Big changes on horizon for West Lawrence Avenue in Lincoln Square, three more lots under contract

There are several significant developments on just two blocks of West Lawrence Avenue in Lincoln Square. About 18 total city lots are in play for the two block stretch from 2100 to 2300 West Lawrence (all on the north side of West Lawrence)! All photos below were taken by me.  I have no financial interest in any of the properties or deals discussed.

Two buildings and a vacant lot are now under contract (above, partially blocked by the tree) adjacent to the proposed Farmer's Market development on West Lawrence Avenue. Photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Three contiguous properties pictured above and listed on the MLS (MREDLLC.com) just went under contract this week at 2242, 2244 and 2246 West Lawrence.  The total asking price for the three properties is $1,300,000.  The properties are adjacent to the 2232 West Lawrence Farmer's Garden Market lot that is to be developed into new condos (with or without ground floor retail).

A community meeting was just held in the past couple weeks to view proposed condo development plans for the vacated Farmer's Garden Market at 2232 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625.  The property was listed for sale at $1.4 million but a contract purchase price is not public.  The three recently contracted lots are adjacent to the left of the Farmer's Garden Market.

The "Roots Pizza building" owner is re- developing the building at Lawrence and Leavitt. They also own the (4) vacant city lots adjacent to the left in the photo.  That is to become rental apartments (old story), but that could change in the future.

A proposed rental building for the lot at 2208 W Lawrence adjacent to the "Roots Building" had support to move ahead back in 2013. I have it from sources other developer priorities and some mutual and positive political agreements have delayed the start of the development.

Neighbors viewed a brochure (which I've seen) and confirmed by a broker and owner associated with the property that the Surpless, Dunn and Company building and parking lot at 2150 West Lawrence is for sale. A public listing is supposed to hit shortly (if it's not contracted already).

The parking lot for the Surpless and Dunn building 2150 West Lawrence.  The property spans an estimated 6 city lots in a prime location.

Lawrence is poised to see more residential construction like the successful 4804 N Hamilton building (at Lawrence).  The six unit building with ground floor retail had a recent condo re-sale this summer for $540,000. There really has been no significant residential development west of Damen Avenue since this was built in 2007.  Photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty.

 #ANewLawrence has been the mantra of 47th Ward Alderman Ameya Pawar when it comes to the north side of his ward boundaries.  West Lawrence Avenue splits down the middle of two highly desirable residential neighborhoods. On the south you hug the North Lincoln Avenue corridor of businesses and border Welles Park.  North of Lawrence you have a charming residential neighborhood with several schools circling Winnemac Park. The area is serviced by CTA Brown line stops at Damen and Western.

Lawrence Avenue is about to explode in development providing amenities and residential housing to meet the demand for these communities. Wholesale changes started with the Mariano's Grocery / Ravenswood Terrace apartments development  and West Lawrence road diet.  The new Ravenswood Metra Station was completed early this year. Band of Bohemia brew pub is set to open in a couple weeks.   Many high-end condos with new retail line North Damen at West Lawrence.

BOOM! Two more NEW developments coming to Lawrence Avenue in Lincoln Square

The large Chase Bank property at 1825 West Lawrence Avenue, Chicago IL 60640 in Lincoln Square. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

There is no doubt we are in the middle of boom times in Lincoln Square. Patty Wetli of DNAinfo breaks the story  today on a large development proposed for the Lawrence Avenue Chase Bank property.  The development calls for a smaller Chase branch, 114 small apartments, retail space and 152 parking spaces (garage and surface parking). Many knew this parcel re-development was long coming but the reality is now upon us.  

47th Ward development cases HERE

Kinda sorta dream location for Lincoln Square/ Ravenswood peeps across from LA Fitness, Mariano's and the Ravenswood Metra station (shown below). Creative people, business people, foodies and techies have a lot of opportunity up and down North Ravenswood Avenue adjacent to the Chase property.

