A proposed four-story apartment building at 1728 N. Clybourn Ave. in Lincoln Park is drawing criticism from some local residents, who are concerned about increased density and limited parking on their block. The project would replace a long-vacant lot with nearly 60 apartments and about 20 on-site parking spaces.
While the Ranch Triangle Neighbors Association has expressed support for the development, several neighbors have raised concerns about how the building could impact daily life in the area. Under current zoning, only about 20 apartments would be allowed on the site. The requested zoning change would nearly triple that number but provide parking for just a third of residents.
The plan includes 11 ground-floor apartments, a fitness center, coworking space, indoor bike parking, and a rooftop deck with an amenity room, grilling stations, seating areas, turf space, and a padel court. The building would stand approximately 60 feet tall.
Nearby residents created a one-page brief outlining their worries. They argue that the project could push cars, deliveries, and ride-shares onto already crowded residential streets where permit and paid parking are common. Concerns also include potential congestion in the narrow alley used for access by moving trucks and service vehicles.
Some neighbors object to the removal of mature trees from the site and note that there will be no ground-level green space to buffer homes from the busy commercial corridor.
“This proposal triples the number of units, cuts parking dramatically and leaves no green space,” neighbor Melissa Rowley said. “Eliminating mature trees and forcing overflow parking into a permitted neighborhood is a recipe for safety and quality-of-life problems.”
Developer Michael Breheny of Contemporary Concepts said the planned parking ratio reflects actual demand in newer buildings.
“We find parking is about 20 percent,” Breheny said. “When we build more parking than that, it just doesn’t get rented.”
For this project’s 59 units, there will be 23 parking spaces—about 40 percent—which Breheny says exceeds typical demand. He noted that providing fewer spaces can encourage public transit use or car-free living.
“The more parking you have, the more cars you invite to the neighborhood,” he said. He added that younger renters are less likely to own cars and more likely to use public transportation.
Breheny explained that although neighbors have informally used the lot in recent years, it has always been private property. While there are no plans for a public park on-site, he said his firm will work with city officials on streetscape improvements and intends to add rooftop greenery visible from street level.
He also stated that while ground-floor retail was considered for the project, vacancies nearby made housing a better option for this location.
“Retail has struggled a bit in this area, and adding 10,000 square feet of retail would be hard to fill,” Breheny said. “We thought housing was a better use for the site.”
The developer plans to include affordable units as well: “The project will also include 15 percent affordable units on-site,” Breheny said—a change made after feedback from community members during planning discussions.
The proposal remains under review without a scheduled zoning hearing date at this time. Alderman Brian Hopkins’ office continues to collect community feedback before any decision moves forward.
