that being said, I want the right type of property. Forty units or 50 units, that’s just too much with half the parking… I just want to see a one-to-one ratio, unit to parking.”
Others supported larger proposals focused on increasing housing supply in the area.
Alex Wright stated: “I’m in favor of as many units as they could possibly build… This neighborhood desperately needs… more housing.”
Colin Johnston noted: “You don’t need a car… I just couldn’t be less concerned about parking… I think that more [housing] is going to make the neighborhood better.”
If approved by City Council this spring or summer, construction could take about sixteen months according to Mike Barrett from Barrett Homes; delays into winter would likely extend this timeline.
