Demolition work is underway on five buildings in the 1200-block of North Ashland Avenue in Wicker Park that will soon see two new residential develops begin construction. A pair of demo permits were issued about two weeks ago to get started on 16 residential units at 1235 North Ashland, followed a week later by permits to tear down three buildings standing in the way of 24 new units at 1257 North Ashland.
Toward the south end of the block, all but the facade of 1235 has been eradicated, and crews have turned their attention to 1237. Buildmax Company of Villa Park is the demolition contractor for both sets of teardowns, working for Noah Properties, the developer and general contractor of the new apartments.
The demo crew works along the roofline at 1237 North Ashland. The top of the facade at 1235 is barely visible at right. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
What remains of 1237 North Ashland, from the alley. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Just to the north closer to mid-block, another demolition crew is painstakingly taking apart the attic level of the four-story 1301 North Ashland, being careful to protect the building next to it on its north side. To its south, 1259 and 1257 will be razed next.
1301 North Ashland has gotten a buzz cut, and is now shorter than 1259 next door, which is still intact. Photo by Daniel Schell
1301 North Ashland. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
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Rip…I loved this neighborhood so much 10 years ago, its so fleeting now.
I’m sad to see the building at 1237 N Ashland go, but the new buildings that are supposed to take their place look pretty decent, and it’s always good to density the neighborhood
It looks like they did carefully remove the building’s green roof tiles, and I can hope that they’re doing the same with the stone detailing
Real talk: I keep hearing people clamor for more density, more housing, etc etc. I can see it with my own eyes – we’ve added hundred of residential skyscrapers in the past 30-40yrs. We’ve destroyed endless historical low-rises to be replaced with generic new condos, yet Chicago’s population has decrease by over 10% in the past 40 years.
What’s the point of all the redevelopment, if families don’t end up putting down roots here.
Another neighborhood losing its personality.