In a somewhat unusual scenario for a small residential development, a foundation-only permit was issued for a three-unit building at 225 West Alexander Street in Chinatown. The permit, which came through on September 14 after waiting in the Chicago Data Portal since September 18 of last year, includes a reported cost of $100,000.

Site context of 225 West Alexander Street, via Google Maps
The single-family home on the parcel was permitted for demolition in August 2025. The owner of that home, who purchased the property for $220,000 in November 2015, is having the new units built. The permit names Richard Kasemsarn as the architect of record, with Sunergy Builders Inc. of Schaumburg slated to be the general contractor. The only detail included in the permissions for the foundation is that the building will have three residential units. There is no mention as to the number of stories, a basement level, parking, nor any architectural specifications. Curiously, there is no full construction permit waiting in the portal.

rear of the property from West 23rd Street. There is no alley. Image via Google Street View

Local transit options, via Google Maps
West Alexander Street lies between 22nd Place and 23rd Street. The rear of this lot backs up to 23rd Street; if parking is included, it would be accessed from here. As this is a block with very little off-street parking, it seems likely that none would be included with the three new units. Instead. residents will have access to the CTA’s Route 21, 24, and 62 buses within two-block walks to the north and east. The south entrance to the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line platform is less than three blocks northeast, with the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station just a few blocks farther east.
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