Controversial 13-story Jefferson Park rental tower grows by two stories

In a somewhat rare move, a proposed development in the city of Chicago will actually increase its height at the behest of the local Alderman. After receiving feedback from 45th Ward Alderman John Arena and the city’s department of planning, developer Mega Realty will add both height and density to the rental project slated for 4849 N. Lipps Avenue in Jefferson Park

The project was first presented as a 12-story development containing 96 apartments with 265 parking spaces in 2015. The plan grew by one story the following year and added seven units while slashing parking by 15 stalls. The latest iteration of the project removes a further 50 parking spaces for a total of 200 while bumping unit count up to 114, reports DNAinfo.

Google Street View

Though perhaps appearing over-parked given its location just steps from the Jefferson Park Transit Center, the new development also aims to provide much needed relief for neighboring commercial developments that currently utilize the site as parking overflow.

Despite having the support of Alderman Arena and city planners, the plan remains an unpopular one among the members of the Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association who did not support the project at 12 stories—let alone 15. Arena tells DNAinfo that he expects 4849 N. Lipps to go before the Chicago Plan Commission next month.

• Planned Jefferson Park Tower Adds 2 Stories, 11 Units At Alderman's Urging [DNAinfo]
• Previous Jefferson Park coverage [Curbed Chicago]