The closed Sears store just diagonal  of the Chase property will be redeveloped to residential units and retail as well.

McPherson Elementary School is across the street from the Chase property.

It will be nice to develop the two large surface parking lots that border both North Wolcott and West Lawrence on the Chase property.

The apartment development will be adjacent to a nice row of residential homes on North Wolcott.

Wintrust Bank parking lot development

The northeast corner of West Lawrence Avenue and North Claremont is being re-developed into residential units. 

A nine unit mixed use residential and retail building is being built on a portion of the Ravenswood Wintrust bank parking lot. The addresses are listed as 2322 West Lawrence, Chicago IL 60625 and 4805 North Claremont, Chicago IL 60625.
  Plans for the building can be viewed HERE 

Further detail from the 47th Ward Alderman's office: "The developer, Mavrek Development, started demolition of the parking lot this week and excavation should occur next week (only digging down 4’) with concrete and masonry to follow. They are hoping to have the entire structure under roof by Christmas and deliver the units in the summer of 2017."

The strip mall retail across from the new Lawrence and Claremont development.

Located at the doorstep of the popular Lincoln Square retail, restaurants, Giddings Plaza, the CTA Brown Line and many fests these residential units will be in high demand.

This third wave of new mixed use residential development adding many apartments will join the large retail/ residential development of LA Fitness/ Mariano's/ Ravenswood Terrace  of 2014 and the more recently announced bevy of units following the Roots/ The Sixth arrivals.  Check out my older post on development along West Lawrence Avenue from last November.  Lots of changes in just one year's time!

Chase Bank, Sears redevelopments moving ahead along Lawrence Avenue, Lincoln Square

The large Chase branch at 1825 West Lawrence is closed for re-development.  The 166 unit residential development was approved back in 2017. The 47th Wrad Aldeman Matt Martin suggested construction will start in the fall. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

West Lawrence Avenue in Lincoln Square has seen a resurgence of development since the "road diet" changes reduced it to a manageable two lanes from a frenzied four lanes. Over the past five years many residential units have been completed along West Lawrence between Ashland and Western and many more are in the works. Newer businesses over the past five years like Roots, The Sixth, Iris and Steven Poldosky Family Center, Borellis Pizza, Marianos, El Dorado #2 and L.A. Fitness have prospered.

As a nearby resident and home owner I love the Lawrence Avenue road diet and the subsequent development. Density has made Lawrence Ave more lively and infrastructure improvements more pedestrian friendly. Prior to the corona-virus shutdown I attended a Greater Ravneswood Chamber of Commerce panel with 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin.  Among many things the Alderman addressed a few of the developments along Lawrence Avenue.

The Chase Bank branch at 1825 West Lawrence is now empty. A smaller branch was built adjacent to the east.

Chase Bank redevelopment:  Alderman Martin suggested the Chase Bank property development at 1825 W Lawrence (pictured above) is schedule to break ground in earnest this fall. That will bring 166 new residential housing units to the strip nearly adjacent to the Ravenswood Metra station.

The old Sears building at 1900 West Lawrence Avenue. Photo taken during this March.

Sears/ DeVry development: Construction at the old Sears building had stopped some time after the New Year.  The developer basically "ran out of money". However new financing was attained and construction continued in March. The building will house DeVry University and add 59 new residential apartments.

The play-lot at McPherson Elementary in Lincoln Square. A new turf field addition is planned for the school.

McPherson Elementary: McPherson is a neighborhood Chicago Public School serving Lincoln Square. The school is to build a new turf field as part of $1.4 million in state funds coming it way. McPherson is working hard to achieve 1+ status among several nearby top ranked schools. A 1+ rated school district is a boon to local real estate prices.

