Renovation is now visible and in full swing for the Victor F. Lawson House, a 24-story Near North Side high rise, which was built in 1931. Located at 30 W Chicago Avenue and formerly a YMCA, developer Holsten Real Estate plans to convert the 272-foot structure to 408 apartment units, deconverted from 538 single room occupancy. Programming will also include on-site social services and ground-level retail.
Lawson House Renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Lawson House Renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Lawson House Renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Lawson House Renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
In exchange for the property’s $1 price tag, the developer agreed to keep the units entirely affordable until at least 2073. Holstein has received funding via $17.6 million loan from the city, a $79.4 million loan from Chase Bank, and a $17.2 million loan from the Illinois Housing Development Authority. Additional financial incentives include low housing tax credits and $12.4 million in historic preservation tax credits.
Lawson House Renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
The scope of the renovation work within the units includes the integration of private kitchens and baths (formerly community spaces under the YMCA), as well as HVAC upgrades and in-unit air conditioning. Beyond the residences the existing gymnasiums is set to be retrofitted into a fully-equipped fitness center. The original Art Deco design by Perkins, Chatten & Hammond will be preserved and refurbished, with workers already visible along these outer walls. The project architect for this current work is Farr Associates.
Lawson House Renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Lawson House Renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Lawson House sits at the convergence of several public transportation options, including bus service for Routes 22, 36, and 66 all within a single block’s length. CTA L Red Line trains are accessible via the Chicago subway station, just paces to the east.
Lawson House Renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Walsh Construction is the general contractor. Work is expected to wrap up by 2024.
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408 “affordable” apartments. I am dying to see the price in comparison to the One Chicago units across the street.
I moved in Lawson at 42 a broken out of work drunk 2002. In 2004 I finnaly gave up and just like that walking into Holy Name it all got better I’m not Catholic but I kept going back. Know in setting calmly in Eadgewater waiting on my new digs. Leon 62, retired trucker.
I lived in the Lawson Y in the mid 70s after returning from Vietnam. I saved every dollar I could during my two years there. It was not fancy, but it was close to everything, with a subway station right outside.
I lived at the Lawson YMCA in 1958, a new Chicago resident, 18 years old, new job as an apprentice artist at Litho Paint-Poster co.
I lived there for 9mos in 2011-2012. It was decent and affordable.
They should have fixed up the old swimming pool, it would have been a nice feature for the building, especially since it was already there, and would cost a lot to replace. I hope they fixed up the log cabin room.
I sincerely thank Mr. & Mrs. P. Holsten , for their commitment and generosity, to provide affordable housing for as many people as they possibly can. I’m positive that their example will encourage others to do the same.