On September 20th, an important step will be taken in the revitalization of the historic Six Corners shopping district at Portage Park, as the updated redevelopment plan for The Shops at Six Corners project is scheduled to be revealed. Developers GW Properties initially proposed the project in 2020 at 3955 N. Kilpatrick Ave, and after almost two years of refining their plans based on community feedback, an unveiling is eagerly anticipated according to Block Club Chicago.
The upcoming meeting, hosted by GW Properties alongside Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th), promises to showcase updated renderings and plans to revitalize the former Peoples Gas site near Six Corners. Among the updates in the new design are "a meaningful residential component and a new retail plan along Irving Park Road", further shared by Block Club Chicago.
These plans come after developers faced pushback by neighbors and community groups over initial proposals in 2021, which featured 110 apartments, an Amazon Fresh grocery store, a Burlington clothing store, and a Panera Bread restaurant with a drive-thru. Community members expressed concern over the proposal's focus on retail and parking spaces, as well as the lack of public and green spaces, compared to other developments in the Six Corners area, such as Sears and The Clarendale projects.
In response to the community's desire for more density, integrated parking, less retail, and more green spaces, the updated proposal includes four single-story retail buildings on the north part of the lot, which could house one or multiple tenants. The residential component has been expanded as well, now calling for a four-and-a-half-story building with up to 348 units, offering a range of studios, one- to three-bedroom units, and select three-bedroom duplexes. The building will also feature a full package of amenities, details of which will likely be shared at the meeting on September 20th.
Fulfilling the commercial and residential requirements of the project is crucial, but the updated proposal also ensures that it adheres to the city's Affordable Housing Ordinance, which stipulates that large-scale developments requiring a zoning change must allocate at least 20 percent of on-site units as affordable housing for those earning 60 percent or less of the area median income.
Turning attentions to parking and green space concerns raised by the community, GW Properties' updated plan features residential and commercial parking on-site, as well as additional parking spaces on the east side of the lot for guests. Notably, this redevelopment plan is focused keenly on creating an inviting ambiance with green spaces, mini gardens, outdoor recreational areas, and outdoor dining options integrated throughout the entire project.
Despite setbacks in 2021 when the original plans faced strong community resistance, this updated proposal seems to be making notable strides to address their concerns and bring the community's vision to life. This project aims not only to develop the former Peoples Gas site but also to give a much-needed boost to the Six Corners shopping district as a whole, in line with the neighborhood's larger Six Corners Economic Development Master Plan, adopted back in 2013 according to the City of Chicago.
This master plan outlines a series of goals aiming to better meet the needs of the diverse local populace, with an emphasis on attracting more retail and businesses, enhancing the cultural and entertainment offerings in the area, upgrading building façades and storefronts, and developing attractive outdoor spaces.
