Weigh In On Plan To Turn Vacant Montrose Lot Into Affordable Apartments

IRVING PARK — Community members will have an opportunity Thursday night to learn more about a plan to build 48 affordable apartments on a long vacant lot at the corner of Montrose and Bernard avenues.

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) is hosting the information session, 6:30 p.m. at Patrick Henry Elementary, 4250 N. St. Louis Ave.

Evergreen Real Estate Group is proposing 48 affordable apartments — 28 one-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom — as well as a communal area on the ground floor. No zoning change is required; Thursday's community meeting is intended as an opportunity for neighbors to obtain details about the project and share feedback.

Evergreen specializes in market rate and affordable housing for families and seniors. Earlier in 2017, the company was selected to oversee the development of two innovative mixed-use complexes that combine affordable housing with Chicago Public Library branches. Evergreen is also in the process of redeveloping Ravenswood Hospital's former neurological center as affordable senior housing.

A previous plan for the lot, presented in 2014 during Ald. Rey Colon's tenure, drew a mixed reaction from the community. That proposal, since scrapped, was also for 48 apartments — 42 two-bedroom units and six one-bedroom.

^{Development may be coming to this vacant lot at Montrose and Bernard. [DNAinfo/Patty Wetli]}