LAKEVIEW — A proposal to build a residential high-rise overlooking Diversey Harbor would add more than 300 apartments to a prominent corner at the edge of Lakeview and Lincoln Park.
The proposal, pitched by Antunovich Associates, Chicago Development Partners and Continuum Capital, would replace the now-vacant Stone Medical Center building and an adjacent parking lot at the northwest corner of Sheridan Road and Diversey Parkway.
The proposal calls for a new apartment tower featuring hundreds of residential units and ground-floor commercial space, according to plans recently shared by Ald. Bennett Lawson’s (44th) office.
While plans are still in the early stages, Lawson’s office is soliciting feedback from neighbors and community groups ahead of a larger public meeting that has yet to be scheduled.
An initial version of the proposal called for a 24-story tower with 303 rental units, roughly 10,500 square feet of retail space, 150 parking spaces and 414 bike parking spaces. Sixty units, or 20 percent of the building, would be designated as affordable housing, according to the developer.
Rendering of the proposed residential tower at 2800 N. Sheridan. Credit: Antunovich Associates
In an update shared in March, Lawson’s office said the development team upped their proposal, increasing the building’s height from 24 to 28 stories and expanding the total number of units from 303 to 355.
The revised concept would also add about 10,000 square feet of second-floor medical office space and 25,000 square feet for a commercial fitness tenant that would be open to the public.
The proposal would require amending the site’s existing planned development, though the project falls within the allowable density and uses permitted under the site’s underlying B3-5 zoning, according to Lawson’s office.
Rendering of the proposed rooftop amenity space, including a pool deck with views overlooking Lake Michigan. Credit: Antunovich Associates
Renderings included in project materials show a curved glass tower overlooking the lakefront and Diversey Harbor. Plans also call for a rooftop pool deck, bird-friendly glass and the preservation of two Egon Weiner “Brotherhood” sculptures on the property.
The sculptures were originally installed outside the former headquarters of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen union, according to the Chicago Public Art blog.
The headquarters opened at the site in the early 1950s before the building became part of St. Joseph Hospital’s medical campus, according to the blog Connecting the Windy City.
Developers have committed to preserving the sculptures either on-site or by partnering with the Park District or another organization to relocate them within the city.
The development team acquired the property — including the former Stone Medical Center building and adjacent parking lot — from Ascension Health for $17.25 million late last year, according to property records.
Rendering of the street-level retail space planned along Sheridan Road and Diversey Parkway. Credit: Antunovich Associates
Although building plans have yet to be submitted to the city, demolition on the site has started. The construction has forced the temporary removal of the southbound Sheridan bus shelter and the westbound Diversey bus shelter.
A CTA spokesperson told Block Club that bus stops and routes would not be affected.
The shelters are expected to be reinstalled after the demolition work wraps up in July, weather permitting.
Lawson’s office said additional renderings and a traffic study are forthcoming as conversations with neighborhood stakeholders continue.
Support Freedom of the Press
Independent journalism like this only exists because of readers like you. This World Press Freedom Day, help Block Club raise $20,000 to fuel high-impact investigations that hold Chicago’s institutions and leaders accountable. Make your tax-deductible donation here.
Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast: