Details have been revealed for a new mixed-use development at 2424 S California Avenue within Little Village. Located on the southwest corner with W 24th Boulevard, the new structure would replace the school building of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, which will also be incorporated into the overall project.
Site context map for 2424 S California Avenue via Google Maps
Efforts for the project are being led by Brinshore Development who is also working on other proposals we’ve covered recently like yesterday’s 547 W Oak Street. They have partnered up with Canopy Architecture + Design to bring a new seven-story and 78-foot tall building to the corner, while also converting the existing church building.
Site plan for 2424 S California Avenue by Canopy Architecture + Design
The church itself, which faces 24th Street, will have its facade repaired and be converted into office/commercial space. The new building will sit directly east and contain a 2,600 square-foot commercial space along California. In total, there will be 60-residential units of which 20-percent would have to be affordable.
Elevation for 2424 S California Avenue by Canopy Architecture + Design
Additionally, the existing parking lot and green space on the street corner will be converted into a new sunken courtyard and park space. However, residents will have access to 29-parking spaces on the west side of the church. The team is now pursuing a zoning change and will need city approval prior to moving forward, at the moment no timeline is known.
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Now this is exactly the kind of projects the city needs
Are you serious? Are you familiar with this area they are talking about? In an already overcrowded area, they are making it much worse! Not to mention, that’s a hotspot for the gangbangers. So technically you’re putting innocent people and children at risk.
Yolanda literal tu no sabes de lo que estás hablando. It’s disgraceful to try and weaponize children for your personal agenda. More people living in the area, and more housing, and more money, is how you combat generational disenfranchisement. You can invest in an area without just gentrifying the hell out of it and kicking people out- and if LV is so popular, then make it happen.
As someone who is familiar with the area, and does live close, I say let’s go.
I’m VERY familiar with Little Village and what goes on there. Just because they are putting up a 60 unit residential building doesn’t mean it’s going to help with the overcrowding in that particular area. You are just bringing MORE people to the area. IF you really were familiar with that area, that spot, you’d know parking is a severe problem. One family owns 10 vehicles. The alley is overwhelmed with vehicles and not to mention garbage cans. Oh let’s not forget the rat problem because instead of putting the trash into one of the thousands of garbage cans, they just toss it openly on the ground.
Hey if you like the area looking like slop, then enjoy this project. Maybe you can move in there. AND yes, you have the bangers come spring/ summer that will begin what they’re good at right there kiddy corner from the church (other side of California).
I’m not sure this development is going to bring the size of families which have 10 cars.
Yolanda, turn off the TV and actually go outside and experience the world. The news will offer a skewed view of reality, covering the topics that get views, which are the unpleasant events you mention. But actually go outside and go into the real world and you will realize all these claims are far overblown.
Is the world perfect? Of course not, but will these people be danger living here? Once again, the answer is no
I don’t need to turn off the TV and go into the world, I live in LV , do you? My statements are true. Anyone that moves there with “young sons” will be in trouble. I have nephews that can’t walk to 22nd st without being threatened of being a gangbanger. My apartment will be available soon, you can have that too.
I actually do live in LV. your views do not represent the community, and it sounds like you wont be a member of it much longer. you seem to want nothing to change, but all you can do is complain about how nothing changes. Those of us who have skin in the game and have worked with our blood sweat and tears to help bring about positive improvements are welcoming to anyone who wants to move here and who wants to contribute in a similar way.
What on Earth are you talking about? On what planet is Little Village considered over crowded? And how do new mixed-use developments contribute to crime? Where’s your data for that and what’s your alternative? Build a prison there instead?
If you knew anything about LV, you’d know that’s where Cook County jail is.
So why build another jail? One on California and across is their semi new one. I think that’s enough jails for that area right?
Did you actually just compare a nice new housing development to a jail? If anyone had any doubt I think they can safely stop taking you seriously.
That’s what I’m saying, so what’s your solution? LV needs a little responsible gentrification. More high quality homes to balance things out and bring high quality resources to the neighborhood. resources = money = tax dollars = higher property values. I don’t want to push the neighbors out obviously, but it doesn’t have to be strictly low income forever.
I quote: “In 2000, the population of Little Village was approximately 91,000, with 83% identifying as Hispanic. Recent data indicates a population of 64,336 residents, reflecting a decrease of about 29% since 2000.” So how is it overcrowded if it lost almost 30,000 people?
