Facade work is now underway for a five-story mixed-use development known as The Balaban, located at 4806 N Magnolia Avenue in Uptown.
The Balaban (4806 N Magnolia Avenue). Photo by Jack Crawford
The Balaban (4806 N Magnolia Avenue). Photo by Jack Crawford
Developed by JAB Real Estate, the new building will provide ground-level retail with 54 apartments above, and will replace a former parking lot. Notably the name “Balaban” is derived from the theater corporation that owned the nearby Uptown Theater.
The Balaban (4806 N Magnolia Avenue). Photo by Jack Crawford
The Balaban (4806 N Magnolia Avenue). Photo by Jack Crawford
SPACE Architects + Planners is responsible for the design, whose massing includes a series of bays that wrap around the exterior. The facade incorporates a concrete-clad base with mixed-shaded metal paneling on the above floors.
The Balaban (4806 N Magnolia Avenue). Photo by Jack Crawford
As far as transportation, the project will have 27 surface-level parking spaces located in the rear exterior. For public transit, nearest bus access can be found a two-minute walk east to the intersection of Broadway and Lawrence, with stops for Routes 36 and 81. Route 22 is also in close proximity located at Clark & Lawrence a seven-minute walk west. CTA L Red Line service can be found via a three-minute walk east to Lawrence station. Those wishing to access the Purple Line can also find Wilson station via an eight-minute walk southeast.
As far as outdoor space in the area, both Gooseberry Playlot Park and Hickory Playlot Park are within a five-minute walking radius. Additional access to larger spaces such as Arai Campus Park and the Montrose Beach area are within a 20-minute walk to the east.
The Balaban (4806 N Magnolia Avenue) rear. Photo by Jack Crawford
I & M Construction is listed as the general contractor for the construction. A full completion is expected for later this year.
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Awful name and even more awful design.
Chicago has got to do away with these archaic parking requirements. This is three minutes from an L stop, it should be considered TOD. This project shouldn’t have an ounce of parking.
I think the name is a nice nod to its across-the-street neighbor, the Uptown. But agree with the parking requirement and abysmal design.
I’ve seen this design before…. In every other article about a multi-family building proposed, breaking-ground or wrapping up.
The name is fine. It’s a shame the actual UPTOWN THEATER next door is not renovated after plans were announced three years ago, but we all know the story by now.
I’m impressed they actually are using stone on the first floor and someone finally pushed a residential building above four stories around here which feels like some imaginary ceiling. Disappointingly, they cheapened out on the rest of the building with metal panels which should be brick/terracotta/limestone like the rest of the gorgeous buildings in this area. This facade is an insult.