The Wrigleyville neighborhood is about to undergo a significant transformation with the development of 3651 North Wilton Avenue. This project, which has been in the works for some time, will see the existing 1890s masonry three-unit residence transformed into a 15-unit building. The development will include a fourth floor, a side addition, and 12 new units, bringing a total of 15 residences to the area. The project has been approved by the City of Chicago and is expected to cost $9.5 million.
One of the most notable aspects of this development is the addition of a four-story side yard with a basement. This will provide additional living space and potentially increase the property value. The existing building already has a basement, and the new addition will also have one, providing a total of three basement levels. An open metal stairway will be built on the back of the building, connecting decks at each level, and a six-foot fence will enclose the property.
The project also includes the demolition of a garage, which will be replaced with a new brick structure with a rooftop deck. The new garage will have a total of five parking spaces, which is a significant reduction from the 15 spaces required by the city. This reduction in parking spaces is likely due to the high density of the development and the fact that the building is located in a residential area.
The development is being led by 3651 N Wilton LLC, which purchased the building for $2,050,000 in October of last year. The company has enlisted the services of Mario Cruz of LAM Architects in Ukrainian Village as the architect of record. AVIAF Development, which is also based in Elk Grove Village, is designated as the general contractor.
The project has already been approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals, which approved a number of applications, including a variation to reduce the north side setback from 4' to 0', the south side setback from 10' to 3', the rear setback from 36.06' to 22', and the floor area ratio from 2.0 to 2.15. The project also includes a variation to reduce the on-site required parking from 15 spaces to 5 spaces.
One of the most interesting aspects of this development is the potential for the new units to be rentals or condos. Given the three-to-one parking ratio, it is likely that the units will be rentals, as this would be a significant reduction in the number of parking spaces required. However, the exact nature of the units is not yet clear, and the project is still in the planning stages.
In conclusion, the development of 3651 North Wilton Avenue is a significant transformation for the Wrigleyville neighborhood. The project will bring a high density of living space to the area, and the addition of a rooftop deck and a new garage will provide additional amenities for residents. The project has already been approved by the city, and the development is expected to be completed in the near future.
