CANARYVILLE — A vacant lot at the corner of 43rd Street and Normal Avenue could be turned into four townhomes that will be priced for neighborhood families, according to officials.
Developer Dominic Murray has proposed turning the lot at 500 W. 43rd St. into a row of townhomes that would sell for $350,000 to $400,000. The project continues a hot streak of residential development in Canaryville and Bridgeport, which was named one of the hottest housing markets this summer.
And while the increased popularity of the area with homebuyers has increased prices, this project will appeal to young families looking to move to or stay in the area, said Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11th). Thompson said the townhomes would complement new single-family home construction that is taking place just east and west of the proposed site.
"You have some options at a price point where, if you did want a house, it would be more expensive," he said. The townhome project "gives options for our neighborhood."
To build the townhomes on the lot would require a zoning change from single-family to multifamily. Thompson held a community meeting Tuesday for neighbors to weigh in on the project and rezoning. Most residents at the meeting said the project would be good for the neighborhood. Thompson said he has already canvassed the area to get neighbor feedback.
Construction could start in the spring, depending on how the rezoning goes, and could be ready to hit the market around September, Murray said.
The three-bedroom, three-story units will all include a finished basement and a single-car garage, among other amenities, Murray said. And while the building interiors will be top-notch, the exterior will be built with an eye toward beautifying the area, which has industrial businesses across the street.
"I want to leave some green areas. Try not to cramp it in," Murray said.
Bill Erdman of Century 21 is the listing agent for the project.
A view of 500 W. 43rd St. from Normal Avenue. [Google Maps]
