Cladding is nearing completion for a five-story mixed-use building at 4806 N Magnolia Avenue in Uptown. Dubbed “The Balaban” after the owners behind the adjacent Uptown Theatre, the project is behind developed by JAB Real Estate and will replace a former parking lot. Programming will yield ground-level retail and 54 apartments on the four upper floors. Of the 54 units, 10 will be studios. Parking will offer 27 surface spaces located in the rear.
![The Balaban](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_4186.jpeg)
The Balaban. Photo by Jack Crawford
![The Balaban](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_4193.jpeg)
The Balaban. Photo by Jack Crawford
![The Balaban](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_4197.jpeg)
The Balaban. Photo by Jack Crawford
In-unit features comprise of floor-to-ceiling windows, granite countertops and modern steel appliances, hardwood flooring, high ceilings, custom baths, and balconies in select units. Studios will span 550 square feet at a rate of $1,535 per month. One-bedroom units will stretch between 576 and 783 square feet at a rate of $1,604 to $1,742. Lastly, two-bedroom units will range from 800 to 870 square feet at a rate of $1,971 to $2,154.
![The Balaban unit interior](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/unit-1-300x200.jpeg)
The Balaban unit interior. Rendering by SPACE Architects + Planners
![The Balaban unit interior](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/unit-2-300x200.jpeg)
The Balaban unit interior. Rendering by SPACE Architects + Planners
Resident amenities will include two rooftop decks, a bar and community room, a dog run, a fitness facility, and a business center.
![The Balaban amenity lounge](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/amenity-bar-300x200.jpeg)
The Balaban amenity lounge. Rendering by SPACE Architects + Planners
![The Balaban amenity terrace](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/amenity-deck-300x200.jpeg)
The Balaban amenity terrace. Rendering by SPACE Architects + Planners
![The Balaban](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/alt-rendering-300x250.jpeg)
The Balaban. Rendering by SPACE Architects + Planners
SPACE Architects + Planners is behind the design. Concrete wraps around the ground floor, while the above floors will include multi-shade metal paneling. The rectangular massing will also be divided by bays of varying widths.
![The Balaban](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_4188.jpeg)
The Balaban. Photo by Jack Crawford
![The Balaban](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_4199.jpeg)
The Balaban. Photo by Jack Crawford
Bus access in the area includes stops for Routes 36 and 81 located at the intersection of Broadway & Lawrence, a two-minute walk east. Additional service for Route 22 can be found via a seven-minute walk west to Clark & Lawrence. The site is also in close vicinity of the CTA, with the Red Line at Lawrence station within a three-minute walk east. Meanwhile, Wilson station is available via an eight-minute walk southeast, with access to the Purple Line.
![The Balaban](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_4183.jpeg)
The Balaban. Photo by Jack Crawford
![The Balaban](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_4182.jpeg)
The Balaban. Photo by Jack Crawford
![The Balaban](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_4181.jpeg)
The Balaban. Photo by Jack Crawford
Residents will find various green spaces within a five-minute walk, such as Hickory Playlot Park to the northeast and Gooseberry Playlot Park to the southwest.
![The Balaban](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_4208.jpeg)
The Balaban. Photo by Jack Crawford
![The Balaban](https://chicagoyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_4207.jpeg)
The Balaban. Photo by Jack Crawford
I & M Construction is serving as general contractor for the $4 million undertaking, with work expected to wrap up later this year.
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Good density. Terrible design. I don’t know why I thought there was going to be stone on the base instead of concrete.