New Itty Bitty Expensive 'Micro Apartments' Likely Coming To Logan Square

By Margaret Paulson in News on Mar 27, 2015 1:50PM

(rendering of the new Savoy Development in Logan Square)

It’s looking ever more likely that some highly contentious “micro-apartments” will make their debut in Logan Square in the near future. According to DNAinfo Chicago, the Chicago’s Plan Commission just approved a development proposal from Enrico Plati of Savoy Development, which has raised concerns within the community. It will move next to the April City Council meeting for further approval.

The development— described as “transit-oriented”— is planned for 2328 N. California Ave., a bustling locale one block from the California Blue Line stop and steps from Logan Square’s lively Milwaukee Ave. corridor. Many long-time Logan Square residents have expressed concerns, such as a lack of available parking. Though the development will hold 52 units, the building will only offer 18 parking spaces. Actually, Plati would like to have fewer parking spaces, even zero, based on his argument that the clientele they expect to attract are young people who have foregone cars in favor of public transit. And it’s true, according to a 2007 demographics report by the American Public Transportation Association, more than 33% of all public transit users are in the 20-34 age group.

Also, who besides unattached young people who are seldom at home due to building their careers and having social lives would choose to live in such a small space? According to DNAinfo Chicago, the building offers 52 units, most of which are tiny 439-square-foot studios. There are also one-bedrooms units that measure 537 square-feet and two bedrooms that come in at around 1,000 square-feet. Now let’s get to costs: Studios will go for a whopping $1,200, one-bedrooms for an excruciating $1,400, and the two-bedrooms for awe-inspiring $2,100. Really, $1,200 for 439 square-feet? Logan Square is hoppin’ but we see why people are mad about it.

After months of ongoing public concern, Plati actually changed the plan. Originally, the development was meant to have 66 units, including 63 studios, 3 one-bedrooms, and only 10 parking spaces. According to Curbed Chicago, the studios were actually going to be a ridiculous 320 square feet initially. Current Logan Square community members were worried Single Room Occupancy would attract transient residents with no connection to the neighborhood.

If the current proposal is approved at the April City Council meeting, construction could begin as early as this August.