The Chicago City Council has approved TIF funds for the residential redevelopment of the former Pioneer Arcade building at 1539 North Pulaski Road in Humboldt Park. Located just south of the intersection with West North Avenue, the historic two-story structure will anchor a larger building being developed by the Hispanic Housing Development Corporation.
Site map of Pioneer Arcade via City of Chicago
View of Pioneer Arcade via City of Chicago
Working with local architecture firm UrbanWorks, the plans call for preserving the historic Spanish Baroque façade as well as select elements from the original lobby. Built in 1925, the building served the community as a recreation hall for 80 years. The developer purchased the property in the mid-2000s and has been working toward redevelopment since.
Demi plan of 1539 North Pulaski Road by UrbanWorks
Site plan of 1539 North Pulaski Road by UrbanWorks
Announced earlier this year, the current plans include a new six-story addition to the rear and side of the historic structure. The project will also feature a 26-space parking lot, a dog run, and a community farm area behind the building. The preserved portion will house a remodeled lobby, a fitness room, and office space for supportive services.
Floor plans of 1539 North Pulaski Road by UrbanWorks
As the development will serve seniors, the second floor will include a large community room with dining space as well as an area for medical check-ups. The remainder of the structure will contain 61 residential units, comprising 58 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom layouts. All units will be affordable for households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI).
Elevation of 1539 North Pulaski Road by UrbanWorks
Section of 1539 North Pulaski Road by UrbanWorks
The project’s total cost is estimated at $36 million, funded through $16 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from IHDA, $6 million from HUD, and $13.2 million in TIF funds recently approved by the city. With its funding secured, the proposal will now proceed to the permitting phase. The team hopes to begin construction early next year and complete the project by the start of 2028.
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It is not that complicated to seize the moment with a great and spirited existing building and design a facade, if not an entire building that extends the joy and exuberance of the existing structure. This proposal fails.
This building is over the top and it’s a tough order to duplicate any elements of it with going down the Disney route. Perhaps a separation of the addition at street level would be a good start and perhaps moving the building at the rear back even further – let the building stand alone.
While I agree with the comments above from a style perspective, sometimes there’s just not enough money to make it happen. So let’s not make perfect the enemy of the good. Much needed, new supportive senior housing is the good.
Awesome project. They preserve the original facade while adding a bunch of new livable space. Can’t wait to see it built!
just say ugliness
At present, the facade is covered in graffiti with the lower level boarded up and dilapidated. They are offering to fully restore the original facade, while adding significant livable space.
This is a massive win for preserving Chicago history, not only in restoring the building, but by making the building vibrant and active once again, thanks to the additional living units.
This is as good as it realistically gets, and far better than what we usually get. I’m cheering this project every step of the way. We all should be.