On Monday a demolition permit was issued by the City of Chicago for the single-story commercial building at 1950 West Lawrence Avenue in Ravenswood. The long-time home of a discount furniture store, the property is slated for redevelopment into a five-story, 12-unit residential building.
Many members of the preservation community have urged developers to incorporate the terra cotta façade into the new design. At this time, the fate of that façade is unknown. We have reached out to the developer and designer for more information.
Site map of 1950 West Lawrence Avenue in Ravenswood, via Google Maps
The same day the permit was issued, January 6, a permit revision was filed to the pending new construction permit. Notable changes include new ownership, with real estate records showing the property was sold in July to Vista Group Realty for $875,000, and a new general contractor, listed as Remodeling Consultants in Bucktown.
Peeking through the front door. Photo by Daniel Schell
1950 West Lawrence from the alley. Photo by Daniel Schell
Other specifications we’ve known about the new development remain the same. Jonathan SPLITT Architects is the architect of record. There will be parking and retail space on the ground level, with the residential units occupying the upper four floors. Mulroy Demolition & Excavation of Lincolnwood, IL is named as the demo contractor, at an estimated cost of $38,000.
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I’m generally in support of development but five stories is way too tall for that narrow site.
The site is 43′ wide.
That’s PLENTY wide enough for a 5 story building.
You may not be “generally in support of development” if you’re complaining that a site is too narrow to build a five story building when the site is already surrounded by three story buildings. Not sure why this site wouldn’t be too narrow for a three story building but somehow is for a five story building. Could be 10 stories and be completely fine if the layouts make sense and the building is structurally sound.
It’s not the most exciting example of terra cotta but please incorporate the front facade into the new structure. Please.
The City should consider its historic preservation grant program to encourage developers to preserve some of these facades. It costs more to do it, but if there’s a public, aesthetic benefit, then there’s a case for public funding.