Articles by Daniel Schell

A four-story residential building has topped out at 1321 North Ashland Avenue in West Town, as concrete block begins setting on the side walls for its attached garage at the alley. The brickwork on the front and side façades for the dwelling units appears to be complete, and an elevator enclosure is visible near the northeast corner of the roof top, which will also include a deck for residents. That should provide enough elevation for nice skyline views. The new construction permit allows balconies on the three upper floors; those have yet to be installed.

On the second day of June, the City of Chicago authorized the demolition of a single-story commercial building at 1332 West Grand Avenue in West Town. Home to Aya Pastry until its closing in August of last year, the site will be transformed into a new-construction residential building with ground-floor retail space. Builder Luxury is named in the demo permit as the contractor for the razing at a reported cost of $25,000.