Plans have been revealed for a new mixed-use development at 526 North Western Avenue within Smith Park. The proposal would replace a small commercial building near the intersection with West Grand Avenue, just southwest of Ukrainian Village. The small bow-truss structure most recently housed a migrant shelter until its closure in 2024.
Site context map of 526 N Western Ave via Google Maps
Efforts are being led by Panoptic Group, which has been building small-scale projects in recent years. The developer has been working with local design firm Hanna Architects on the five-story structure, which will rise to approximately 59 feet in height. The exterior will be clad in a mix of corrugated decorative panels and brick.
Elevations of 526 N Western Ave by Hanna Architects
The ground floor will include 1,830 square feet of commercial space along the streetfront, as well as a small lobby and a nine-car parking garage at the rear along the alley. The floors above will contain nine residential units, all of which will be three-bedroom layouts. There will be no affordable units, as the project falls just below the threshold required by the ordinance.
Floor plans of 526 N Western Ave by Hanna Architects
While all units will feature a private balcony, the three top-floor units will also have access to a rooftop family room and outdoor deck. The team has already submitted a zoning application to the city, though no timeline has been announced.
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You’ll be paying for the world class view of the liquor store parking lot.
This whole area has a lot of potential. Once Metra redoes the A-2 interlocking, hopefully they will also upgrade the Western Ave station. This whole cluster is ripe for TOD.