Barrett Homes announced on Mar. 10 that it plans to begin construction this summer on a four-story mixed-use building in North Center, replacing the current Wintrust North Center drive-thru bank and a neighboring vacant two-story building at 2137-47 W. Irving Park Road.
The project is significant for the neighborhood as it will bring new housing options and retail space, including affordable units in line with city requirements. The development will feature 24 condominium units, all with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with 4,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and 24 parking spaces. Mike Barrett, co-founder of Barrett Homes, said his company is still finalizing pricing but expects most condos to be priced between $700,000 and $1,000,000. “We hope to break ground this summer and deliver by the end of 2027. The [condo] units will be for sale, not rent. We are still working on pricing but all units will feature three bedrooms and two baths,” Barrett told Block Club.
Two of the condos will be designated as affordable under the city’s Affordable Requirements Ordinance. Alderman Matt Martin (47th) recently approved a zoning change needed for the project to proceed. Martin said in a statement: “Notably, the new construction will bring two much-needed affordable condos sold at 30 [percent average median income] to families making less than $50,000.” He also noted that the North Center Neighbors Association supports the project because it aligns with goals from the 2021 Irving Park Corridor Study.
Building amenities are set to include a heated attached garage with an elevator, sustainable features such as a bike room designed for electric and cargo bikes, and a partial green roof. The developer revised its original plan from five stories down to four after discussions with community members. Additional changes based on feedback included setting back the top floor by four feet to match nearby buildings due to proximity to St. Benedict’s Church.
The property next door was added after conversations with neighbors so that off-street parking could be provided for all units and larger living spaces could be offered. Barrett Homes also agreed to install a bike rack in front of the building and remove existing curb cuts on Irving Park Road and Hamilton Avenue—measures intended to improve pedestrian safety on the block.
As construction moves forward later this year, residents can expect continued updates about progress and further details regarding unit availability.
