Developer pitches seven-story apartment project connecting to the 606 Trail

The real estate boom surrounding Chicago’s 606 Trail is poised to add another project to the mix as a developer hopes to build 127 new apartments next to train line turned popular elevated park. The seven-story proposal would replace a gas station, car wash, and small strip mall at 1750 N. Western Avenue along the border of Logan Square and Bucktown.

According to a zoning application recently filed with the Chicago City Clerk, the mixed-use building would feature an ‘L’-shaped footprint, a mix of masonry and metal cladding, and numerous setbacks, balconies, and terraces overlooking the trail. It comes from developer GW Property Group and NORR Architects.

Chicago City Clerk

Though “close to the 606” has become a pretty loosely applied term by real estate brokers, the 1750 N. Western Avenue project actually connects to the trail itself. A ramp will give both residents and trail users direct access to a second-floor retail space, terrace, and public restrooms, based on the preliminary drawings.

Situated near the CTA’s Blue Line, the property qualifies for reduced parking under Chicago’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) ordinance and will provide spaces for 127 bicycles and just 36 cars. The site also falls within the revised Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO) pilot area, boosting the ratio of affordable units to 15 percent on-site.

As things stand now, the Western Avenue project will require a zoning change from the City of Chicago prior to construction. Given the site’s proximity to not only to the 606 but the booming Milwaukee Avenue Corridor, it’s probably safe to assume that something will eventually supplant the current Mobil station.

• Chicago development news [Curbed Chicago]