Initial details have been revealed for the mixed-use development at 4735 N Western Avenue in Lincoln Square. Located just south of the intersection with W Lawrence Avenue and a few steps north of the CTA Brown Line Western station, the new proposal will redevelop the existing two-story structure that caught fire a few years ago. Now developer Rany Management is working with local firm Kennedy Mann Architects on the new concept.
Site context map and views of 4735 N Western Avenue via LoopNet
Previously holding a bank with a drive-thru, a fire in 2020 left the structure partially vacant with its parking lot and drive-thru being demolished for the upcoming affordable residential development at 4715 N Western Avenue directly to the south. Originally built in the 1970’s with 184 feet of street frontage and over 16,000 square feet of space, it has seen a handful of updates since to its facade which is currently anchored by two triangle pediments that will be demolished as part of the work.
Rendering of 4735 N Western Avenue by Kennedy Mann Architects
The ground floor has roughly 5,300 square feet of commercial space which is partially occupied by the only tenant in the building KickHouse Studios, though it is unclear if they will remain, a Rain Forest Learning Center preschool is set to join the structure. Above that will be 11 residential units made up of studios and two-bedroom layouts of which none will be affordable as it has been pre-approved by the city.
Rendering of 4735 N Western Avenue by Kennedy Mann Architects
While no additional parking is being proposed for the Transit Oriented Development (TOD), future residents will have plenty of transit options nearby including the aforementioned Brown Line station. The facade will also see a major remodel and be replaced with a black metal panel exterior with blue-colored accent panels on the second floor according to Block Club. Currently 3F Construction is executing the work which is expected to mostly wrap up by the end of the summer.
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The ordinance for affordable units is 10 or above if the project receives City Council approval for an entitlement, a city land purchase or financial assistance to provide a portion of the units as affordable housing. It’s already zoned appropriately therefore no ARO is required. 11 units is likely the legal max lot area per unit.
Hey Dave! Thanks for the correction, the article has been updated.
Facade looks cheap, like something you’d see in Denver or similar. Nice to see the building finally restored, though, and appreciate that housing is incorporated.