Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood may soon see a slice of its dining landscape changed with the proposal to demolish the building that currently houses Giordano's Pizzeria at 1040 W. Belmont Ave, CBS News Chicago reports. The plan, put forward by Kiferbaum Development Group, Gold Lion Ventures, and Jonathan Splitt Architects, would usher in a five-story mixed-use structure, featuring 28 residential units with an ordinance-mandated 20% allocated to affordable housing. The ground floor, divided into two retail spaces, has not been confirmed to include a new home for Giordano's amidst this upheaval.
As CBS News Chicago outlines, Ald. Bennett Lawson's office is currently gathering community feedback on the potential transformation of this iconic site, while the neighborhood also copes with other significant developments like the ongoing construction of a luxury mixed-use building at 925 W. Belmont Ave, alongside the controversy of the demolished historic buildings on Sheffield Avenue. The developments bring a modern gloss to the neighborhood's heritage, turning quintessential dining venues and city landmarks into upscale residential and commercial spaces, yet not without community concerns.
In the midst of change, a beloved Chicago pizza chain, Giordano's, is making headlines of a different sort by honoring hometown NBA legend Derrick Rose with its limited-edition M-V-Pizza, a specialty pie concocted with a double layer of pepperoni and a zest of homemade Calabrian hot honey, WGN-TV announced. Celebrating the Bulls’ former MVP ahead of his jersey retirement, Giordano's pledges to donate $1 for every M-V-Pizza sold to Rose's chosen charity, The Etiquette Series, which offers foundational life skill training to youth in underserved urban areas.
The iconic pizzeria is serving up this tribute pie until February 10, with variants including their stuffed deep dish, traditional thin crust, or the new tavern-style, allowing fans to savor a taste of victory while contributing to a worthy cause. As Derrick Rose's jersey ascends to its rightful place in the rafters on January 24, fans can both witness and taste the honor.
