One of Chicago’s most unique preservation projects continues in Lincoln Park, as erection of the steel framework continues at the Second Church Of Christ, Scientist. With the west, south, and east façades still intact, the gutted former church, located at 2700 North Pine Grove Avenue, now holds a steel frame upon which a six-story, 22-unit residential building from Ogden Partners is blooming, thanks to construction work by general contractor MC Construction.
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Booth Hansen is the design architect behind the project, which got started in summer 2023 with demolition work on the 1901-built, Solon Beman-designed building. All of the dwelling units here will be three-bedroom floor plans. A garage with 31 parking spaces will be located below grade, and there will be storage space for 17 bicycles. The church congregation, which has been holding most of its gatherings via Zoom during construction, will reconvene in a new 4,700-square-foot meeting space on the ground floor.
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Since our last visit in August, significant progress has been made on the steel, and the concrete ramp leading to the underground parking has been formed. Crews are working with great care to avoid any damage to the historic façades.
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Hope this project is successful so there’s more chance facadectomies are done more frequently. I know a lot of purists hate the idea, but when these facades are so beautiful and irreplaceable and it’s not practical to use the rest of the existing structure, I’d much prefer the facade being reused.
Why will there be only 17 bike slots while there will be 31 garage spots? Certainly with 3Br units, it is likely that there would be more than 1 bike per unit. Will everyone be hanging their bikes in their foyers?