Facade work is progressing toward completion at the former Sears store located at 4712 W Irving Park Road in Portage Park. The location is transforming into a $90 million, six-story mixed-use development. Spearheaded by Novak Construction as the developer and general contractor, the redevelopment will yield 50,000 square feet of retail space and 206 residential units, with Target confirmed as the anchor retail tenant.
4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo by Jack Crawford
4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo by Jack Crawford
4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo by Jack Crawford
Fifth-floor loft unit. Rendering via Novak / MG2
The redesigned building will offer a range of residential layouts, from studio to two-bedroom units, many featuring high ceilings and loft spaces. Adhering to Chicago’s ARO guidelines, Novak will include six on-site affordable housing units and make a $2 million contribution to the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund. Additional amenities feature a rooftop lounge, an outdoor pool deck, and 275 parking spaces for residents and shoppers.
Fifth-floor loft unit. Rendering via Novak / MG2
4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo by Jack Crawford
4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo by Jack Crawford
4712 W Irving Park Road
Vintage photo of 4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo via Sears Holding Archives
Preserving the building’s historic essence has been a priority; Novak Construction has collaborated with architecture firm MG2 to maintain key Art Deco elements of the original 1938 Sears store, designed by Chicago-based Nimmons, Carr & Wright. The modernized exterior will blend glass, brick, and metal accents with refurbished concrete paneling. A new fifth floor and additional building wings are also part of the update, along with a strengthened pentagonal glass enclosure at the Six Corners intersection.
Progression of renovation work between Feb 2022 and Aug 2023. Photos by Jack Crawford
4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo by Jack Crawford
4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo by Jack Crawford
4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo by Jack Crawford
4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo by Jack Crawford
Enhancements extend beyond the building to the surrounding streetscape. Cuyler Avenue is set to become a more pedestrian-friendly zone, complete with new sidewalks, trees, benches, and public art installations.
4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo by Jack Crawford
4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo by Jack Crawford
4712 W Irving Park Road. Photo by Jack Crawford
Local public transportation options include bus Routes 54, 54A, 56, and 80 available at the nearby intersections of Irving Park, Milwaukee, and Cicero. For rail commuters, Grayland station is a 10-minute walk to the southeast, and the CTA L Blue Line’s Irving Park station lies 20 minutes to the east.
The project remains on schedule for completion later this year.
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Stunning!!
What a great move for the future of Chicago’s redevelopment by updating the character of Old Chicago. Novak Construction has done a deserved rehabilitation to Old Chicago.
Great Job