Community survey for 2232 W Lawrence in Lincoln Square: "Farmers Garden Market" condo development

Please read the following letter from Alderman Pawar's 47th Ward office and complete the survey concerning proposed new construction at 2232 W Lawrence Avenue, Chicago IL 60625 (pictured below).  For the record, I am in favor of an ALL residential building with larger units. More retail units should follow the addition of more residential units.

2232 W Lawrence is the former Farmers Garden Market that never really got going.  New residential condo building proposals are on the table. The purchase of the lot is estimated between $1.2 and $1.4 million. Photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Dear Community Members,

Alderman Pawar wishes your feedback on these development proposals for this lot. See the info below and please click on the survey to give us your feedback (whether or not you may have attended the October 29 community meeting).

Proposal:

Candea Development is proposing two possible development options for this 82’x124’ lot previously used by local resident and business owner Mark Borelli as a garden center. Option 1 is a 4.5-story 50’ high all residential building with ten 3-bdrms and two 4-bdrms condo units. Option 2 is a 5-story 60’ high building with 2,488 square feet of ground floor commercial space and ten 3-bdrms and four 2-bdrms condo units. Both options provide parking for 12 bikes either 17 cars or with a Bell side driveway 23 cars. One ARO (“affordable”) unit would be required for which the developer said he would satisfy by paying a $125,000 fee. For drawings, see www.chicago47.org/zoningdevelopment-cases.

Approval Process:

After the first step of going to our 47^th Ward Zoning Advisory Committee (meeting on September 24), Alderman Pawar then called for a community meeting which was held on October 29 with about 50 people in attendance including developer Alan Candea, the architect, the realtor, lot owner Mark Borelli, and residents primarily from Bell Avenue and nearby streets. The main issues discussed were building height (i.e., potential shading of neighbors’ yards, scale of building compared to nearby Lawrence buildings, precedence set), alley traffic and potential of Bell Avenue driveway to reduce this, parking (some folks felt the close to 2:1 parking was still insufficient), and whether the building should have a storefront on the ground floor. Further below are the follow-up issues from the meeting. Given the lack of consensus from the community meeting Alderman Pawar is asking community members to complete this short survey. Please take a few moments to complete this survey by Monday November 16.

Follow-Up to Issues raised at Community Meeting:

·         The developer provided diagrams and interpretation from Shade & Light Study (click here). While there is significant shading it is most prominent in the winter months.

·         If a driveway is part of the plans for the building, we can looking into the possibility of a two-way Bell Avenue from Lawrence to the alley north thereof. This would be similar to the limited two-way Oakley by Wintrust Bank. Parking would have to be stripped from the street in this scenario.

·         What is possible in the current B1-1 zoning? A building no taller than 38 feet (three stories) with a maximum interior square footage of 12,201 (calculated from the maximum FAR of 1.2 times the lot square footage). The maximum number of dwelling units is 4. There is no (“zero”) front and side setbacks but the minimum rear setback is 30 (given the property abuts a R zoned property). One parking space would be required per dwelling unit but commercial spaces do not require parking (depending on the potential use however parking may be required, e.g. daycare).

·         If the property is rezoned to a dash-3 level or higher (e.g. B2-3 or B1-5) then the building plan associated with the rezoning request must be a condition of the rezoning. This is called a Type 1 rezoning and means no one can the original plan submitted with the rezoning anytime afterwards.

·         As Lawrence Avenue streetscape was recently completed we believe the condition of the main sewer would be able to handle additional buildings along Lawrence.

Ernie Constantino

Planning & Development Director

47^th Ward Alderman Pawar’s Office

4243 N. Lincoln Avenue

773-549-4555

More Lawrence development talk here

Lawrence Avenue "Global Garden" an oasis in Albany Park, Ravenswood Manor

GLOBAL GARDEN (from Peterson Garden Project)
Lawrence/Sacramento Location
Albany Park – 33rd Ward
Partnership
North River Commission, Global Gardens Urban Refugee Training Farm, Slow Food Chicago, Seed Savers Exchange
Grow2Give™
Produce will be given to Lincoln Square Friendship Center and First Slice
 

The Global Garden at West Lawrence Avenue and North Sacramento in Albany Park has been up and running for a few years now.  The site cleaned up the "blight" that was a busted condo development adjacent to Ronan Park and the river.  As the saying goes things happen for a reason and this garden trumps a condo development at this particular location for sure. Read about the development of this site at this everyblock thread. 

