Loyola University is preparing to demolish a building at 1226-1234 W. Loyola Ave. in Rogers Park, which previously housed apartments and several small businesses. The university received a demolition permit last month, according to city records, and plans to begin work soon.
A spokesperson for Loyola University stated, “The site will be improved with streetscape elements, such as upgraded fencing and landscaping, in early spring.” As of Tuesday afternoon, no construction activity had started. The university has not disclosed future plans for the property.
The purchase of the building by Loyola in December 2023 drew concern from some local residents. At that time, the university told student newspaper The Loyola Phoenix it would honor existing leases but planned to demolish the structure after tenants’ leases expired. Archie’s Cafe closed in August 2024 when its lease ended. Other former occupants included Roman Susan art space, Edge Art Gallery, and 35 apartment units.
Community members sought landmark status for the building but were unsuccessful.
In Edgewater, a proposed development at 5830 N. Broadway has been halted due to rising construction costs. Nicholas Design Collaborative intended to build a six-story residential building with 20 apartments on the site of a former car lot after Alderman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (48th) approved a zoning change last year. However, according to the alderwoman’s office, “the developer told the aldermanic office it can’t make the project work due to current construction costs,” leading them to plan on selling the land instead.
This marks the fourth proposal for this location since 2019 and the second attempt by this developer.
Additionally, in Andersonville at 1527 W. Edgewater Ave., there is a proposal to replace a former church with a three-story brick residential building containing four apartments and four parking spaces. The owner has requested a zoning change from Alderman Manaa-Hoppenworth’s office; if approved locally, it would still require approval from both the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards and Chicago’s City Council.
Residents can submit feedback about this proposal online through the alderwoman’s office website.
