Additional details have been revealed as permits have been issued for the upcoming residential development at 545 East Oakwood Boulevard in Bronzeville. Sitting on the corner with South Vincennes Avenue near Mandrake Park, the proposal will replace the existing Holy Angels School building, which has been closed for nearly a decade.
Site plan of 545 E Oakwood Blvd by Hanna Architects
Just over a year ago, we covered when the previous developer of the site had put the school and its surrounding land up for sale after receiving a demolition permit. Since then, a new owner has taken over the property under an LLC tied to the site’s address. They plan to continue building the previously approved plans revealed in 2024, having now received a full building permit.
Floor plans of 545 E Oakwood Blvd by Hanna Architects
Designed by Hanna Architects, the structure would stand four stories above ground, with a partially sunken garden level below. The 60-foot-tall building would feature a sawtooth facade along Vincennes as the road angles, allowing for multiple columns of balconies for the units inside. In total, there will be 47 residences made up of one- and two-bedroom layouts.
Elevation of 545 E Oakwood Blvd by Hanna Architects
The brick-clad structure will also feature cast-stone accents and follow a similar motif to many of the area’s historic three-flats. Additionally, residents will have access to a small eight-vehicle parking lot in the rear. While no timeline is currently known, a general contractor has been selected, and demolition of the lead-contaminated school is still needed.
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A shame to lose that school structure – would have been great bones for housing. Definitely not as dense or profitable as this Hanna housing
Actually redeveloping the existing building would yield 48 units, so one more than this proposal. According to the linked article from last year. So IMHO, the new building should be taller so it adds more units than redevelopment – or the builder should do the redevelopment.
The first plan also included demolishing the school.
It was reported the existing structure has SEVERE lead exposure combined with a compromised structure.
The facade will be another massive lost, but there’s just nothing of value to be able to recoup the exterior beauty. It’s a shame the building was left to reach that condition. Reminds me of another beaut left to rot in the West Loop.