I stopped by the Global Garden at 2900 W Lawrence, Chicago IL 60625 in the Albany Park / Ravenswood Manor neighborhood earlier this month. Developed by the Peterson Garden Project the large urban garden offers a striking contrast to the Lawrence commercial corridor that's a jumble of independent business success and failure.  However, this strip of Lawrence from North Western Avenue to North Kedzie Avenue is becoming more lively. The garden, to me, acts as an organic anchor promoting the vibrancy of the surrounding community.

The garden was buzzing with activity this late morning in July. The site operates as a food and training resource for refugee families and offers garden plots to neighbors for a $65.00 (or so) fee.

Global Garden community plots. Several neighbors from the green minded Ravenswood Manor community to the south walk over to tend to their little farms. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Living near the garden
Condos with West Lawrence Avenue addresses near the garden site vary form vintage condo conversions around $200K to newer construction condo units over $400,000.  Town houses sit adjacent to the west and look unobstructed over the garden.

Single family homes within a couple blocks of the Global Garden have sold prices ranging from $230,000 for a small foreclosure house at 4836 N Albany, Chicago IL 60625 to $899,000 for 4905 N California; an expanded luxury gut renovation east of the garden.

Community Meeting for Lincoln Square, Lawrence Avenue Chase Bank massive redevelopment

Just in from the 47th Ward office.

Chase Bank property at 1825 West Lawrence Avenue in Lincoln Square, Ravenswood neighborhood will be redeveloped. A community meeting is being held next week to view initial plans. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

From the 47th Ward office of Alderman Ameya Pawar

Community Meeting
re: 1825 W Lawrence Avenue
Request Zoning Change from M1-2 & B3-2 to B2-3 PD

February 23, 2017 Thursday 6:30-8:30PM

4728 N. Wolcott Avenue McPherson Elementary School cafeteria 

Ald. Pawar invites you to an Open House format community meeting with poster boards and representatives from Harlem Irving, First Equity Group & Chase to answer any questions on their proposal for this 325’x300’ lot [currently two Chase Bank buildings, drive-thru and parking areas, and 2-story NE corner building] involving:

•3 New Buildings: 1-story Chase Bank branch at NE corner, 4-story all-residential building along Ravenswood and 4-story mixed-use building fronting Lawrence and continuing along Wolcott

•All rental units, 59 efficiencies in Ravenswood building and 107 studios to 2-BDRMs in Wolcott building, with total of 122 parking spaces

•Total commercial space: Chase building 6,793 sf & Wolcott building 9,985 sf (all on ground level)

For drawings, see www.chicago47.org/zoningdevelopment-cases.

 

More on Lawrence Avenue here

Three Lincoln Square properties sold for $1.2 million, now Lawrence Avenue's newest condo development

2242, 2244 and 2246 West Lawrence (two of the properties hidden by the tree and the building to the left of the tree) all sold last year for about $1,2350,000. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty.

A demolition permit was issued this week for three properties at 2242 West Lawrence to 2246 West Lawrence Avenue in Lincoln Square.  A new construction permit estimated at $5 million for a 12 unit building  was issued for the property in January of this year. The development is adjacent to a new 14 unit building at 4802 N Bell under construction.  If you left the neighborhood even five years ago you won't recognize Lawrence Avenue when you come back!

The three properties at 2242-2246 West Lawrence sold together for $1,235,000 last year according to the Cook County Recorder of Deeds.  Here's some past posts on Lawrence Avenue development.

