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Historic Lakeview Home Could Become Apartment Building by 2016

By Erica Demarest | October 22, 2014 7:41am
 Developers hope to convert the ivy-covered house at 1418 W. Addison St. into a 10-unit rental building.
1418 W. Addison St.
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LAKEVIEW — A historic Lakeview home could be converted into a 10-unit apartment building by early 2016, developers said Monday.

The ivy-covered house at 1418 W. Addison St. was built in the late 1800s, according to Preservation Chicago. Though the architect is unknown, the city has determined the building has architectural and historical significance to Lakeview.

"Our proposal is to essentially put a side and rear addition on the existing building," said Nicholas Ftikas, an attorney for the project. "We plan to preserve the entire front facade."

Ftikas told residents at a Southport Neighbors meeting Monday night that developers have already met with the Commission on Chicago Landmarks and have its backing.

The goal is to create 10 apartments on the property, which sits just west of Southport Avenue. There would be three one-bedroom units, six two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom unit.

Rent would start at $1,800 per month and extend into the $3,000 range.

Architect Brent Norsman said he plans to maintain the home's historic facade and incorporate matching details — such as bricks and metal trim — into the back and sides of the building.

There also would be a slate roof, copper elements inside and plenty of green space.

"We really do commend any developer that comes in and works with the fabric of the structure," said Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago.

"However, our organization ... is maybe concerned that this is really a facade-ectomy, and there's not a lot of preservation of the bulk of the building that wraps around the side."

Norsman said he's "working with the existing building" and trying to pick up on architecture that already exists.

Current zoning for the lot only allows for six apartments. Developers are seeking a zoning change for the four additional units. They'd also like to raise the building's height to 36½ feet.

Southport Neighbors voted by secret ballot Monday night on whether to support the zoning change. The group's decision will be brought to the office of 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney.

If all goes according to plan, developers said they could start construction in February or March. The project is expected take a year to complete.

The rehabbed apartment building would include bike storage, a dog-washing station and 10 parking spaces. There'd be seven outdoor spots along the side of the building, and three inside a back garage.

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