A one-story commercial building on West Devon Avenue in Edgewater could soon give way to a five-story, 27-unit mixed-use development, according to plans submitted to the 48th Ward. The proposal calls for nine studios, nine one-bedroom units and nine two-bedroom units, with six of those apartments designated as affordable housing.
As reported by Chicago YIMBY, the development site sits east of the intersection of West Devon Avenue and North Greenview Avenue, within walking distance of Loyola University Chicago. The roughly 5,000-square-foot parcel is located at 1449 West Devon Avenue, and Deborah Smith, who appears to be leading the project and is affiliated with Strauss Realty, submitted the plans to the ward, per the same outlet's reporting.
The building would occupy most of the site and include ground-floor commercial space configured as individually leased offices, along with three residential units on that level. Five parking spaces are planned along the alley behind the building. Architecturally, the proposed structure would feature cream-brick cladding and private balconies along the rear facade for most of the two-bedroom units, though there are no plans for a shared rooftop deck, according to Chicago YIMBY's report.
Zoning Hurdle Ahead of City Council Vote
The site currently carries a B3-2 Community Shopping District designation, according to Realtor.com. The proposal would require City Council approval before construction could begin. Both the project's overall cost and its construction timeline remain unknown, per Chicago YIMBY.
The lot is approximately 5,500 square feet.
Affordable Units Tied to City Housing Rule
The proposal includes six affordable apartments; Loyola Phoenix describes a 20 percent on-site affordability requirement for residential units. With 27 total units planned, six affordable apartments would exceed 20 percent, rounding up from 5.4 units.
Part of a Wider Push for Density
The Devon Avenue proposal follows a major upzoning measure the Chicago City Council passed along the nearby Broadway corridor in Edgewater and Uptown, a move intended to encourage taller, transit-oriented residential buildings, as reported by The Real Deal. Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth backed that corridor upzoning as a way to expand rental stock near Red Line stations, according to the outlet.
How to Weigh In Before the Deadline
The 48th Ward has opened a formal community review process for the requested zoning change, and residents can submit input through the ward's online zoning feedback form. The ward's feedback process is part of the review before the zoning change advances to the full City Council for a vote.
