UPTOWN — Developers are hoping to construct a 24-townhome complex next door to Chase Park in Uptown.
SNS Realty Group proposed the plans for the complex, which would consist of four buildings with six townhomes each at the current site of Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, 4740 N. Clark St. Each building would be three stories high and have rooftop access.
"We believe that there is a strong demand for a townhome project here. There are many current area residents who have outgrown their current housing situation, love the area and want to stay, but can't afford a single-family home," said Scott Schiller, co-founder of SNS Realty Group.
"Our townhouses will give them the additional room they need for much less than the cost of a single-family home, provide them with their own private, outdoor space, and allow them to stay in the community," he said.
Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Ave., and access to public transportation would be "tremendous amenities" for home owners, Schiller said.
"There has been a significant amount of recent development in the area, and there is much slated in the near future," he said.
A Bowtruss Coffee Roasters is slated to open just north of the proposal at the corner of Lawrence Avenue and Clark Street. Last November, Italian Cafe Bella 'Mbriana opened just south at 4656 N. Clark St.
A few blocks north, Bar Roma, an Italian restaurant specializing in Roman cuisine and meatballs, is slated for the former home of Tapas Las Ramblas, 5101 N. Clark St. Across the street from Bar Roma, an apartment complex featuring six three-bedroom apartments, garage parking and a Jet's Pizza is currently under construction.
"While there is so much to enjoy in the neighborhood now, the prospects for further development and appreciation should be incredible," Schiller said.
Last Thursday, developers presented the project to the 47th Ward Zoning Advisory Committee, which meets monthly to review zoning requests. Its members are appointed by Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th) and have expertise, interest or experience, and zoning and development, according to the Ward website.
"Unlike other projects, this one does not require a change in the parcel’s underlying zoning. Instead, they will need the pedestrian street designation on Clark removed due to the setback of the buildings from the sidewalk," said Pawar's Chief of Staff, Jim Poole.
The project, which is being designed by Axios Architects, will also need approval from the City's Zoning Board of Appeals to allow residential ground units and reduce the front yard from 12 feet to 10 feet, 6 inches, Poole said.
The approximate budget for the proposal is $10 million, according to the proposal.
SNS Realty Group hasn't had a project in the 47th Ward, but pointed to a number of multi-family projects requiring zoning changes it has developed on the North Side including a 24-unit building at 2040 W. Belmont Ave., which was upzoned from a lower-level commercial zoning, an 18-unit mixed use project at 2505 N. Milwaukee Ave., a 36-unit building at Foster and Lincoln Avenues, which was previously a gas station, and Lakewood Court Homes at Belmont and Lakewood Avenues, which was previously a recycling center.
A comprehensive comparison guide of the new project with past developments is available here.
The counseling center, commonly referred to as C4, is a behavioral health advocate and social service provider. It helps individuals recovering from mental illness and emotional trauma live, work and thrive in the community, according to its website.
Last year, the center was in danger of closing before partnering with CountyCare requiring it to provide "the full spectrum of behavioral health services" to its members. The center also has two other locations on the North Side: C4 Broadway, 5710 N. Clark St.; and C4 North, 2541 W. North Ave.
The center was not immediately available for comment on the project.
Pawar plans to schedule a meeting to solicit feedback on the project and will not take a position on the project until he receives community input, Poole said.
Pawar has the final say on whether the project moves forward.
If approved, the townhomes could be completed 6-8 months after breaking ground, Schiller said.
Uptown Update first reported the proposal.
Renderings included below:
[Axios Arhitects]
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