EDGEWATER — A developer has plans to tear down the former Marx Ace Hardware store on Clark Street north of Andersonville and build a 19-unit condo building with ground-floor commercial space.
Alan Candea, of Candea Development, said he would need the community's and alderman's support to change the residential zoning on the block to allow for commercial development and greater density.
"If we get their support, we’ll move forward with the project," Candea said, adding that he's hoping to finish demolition and construction by fall of next year. "It seems like they’re all very supportive of the project."
The hardware store at 5820 N. Clark St. closed in 2011 and has been vacant ever since. Rumors have swirled about what would take its place.
Candea said the 4,500 square feet of commercial space below the 19 condos could be split up into four different spaces for various retailers.
The building would rise to about 50 feet.
A rendering of the east face of proposed structure dubs the building the "Andersonville Gateway." It also shows red brick, balconies and large storefront windows.
Lisa Hand, the president of the West Edgewater Area Residents association, said reaction to the project has been generally positive so far.
"The thinking is that that part of Clark Street could use a jump start — and this could be it," Hand said. "It would certainly make that stretch of Clark look better. One less vacant building is much better than another vacant building."
Candea Development is also responsible for constructing the condo building at 5434 N. Clark St. in Andersonville.
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