OLD TOWN — A controversial development on bucolic Burton Place appears to be off the table after the new owner agreed to sell the property.
"It's confirmed," said Zac Bleicher, director of the Edgar Miller Legacy, on the impending sale of a building at 159 W. Burton Place.
Burton Place developed as an artist colony under Miller's leadership in the Depression era. It is known for its quirky, unique buildings, in which art typically mingles with living space.
Residents of the calm Old Town side street and architecture preservationists had argued against the proposed development and rushed to arrange protective status through the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.
The commission moved forward on preservation earlier this month, but during the monthslong process it held little sway over the developer's plans to raze the building, right next door to Carl Street Studios, cornerstone of the artist colony at 161 W. Burton Place.
The Department of Buildings had approved a demolition permit before the commission took action.
Yet the commission did threaten to make life difficult for the developer with any future plans, which would be subject to approval, and on Monday word broke that a sale was confirmed.
"This is wonderful news, and I know that the person who bought it supports landmarking," Bleicher said. He added, however, that he was not at liberty to reveal the identity of the purchaser at this time.
"We have heard that someone has bought it," said Matt Crawford, of the Department of Planning and Development, "and agrees to preserve it." According to Crawford, the new buyer is a resident of the proposed West Burton Place District.
"It's good news," Crawford added. "It's a great outcome."
Developer Sebastian Barsh, of Castlerock Properties, who bought and apparently resold the property, did not respond to requests for comment.
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