A single-family frame residence on the corner of Armitage Avenue and Wood Street in the Bucktown neighborhood will soon be replaced by a two-unit building permitted by the city on January 12. Assigned to 1803 West Armitage, the new permit allows for a three-story plus basement structure, indicating one duplex-down unit and one duplex-up, though it is not clear of they will be condominiums or rental properties.
Site context of 1801 West Armitage Avenue, via Google Maps
The entity of 1801 W Armitage LLC will redevelop the parcel with a building that is to include rear stairs and a raised rear deck, a private rooftop deck, and covered porches on the rear of the first and second levels. A detached two-car garage will be erected on the alley accessed from Wood Street, and it too will have a roof deck. A wood fence will enclose the back of the property, and ornamental iron fences will separate the front of the building from the street. Plans were drawn up by 360 Design Studio, and Millennial Builders Inc will be the general contractor. The permit carries with it a reported cost of $609,150.
A frame SFR addressed as 1801 West Armitage and erected in 1888 was permitted for demolition on December 12 of last year, with Brophy Excavation named as the demo contractor at a reported cost of $12,250. Real estate records show a sale of the property to the LLC for $525,000 in October of last year. Some listings marketed the property as a tear down, including the indication that the home had already sold before the listing went to print.
1801 West Armitage from the alley, via Google Street View
The nearest elevated train access to 1803 West Armitage would be the Western and Damen Blue Line platforms, each about three-quarters of a mile away. But a walk west of four short blocks to Damen Avenue leads to stops for the #50 bus, which can be ridden south to connect with the Damen platform. Bus stops for the Route 73 bus are available at the intersection of Wood and Armitage, and another walk of four short blocks, this time to the east, leads to #9 buses at Ashland Avenue. That walk will also take residents to the Clybourn Metra station, where they can board UP-N and UP-NW trains.
Transit locations along Armitage Avenue, via Google Maps
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While this building doesn’t appear to have architectural significance. It’s loss is still a loss of our previous built structure. This building stood for 138 years. I can only hope that some of that structure is salvaged for future use.
I hope so but doubt it. They dont care about architecture at all. They just to crank out as many of these ugly buildings as they could.
We have to pick our battles. Preservation is really important but not everything can be saved and much more unique and significant buildings have been torn down so there’s really no point worrying about a building like this with nothing unique, no ornamentation, no brickwork, just a blank worker’s cottage. To reiterate yes I like preserving history but this neighborhood is so high demand and has been lacking the development it should have for such demand so this is a win for much needed housing in this area and in general so more people can afford to live in this great part of town (also near downtown and the blue line) and to reduce the soaring costs of housing in the city.
Should also be more than 2 units. Pilsen has new approved 6 unit buildings on the same lot size although this is near the highway so not really the best part of the neighborhood. Constant noise and more traffic on that part of Armitage than other parts because of the highway
What’s to save/salvage? The old growth 2x4s and 2x6s usually found in these older wood frame cottages? Some oak trim from the interior?
All very labor intensive. And then where does this material go? The Rebuilding eXchange, Great Lakes Yard and the ReUse Depot all closed down. The people I know in the business who make an effort to both save and reuse this stuff can be counted on one hand.
Agree not much good salvage on this building. The real surprise is it lasted so long in it current state
What a fascinating little house pushed out on that corner. rip