New modern development coming to Lawrence Avenue, Lincoln Square

One of the bigger Lincoln Square announcements last year was the redevelopment plans for the Sears store at 1900 West Lawrence Avenue, Chicago IL 60625. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty unless otherwise noted.

Curbed Chicago points out a new development proposal at 2247 West Lawrence in Lincoln Square.  This continues a string of boffo redevelopment announcements along West Lawrence Avenue that picked up significant pace in 2016. 2247 West Lawrence is a bit buzz worthy as the architect Studio Dwell is known for contemporary and modern design. The vast majority of development in Lincoln Square is red brick traditional buildings. 

2247 West Lawrence could be a modern 24 unit addition to a booming Lincoln Square stretch. Rendering above at 47th Ward

Typical new construction mixed use residential condos and apartment design in Lincoln Square.

Read more on Lawrence Avenue development at ericrojasblog HERE

DNAinfo.com with a nice development run down here  

Be in the know at the 47th Ward development pages

Lincoln Square getting more apartments on "booming" Lawrence Avenue

The former furniture store building at 1950 W Lawrence Avenue, Chicago IL 60640 will be redeveloped. FUN FACT: My wife bought a couple kitchen tables for two of our properties in the early 2000s.  (All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty) 

A vacant retail building at 1950-1952 West Lawrence Avenue in Lincoln Square will be demolished to make way for new apartments.  A permit was issued March 21st of this year for a five (5) story building with 12 residential units, ground floor retail and private garage. The building most recently housed a furniture store. 

The property has exchanged hands and features a history of liens and lis pending foreclosures over the past dozen years. That seems to be sorted out. The new building development is permitted "as of right" and won't need any zoning changes nor trigger any public forums.  The new construction will further consolidate a long running series developments from 1800 block of West Lawrence to the 2000 West block of Lawrence in Lincoln Square.

Yummy Falafel across the street from 1950 W Lawrence has recently opened in the former taco restaurant space.

R@A Sourdough on the corner of Lawrence of Winchester is just steps from the new development. Fantastic bagel, bialys and sandwiches. 

The old Sears store redevelopment is only a half block away. It houses DeVry University and 59 rental apartments. 

Falcon's at 1968 W Lawrence has taken over the old Chez Simo space. Sweet Moon Bakery at 1964 W Lawrence has established itself as a popular café in a space that has turned over several times.

 

100s residential units have been added from 1800 West Lawrence to 2400 West Lawrence with more to come.  It is a great site to see all the people and local business regenerating this commercial stretch of Lincoln Square over the past 20yrs. The Damen CTA stop, Western CTA stop and Ravenswood Metra all service the area.  Check out some of the Lawrence and Damen development I've written about HERE

All photos and stats gathered by Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty - 2447 N Ashland Chicago IL 60614 - 312-939-5253. 

Photo: Proposed new construction and the Lawrence Avenue "Road Diet"

The vacant lot at 2208 W Lawrence... soon to be new apartments (Photo Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker)

Here's a recent photo I took of the vacant lot at 2208 W Lawrence in Ravenswood (just west of Leavitt).  A community meeting was held last month to discuss a zoning change request by the developers.  The proposed building will house 21 residential units and some ground floor retail.  Reports to me suggested there were few neighborhood attendees to the meeting and no groundswell of opposition.

There is some opposition to this development, however, around the Internet and on the 47th Ward Alderman's Facebook page (due to proposed apartment rents) and to the Lawrence Avenue "Road Diet" in general.  In my opinion the apartments and pedestrian improvements to Lawrence will be fantastic changes. I think most of the neighborhood falls into two categories: overwhelmingly supportive or indifferent.

This commercial building at Lawrence and Leavitt sits next to the proposed construction.  A Roots Handmade Pizza is reported to be filling this location (photo Eric Rojas)

My guess is that it will be harder for me to drive in and out of the neighborhood.  Personally, Lawrence Avenue has been generally a quick route for me (traveling on Lawrence between the 1600 and 2400 blocks of West Lawrence).  However, I'm willing to support this experiment to improve the aesthetic of the neighborhood and increase infill development along Lawrence. 

