An apartment building at 3202 North Racine Avenue has risen to its ultimate height in Lake View. Replacing a now-demolished BP gas station on the northwest corner of Racine and Belmont Avenues, the five-story, 27-unit project is being delivered by Exemplary Builders, who are both the developer and general contractor.
South façade facing Belmont Avenue. Photo by Daniel Schell
Sidewalk canopy along Belmont. Photo by Daniel Schell
Looking south from Racine Avenue. Photo by Daniel Schell
East façade and crews working atop the wall. Photo by Daniel Schell
Vari Architects designed the elevator building to include about 4,000 square feet of retail space and a 24-car garage on the ground floor. The retail spaces will occupy the front of the building, facing Belmont, while the garage will be accessed from the rear alley off Racine. Storage for 17 bicycles will also be included. A visit in late September shows masonry crews working on the fifth and highest floor. There is a lot of brickwork here.
The construction permit was issued on August 23 of last year. A separate permit to install the passenger elevator was issued on March 13 of this year. Demolition of the gas station was issued October 26, 2023.
From the alley running behind the building off Racine. Photo by Daniel Schell
From the alley. Photo by Daniel Schell
Google Street View image of the now-demolished BP station.
Gas station demo permit issued 10/26/2023, via Chicago Data Portal
New construction permit issued 08/23/2023, via Chicago Data Portal
Residents of 3202 North Racine will find CTA bus service via Route 77 right outside their door. For north-south travel, Routes 9 and X9 buses run about half a mile to the west along Ashland Avenue. The Belmont Red/Brown/Purple Line platform is about four blocks to the east.
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Seeing the demise of that gas station and the people oriented development taking its place is more delightful than a box of eclairs.
Oh I love this. What a glow up!
I know the City’s crane count is low this year, but it seems like there is a lot of these 4-5 story apartment buildings going up. Any idea on the number of those going up this year?
It’s also good to note these buildings have elevators. Back in the day, these would have been walk-ups.
I played many video games at that Gas station before it was a BP gas station ⛽. Bought my first cigarettes there too.
Neighborhood changing Big Time.
I love seeing a gas station bite the dust as much as the next guy. But we actually do need SOME gas stations in the city, lest people won’t be able to fill their tanks!
Awwww
Walk.
Huge upgrade from a gas station!
live right by here and am very excited to see this and a handful of other great projects going up on Belmont. I wish the developer would say what type of tenant they’re trying to attract for the commercial space (i.e. a small gym vs a restaurant vs a barber)
Have you tried contacting them? Here’s their website: https://www.exemplarybuilders.com/