After months of silence from the Congress Theater, we now have a look at the plan being submitted to the city for approval. According to the Chicago Architecture Blog, the redevelopment of the Congress Theater does not only include the renovation of the old concert hall, but it also includes a brand new 10-story mid-rise residential tower for the surface lot located across the street on Rockwell.
The plan from New Congress, LLC may also include hotel rooms as well. The hotel keys would be located in the former apartment units that flank the Congress Theater. If the plan for hotel rooms is rejected, New Congress will build out 32 apartments in the space. Seeking a maximum of 184 residential units, the Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO) would require that the developer set aside 18 affordable units. The plan submitted to the city includes elevations from Woodhouse Tinucci Architects which reveals a rooftop addition that will be built above the three-story row of apartments/hotel rooms at the Congress Theater.
As with all zoning change requests, the developer is required to notify neighbors of the plan. Here’s what the developer told nearby neighbors:
The portion of the Property east of North Rockwell Street is currently improved with a 77 ft. tall building containing a large venue, residential dwelling units, ground floor commercial space and no parking or loading. This parcel will be rehabilitated to contain a large venue, up to either 32 residential dwelling units or 50 hotel rooms and ground floor commercial space. The portion of the Property west of North Rockwell Street is currently vacant. It is proposed to be developed with a new building approximately 120 ft. tall containing 120 residential dwelling units and ground floor commercial space. No parking or loading will be provided.
- Diagrams and Details: New Congress Theater Rehab Plan Includes Hotel, Residential High Rise [Chicago Architecture Blog]
- One Last Look at the Congress Theater Before Its Big Makeover [Curbed Chicago]
- Congress Theater Redevelopment Plan Ready to Move Forward [Curbed Chicago]