The "Road Diet" construction on Lawrence has made getting out of the neighborhood more challenging.

Developer looking for $2M record price in Lincoln Square

 

New construction homes in Lincoln Square north of West Lawrence Avenue continue to break price records. All photos by Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

The Lincoln Square Community Area could see the highest priced home sold north of West Lawrence Avenue this year. 5115 N Claremont, Chicago IL 60625 is for sale at the nice round number of  $2,174,999.  The high-end developer home sits on an over-sized 39'x133' lot in a desirable school district of Chappell Elementary and Amundsen High Schools. The former two-flat and property at 5115 N Claremont sold for $650,000 before the redevelopment.

Anywhere near that two million closing price will blow away the current record of $1,740,000 at 4945 N Claremont, Chicago IL 60625 (sold in July of 2022).  Lincoln Square north of Lawrence Avenue features the popular areas of Winnemac Park, Bowmanville and Budlong Woods.  The median price of a home in this area is $850,000.  The median price of Lincoln Square homes south of West Lawrence Avenue is about $1,090,000. 

I do not have financial interest in nor represent any of the mentioned listings.  To buy, sell, invest in and around Lincoln Square and surrounding Chicago neighborhoods please reach out to me at erojas@kalerealty.com !!

Construction begins at new Lincoln Square apartments on Lawrence Avenue.

Another construction project begins at 2208 W. Lawrence Ave of mixed-use residential/commercial complex that would include 21 apartments and three to four small retail spaces (photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty). Read about the planned development HERE

The renewal (read construction) of West Lawrence Avenue in Lincoln Square has been a little bit of a tough pill to swallow for some locals.  The Lawrence Avenue Streetscape project between North Ashland Avenue and North Western Avenue has lingered a bit compounding the usual barrage of summer construction projects. 

I'm sure it will be pedestrian terrific (my phrase). At the moment it's still a minefield of equipment, cones and signs... lots and lots of signs. Don't forget to call us to buy, sell or rent in around Lincoln Square.

Lawrence Avenue "Road Diet" and Streetscape project making big progress

The new medians are in along most of Lawrence Avenue from Damen to Western.

I took one of my long walks around the Ravenswood and Lincoln Square neighborhoods with Stanley yesterday (at 17 months, he's still at a good "nap in the stroller" age). I'm pretty impressed with the progress on the Lawrence Avenue Streetscape project.  Many of the medians, "bump-outs" and planter boxes for trees are in place.

Our family uses both the North Oakley and North Leavitt intersections at Lawrence a ton.  I can already get a sense of what the finished street will offer.

North Leavitt and West Lawrence intersection in the Lincoln Square, Ravenswood neighborhood.

"Streetscap'in".  Beautification elements added to the wider sidewalks at North Leavitt and West Lawrence.

Discover Chicago's Northwest Side

The above title sounds innocent and pedestrian enough, but you should know me better.
The Chicago Tribune ran a story concerning the religious epiphany many soon to be buyers/home owners are having; there is a Northwest Side to the city. However, the story misses the boat on where it is really happening and hops to some neighborhoods that will be a tough sell to a Lincoln Parker or Lakeview aficionados. These of the home buyers the author seems to be suggesting are moving to the "sticks".


The author of the story more realistically alludes to the corridor of West Irving Park Road west of North Western Avenue (say that three times fast!). The story mentions a few developments. Several at the not- very-far -out locations sprawling from the 2700 block West Irving Park Road to the 3300 block west (the later apparently is considered a dream by the young buyers in the story). My favorite quote from one of my fellow Realtors describes the 2700 block of Irving Park Road… making it such a paradise that "you don’t even know you’re in the city"… except that you live on Irving Park Road.

