Curbed just learned via Uptown Update of Andersonville Guest House's expansion plans. The upscale vacation rental/apartment business, in operation since 2009, is experiencing growing pains thanks to the neighborhood's popularity and proven deficiency in accommodations. Located at 4860-4866 N Clark, they already control the development parcel at the building's northern edge, at 4872 N Clark. So what's the game plan? To build another 15 units of flexible 'boutique' hotel units that would lend themselves to future condo conversion. In questions put to the Guest House by Ald. James Cappleman of the 46th ward, there are no actual plans for such a conversion, but the lender wanted that as a long-term possibility. Presently, only half of the 10 units at 4866 N Clark are licensed vacation rentals, and a requested zoning change will render them 'hotel' units along with the 15 units proposed.
Developer McHugh Homes and architect Sullivan, Goulette, & Wilson are merely extending the design of the existing structure along the block. It's no radical undertaking. The end result is a uniform facade with a four-story height. Parking is off the alley at back (15 planned garage spaces). What would normally be ground-floor retail space will be absorbed by the hotel lobby, according to the Q+A. The existing 5,600-square-feet of retail space isn't doing so hot, but negotiations are underway with a massage/spa business. The timetable is uncertain, but Ald. Cappleman is convening a meeting to discuss Wednesday, March 14th.
·Development page for Andersonville Guest House [46th Ward]
·Official Developer Site: McHugh Homes