UPTOWN — Ald. James Cappleman's (46th) office released a new rendering of a proposed mixed-use development that includes preserving the Isaac G. Ettleson building, a historic structure that is known for its terra cotta eagle design.
Building owner and developer Dave Gassman wants to build an 80-foot-tall, mixed-use development at 3817-45 N. Broadway in Lake View East that would include 93 residential units, 93 parking spots, office space and retailers, according to Tressa Feher, Cappleman's chief of staff.
While Feher could not provide a specific cost, she said the development is slated to cost more than $10 million. Gassman envisions retailers on the first floor, office space on the second floor and residential units on the third through seventh floors, Feher said. Parking is proposed for underneath the development.
It is not clear whether any of the many current retailers on the stretch of Broadway in question would stay open if the plan gets approval. Gassman did not immediately respond to questions seeking comment.
"I couldn't tell you one way or the other," Feher said of the retailers' fate.
The next step in the process, Feher said, is for Gassman to present zoning changes to the 46th Ward Zoning and Development Committee, Feher said. Right now, the stretch of Broadway has a number of different zoning designations, and the developer would like to make them consistent, she said.
Gassman will address the committee at its next meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. March 9 at the Gill Park Fieldhouse, 825 W. Sheridan Ave.
The new rendering shows the historic Isaac G. Ettleson building, which would be included in the development, looking unchanged. Feher said that's the intention.
"Their hope is to preserve it and they're going to be hiring someone who works specifically on terra cotta and is known for his work on terra cotta," she said.
Originally built in 1911, the building was designed by architect Harry Hale Waterman and is commonly referred to as the "eagles building" because of the eagles rendered in terra cotta around the perimeter of the building, explained Ward Miller, executive director for Preservation Chicago.
"This building has always captivated peoples' imagination," Miller said.
In the eyes of the Chicago Historic Resource Survey, the building holds high local and national historic significance, Miller said.
Miller said his organization has been in touch with the alderman's office to ensure a "good preservation outcome."
"We've expressed our interest in this building to see a good outcome that would preserve the facade and hopefully the structure, too," he said.
Additionally, Miller believes they should "look at the whole block holistically and see if there are any other structures that would merit some type of preservation."
Feher said the developer is currently working with the city's Commission on Chicago's Landmarks.
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