The population density of LV is about 17,000 people per square mile, which is actually quite good! But for reference, the highest density areas in Chicago like Uptown and Lincoln Square (where I live and want even more density) is 40,623 per square mile, so it’s not super dense.
How does a neighborhood become safer? Easy. More finances for more schools, police patrols, after school programs, and mixed income housing that provides stability for kids growing up. You can get that with handouts from the feds, but growing the tax base is the long-term solution. How do you keep things the way they are? Leave lots empty during periods of population decline so gangs can take over and do whatever they want.
Yolanda I want you to know I’m not against anything you’re saying I’m really glad you’re actually commenting! It’s great to hear opinions from someone who has long-standing roots in the neighborhood and I think it’s a great thing that you care so much! You’ve obviously seen a lot in your lifetime and it’s natural (and good) to feel really passionately about it! LV is lucky to have denizens who care a lot of the path it’s on and you obviously are one of the people keeping the community together.
I’m just really curious what your idea for a solution is. I think we can objectively state that LV is declining not growing, but you seem like a really engaged and experienced local so I think your suggestions are really important! I encourage you to really think about it — as someone who has been there for a long time, we have to do SOMETHING with empty land, what should it be! If this does become housing and the community gets more money, what can they spend the money on to help out? It’s important that your neighbors know how to best support you in case we ever have the opportunity to vote on this things! Enlighten me! I’m all ears
How the F is Little Village getting overcrowded?
LV population 2000: 91,071
LV polulation 2020: 71,399
It seems like LV could use all the new people that it can possibly attract to help stave off the urban depopulation death spiral that has knocked down so many other chicago neighborhoods.
Are you part of this project lol? Sorry to offend you by speaking the truth.
Have a wonderful day
Nope, I have absolutely zero involvement with this project.
I’m just trying to understand your weird claim that LV is somehow getting overcrowded despite the fact that it lost 20,000 people over the previous two decades.
The math ain’t adding up here.
Very happy these bigger projects are coming to Little Village to build up that eastern edge. Hopefully more follow.
yolanda, since when do you get to decide where other people choose to live? if the area is crowded that means there is significant demand to live there, which runs counter to your argument. it also means if new inventory isnt built, and demand remains strong, then prices increase even faster on existing inventory, which would more rapidly price people out. new inventory like this would help alleviate that.
How long have you lived in LV? I’m a long time resident, over 30 years. 30 years ago it wasn’t the way it is today.
Again, my nephews can’t even walk to the store without being harassed or stopped asking “which gang do you belong too?!”
All of you responding are probably the developers of this project or have something to do with it because there’s no way what you all are saying is true and you’re trying not to scare off innocent families.
I know a family that’s been a resident to LV over 100 years. They live extremely close to this project- few doors down. They recently put their property up for sale and getting the hell out of here.
You’re putting up sure a nice building but in the wrong neighborhood.
Families beware if you definitely have sons. It’s not safe.
Excuse me but YOU are the one that said, “should they build a prison instead?”. I was just letting you know there is 2 there already so stop trying to switch things up MATT! Although you should know this because you live in LV, right? Lol
I LIVE in LV & I don’t believe YOU do.
And I’ll say it AGAIN, anyone with children especially boys, LV isn’t a place for your family.
Yolanda and Matt, you are both incorrect. Someone else entirely mentioned a prison first. But that’s neither here nor there. Let’s keep things civilized, please. Everyone. You are all entitled to express your opinions and views, but please don’t attack each other.
Daniel, my apologies and you are absolutely correct, it was someone else. I will respect your comment and keep mine to myself.
Have a great day
It was me and all I said was a rhetorical question over “what would be better here, a prison?” Obviously not a suggestion that we should could or would build a prison here.
@Yolanda
You dont live there. And if you do, leave. You arent doing anything but making LV worse. Parking?? Too crowded?? Too dangerous?? Maybe the suburbs are for you. Or better yet red america because you seem to be obsessed with their talking points. Bye.
This is a great project!
Believe me I live in LV for over 30 years.
Don’t get upset because the truth hurts, I completely understand.
You are the reason the neighborhood is being is being held back. Time for you to leave. Which you said you are doing! So what happens to this plot of land shouldn’t matter very much to you. The people who are moving in who are interested in building a bright future for the neighborhood are who I care about. Not you
Again, anyone with a family with children especially boys, you do not belong in LV. I witnessed a young group of boys playing soccer on the BLVD during the day when gunfire broke out. Is that safe? Is this building that’s probably going to look fantastic going to help with gun violence and gangbangers in LV? Nope. Just another beautiful building for them to graffiti on too.
