Foundation work can be seen for a new single-story addition at the former site of the iconic Al’s Beef Restaurant, situated at 169 W Ontario Street in River North. The sandwich hub had occupied the existing single-story masonry building from 1985 to 2020, upon which it relocated just one block south to 548 N Wells Street.
169 W Ontario Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
169 W Ontario Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
According to a revised permit issued this past November, the owner, listed under GSAS/Ontario LLC, plans for a new 3,100-square-foot space adjacent to the original low-rise. Set to replace a surface parking lot, this new venue will also accommodate a patio and trash enclosure. The originally issued permit from April of this year called for the alterations of the existing edifice, including MEP replacements.
169 W Ontario Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
169 W Ontario Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
Jeremiah Johnson of CBD Architects is the architect of record for the work, though no drawings or renderings appear to be available. Exact details regarding the design of the addition are currently unknown, though YIMBY will provide future updates as the design begins to take shape.
Future staff and patrons will have access to southbound bus service for Route 37, situated along the adjacent intersection of Wells & Ontario. Also within a two-block radius are additional Routes 65, 125, and 156. The CTA L is also close by, with service for the Brown and Purple Lines at Chicago station via a six-minute walk northwest.
169 W Ontario Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
The roughly $500,000 project is being carried out by Blackwood Group LLC as the general contractor. Details regarding a completion timeline or future tenant are not currently known.
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It was supposed to be a new Big Star, but I’m not sure if those are still the plans.