Now, I consider myself the Northwest Side expert in our brokerage… pushing the boundaries of our Lincoln Park office. I was born and now live on the Northwest Side and giggle a bit when 2700 West is considered “just in reach”. A couple more observations for the reader of this story…

The Irving corridor has developed past Western Avenue and I agree that this should be on the radar. But new construction heading out all the way to Pulaski will still cost you (in most cases) 309K and up exponentially for two bed, two baths with parking at about 1200 sq/ft. This stretch is terrible for train access, so plan on taking the bus. You have to live all the way up in Old Irving around 4200 West to catch a train, and there is little condo stock here. I did sell my clients a three bedroom two bath, 1800 sq/ft awesome rehab in a three flat (super rare) on Keeler. But the units that make it worth pushing out there are still $350K plus and must be near the train.

The single family houses, move-in quality around the train, start at $450,000K and will need some work. Nice place though, if you want a nice single family home for $500K and-up to settle down- but still live in the city near hotter neighborhoods. Not much to do as far as retail/restaurants, but the parks are terrific.

The story completely missed out on Lawrence Avenue heading west from North Western Avenue. This is farther north than Irving Park Road (so should fall in the boom of the great Northwest Side) and one of the more interesting transformations in the city. This stretch all the way out to Kimball (and a few blocks west) offers access to the Brown Line along with buses and easy out to 90/94 if you need it. It’s here that you are seeing the greatest amount of conversions and new construction, combined with a ready made retail/entertainment district that can extend from Lincoln Square.


Lawrence Avenue from Lincoln Square through Albany Park, and the surrounding blocks, has the most amount of development… stretching all the way to Jefferson Park.


My take… just try to get a Lakeview or Lincoln Parker looking to buy a condo to push out to Norwood Park! Sorry Norwood Park. Basically, the Tribune article makes a good point… condo developments happen West of Western and North of Irving Park Road. But not in great numbers once you pass Kedzie or Kimball Avenue going west or northwest of Foster and Western. A lot of these northwest areas are still sleepy when it comes to retail and entertainment clusters, but offer nice single family homes close to transportation downtown… sometimes close to transportation downtown I should say.

I like to be creative with my North Sider clients’ home search, but I’m not sure most are ready for Peterson Park, Sauganash, Edison Park, North Park, Jefferson Park, Norwood Park….even Rogers Park, Albany Park, Edgewater, Mayfair, North Mayfair...

The next wave of development on Lawrence Avenue, Lincoln Square

The Surpless Dunn building development is underway at 2150 W Lawrence (one conversion building and one new building for a total of 59 units) All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

When showing houses in the Winnemac Park/ central Lincoln Square buyers tend to be unaware of the next wave of Lawrence Avenue development. There are some hints of development but many people don't pay much attention sleepy Lawrence while heading to a residential street. A six block strip will bring many new residential and commercial units online in the next 3-5 years and could stoke another round of  businesses too.  This is a great selling point I'm always sure to share!

The 1600 to 2400 blocks of West Lawrence fall in the 47th Ward.  The 47th Ward has fantastic development information posted to their site.

The Wintrust Bank parking lot development 2322 W Lawrence (at Claremont) was completed late summer and has a total of nine condo units.The highest priced closing in the building thus far is $624,000.

The Sears store development will consist of 59 units and ground floor retail.

New condos at Hamilton and Lawrence

The Chase Bank property development will feature 166 residential units.

The old garden center development is under construction at 2242 W Lawrence will have 14 residential condos.

The lot just west of Roots Pizza remains vacant but the owner had originally proposed a 24 unit rental building.

This is not a complete list.  There is a vacant lot next to Roots Pizza that was to be a 24 unit rental building and a 24 unit redevelopment of the Wintrust Bank processing building at 2247 W Lawrence. We've also seen the gut renovations of a couple apartment and office buildings along the strip!