Rawrrrrrr!!!! Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!
Zaptron
There’s definitely more people living in LV than WE all are aware of. I live on the BLVD and have been here for 30+ years. A family member years ago did say this area will be up and coming one day.. maybe it will be?
I myself have seen a lot. I’ve dodged bullets, ran in the house. My home does have bullet holes in areas of the building because when the gangbangers start shooting, they don’t know how to aim correctly.
I’ve seen a dog get shot right in front of the “old convent” next to the church. I witnessed young boys sitting on their front porch only to be attacked by gangs (the parents moved them out immediately).
The neighbors next door to the convent have a huge lot (was sold though in 2018/2019 I don’t remember).
They owned that entire property (2flat, empty lots 2 garages one the size of a small house and a huge yard). They have been LV residents for over 90+ years. It’s generations in that building. They are now selling their property. But they always kept their property beautiful including the “empty lots”. I’m sad to see them go, I will go as well. I would love to see a change in LV for the better. Maybe one day..
I also mean no harm by my comments, I’m just saying the truth and what I’ve lived through. I’m sad to see that church go. It’s a beautiful church.
I believe the church building is staying and they are just turning it into commercial use inside and attaching apartments, so that’s great! Better than the north side where we tear everything down and build a McMansion. I agree churches are great places to anchor communities in safety and peace.
What do you think could help the LV community more? Is there anything you’ve had on your mind lately or heard other people mention that would be effective in healing the wounds and keeping kids on the right path?
What would I like to see? I’d love to see a safe environment. A safe environment for kids to be kids. To be able to go outside in the spring/ summer months and play safely with their friends. Their parents not having to worry.
That doesn’t happen here unfortunately.
And nobody can do anything about it not even the police.
On the California side with the Church is a gang and across California is their rival gang, that’s where the problem comes in on the BLVD. First you’ll hear yelling and screaming and then you prepare yourself, your family- get the kids (and yourself) away from the front of the BLVD or away from the windows and you pretty much just wait for the gun fight to begin and end. Is that a way to raise your family? Lots of families live here in apartments because it’s probably what they can afford, they have no other choice. Some people don’t make lots of money.
When I was a kid, we were able to walk up to 22nd st, walk up and down 22nd st without a care in the world. It was safe. Today, not so much. On 22nd and Albany you have a methadone clinic after these people go get their methadone they walk down to 22nd and California and sit by Churches Chicken nodded out literally. Or they go across the street and sit at the bus stop by the dental office nodded out with their head pretty much touching the ground. A majority of those people either live on the trains or they live in tents ON the BLVD across 22nd st closer to St Anthony hospital. So yes lots of things going on around here.
The alleys are in horrible shape, rats the size of cats. Garbage cans, tons and tons of garbage cans and you’d think with all the garbage cans, the alleys should be pretty clean? Nope, they either over fill the cans so the lid doesn’t close and then the rats get at the garbage so basically we’re feeding the rats. OR they just throw their garbage on the ground instead of using the garbage can. And then we have the over abundance of cars that use the alley as parking which by the way is illegal. But that doesn’t stop them. They get ticketed but they don’t seem to mind the tickets I guess. They remove the ticket and place it on someone else’s car and go about their day and return to the alley to park again lol.
Somewhere in these million comments here I talked about a neighbor/ family that’s been here since probably the early 1930’s so it’s generations on the property. It’s only ever been family there. Few years back they sold lots their lots, but kept a lot for their own building for parking etc. those lots were sold again about 2 years ago (I was told this 3 days ago). Nobody knew who purchased those lots so the original owners had to take care of those lots during the spring/ summer months because nobody was showing up to cut the grass or cut the trees or bushes.
It looked neglected at one point, the grass was extremely tall with weeds everywhere. Come to find out the same people building the 60 unit is the same people that bought those lots. I’m not sure how they plan on entering and exiting that property because the only way to enter and exit is through the lot that belongs to the homeowner which is private property.
I hope you have a great weekend, I’m not commenting on here anymore.
Good luck with your project and I hope it all works out. Glad to hear the Church is staying, I use to attend mass there as a kid up until it closed the doors.
@Iron Mike
Sir, there are more people living in LV that YOU, I & the CITY are aware of. I’m not here to argue with you or anyone. Sure I’d love to see big beautiful buildings built instead of looking at torn up buildings or graffiti everywhere. But I’d also like to see a safer environment that’s all.