Plans have been revealed for the redevelopment of the former Inn at Lincoln Park, located at 601 W Diversey Parkway in Lincoln Park. Situated at the intersection with N Lehmann Court, the property has sat vacant for the past few years. Now, developer Validus Capital aims to breathe new life into the aging structure by converting it into residential units.
Image of 601 W Diversey Parkway via Google Maps
Original 1916 image of hotel (left) – 2014 redevelopment plan (right)
The four-story hotel was originally constructed in 1916 at a cost of $150,000 and has served as a hotel ever since, and at one point even housing Al Capone’s rival, Vincent Drucci. In the 1990s, it was converted into a Comfort Inn, and later rebranded as the Inn at Lincoln Park in 2004 before ultimately closing not long after. Since then, several failed attempts have been made to demolish the building and replace it with a new hotel.
Ground floor plan for 601 W Diversey Parkway by SPACE Architects + Planners
Fourth floor plan for 601 W Diversey Parkway by SPACE Architects + Planners
Validus Capital has now partnered with local firm SPACE Architects + Planners to transform the existing structure into 40 residential units. The unit mix will include seven studios, 12 one-bedrooms, 19 two-bedrooms, and two three-bedroom layouts—some of which will be duplexes located on the upper floors. The ground floor will also feature a small retail space, complete with a new entrance and large-format windows.
Image of 601 W Diversey Parkway via Google Maps
Elevation for 601 W Diversey Parkway by SPACE Architects + Planners
While the redevelopment does not include parking because the adjacent lot is used by a neighboring retail building, each unit will have access to on-site bike parking. Additionally, some of the building’s windows will be replaced in-kind where necessary. The project is now awaiting approval for zoning variances, and building permit applications have already been submitted.
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Happy that the previous rendering will not come into fruition, and that the current building will be re-developed (even tho it’s not a beauty). But keeping those super ugly, out of proportion, out of place, windows on the first level’s corners… cannot wrap my head around it. Eyesore!
Totally agree with you – the first thing I thought when I saw the photo of the current building was, “at least they’ll fix the facade re-muddle!” Then I saw the design drawing and, I kid you not, face palmed.
Totally seems like a missed opportunity in an otheriwse good plan. If restoring the original arches isn’t possible, I would have assummed Plan B would open up the walls with a traditional retail facade of mostly glass. Those dorky little windows will make any business in there a shady operation (pun intended)
In complete agreement. What kind of tasteless architect came up with that?
Thank GOD that 2014 plan never panned out. Holy moly what at travesty it would have been
Glad it’s remaining if only for sentimental reasons. I stayed here during the deadly heat wave of 1995 while I searched for my first apartment in Chicago. Just looking at the place makes me sweat.
Why can’t it be both a hotel and rental? Or a condo/hotel?
We have tons of hotels already and more demand for housing than hotels
Imagine forcing a corporate hotel chain to actually try on their architecture.
I’m glad the Hampton Inn never got built. Everywhere deserves much better. I like Hampton Inn as a stay, I just wish all cities saw the value in place making with these corporations. The few cities that do are so much better for it.
That Hampton Inn design was pure evil
I’m not clear about the parking area. It remains? That’s a shame. Maybe the owners can acquire the other building that’s using it (at least that’s the way I understand it) and eliminate the parking and build more units. This would be TOD eligible, no?