A Large-Scale Condo Complex Near Division Blue Line Takes Step To Development

By Stephen Gossett in News on Aug 11, 2016 8:20PM

The developer behind the city’s first transit-oriented development, located near the Polish Triangle in Wicker Park, is moving forward with another large-scale residential proposal in the immediate vicinity—although this one won’t qualify as a TOD.

Rob Buono and his firm, Henry Street Partners, had previously announced plans for a 12-story, 34-unit condominium complex across the street from the Polish Triangle, the small patch of land formed where Milwaukee, Ashland and Division Avenue trisect. The property would occupy two addresses, 1209 N. Milwaukee Ave.—where Fifth Third Bank stands—and 1220 N. Bosworth Ave., which includes the bank’s parking lot. Under the plan, the bank would remain, as first-floor tenants but much of the lot would be developed as part of the proposal.

Buono took his initial plan to the Pulaski Park Neighborhood Association on Wednesday evening to outline details to the public. According to Curbed, the project will likely include ivy landscaping along exterior walls. (Buono made the same proposal for MiCa, his ever-controversial “twin tower” project near Milwaukee and California avenues.) In addition, the proposal includes 52 parking spaces for the 34 units, which, there’s your tipoff this is no TOD (which must be kept "parking lite" per city ordinance), despite its extreme proximity to the Division Blue Line Stop.

As Curbed points out, a project of this size and height would require a change to the site’s zoning. Despite that hurdle, Buono is reportedly eyeing a completion date of mid-2018. The Pulaski Park Neighborhood Association has not yet scheduled a follow-up meeting, according to their website.

Chicagoist has reached out to Henry Street Partners for renderings and additional details, and we’ll update this post accordingly.

In the meantime, check out Curbed’s original post, which includes schematics and photos of a building model.