WICKER PARK — A three-story modern glass-and-steel building along a stretch of Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park that has seen a surge in new restaurants and shops has been sold for $2.95 million, it was announced Thursday.
Realtors Ian Feinerman and Michael Weber sold the 9,000-square-foot building at 1448 N. Milwaukee Ave. to Steve Rantis, a Lakeview businessman and owner of Secrets, a tobacco accessories and pipe shop at at 3229 N. Clark St.
Reached on Thursday shortly after the sale, Rantis said he has a few different ideas for the 3,200-square-foot storefront on the building's first floor, which he said could be turned into an art gallery.
"It will not be ready for a while," Rantis said.
Built about six years ago, the building was previously owned by Lyle Feinerman, Ian Feinerman's father, and Doug Lang. It was on the market for about 14 months.
While Rantis will be bringing a new business to the ground level, the tenants in the upstairs offices — Willis Counseling and Consulting, a therapy center and HealthSource, a chiropractic office — will be staying in the building, Feinerman said.
Two blocks south of the Milwaukee, Damen and North avenues intersection, the 1400 block of Milwaukee Avenue has seen a rise in new restaurants such as Xoco, Umami Burger and MAX's Wine Dive.
"I think the block is changing and will be very strong in the next year or so. All the new restaurants will and are creating great energy on this block," Feinerman said.
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