Mixed-use development pitched for Ashland and Barry in Lakeview

A parking lot, small playground, and retail strip located at the northwest corner of Ashland and Barry avenues in Lakeview could give way to a new mixed-use development. Two different versions of the proposal appear on the website of 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack, showing a six-story building topped by either 65 or 79 apartment units.

Both versions call for garage parking for 77 cars and two retail bays offering roughly 6,700 square feet of commercial space. Developer Blue Star Properties plans to lease a portion of the retail to Xfinity, which currently occupies one of the existing buildings at the southern edge of the site. The project will require a zoning change from the city to move forward.

“When the developer first contacted our office, the initial proposal was much more dense,” explained 32nd Ward chief of staff Paul Sajovec. “Alderman Waguespack gave them feedback that it probably wasn’t reasonable given the surrounding context of the location and its distance from the L.

“The latest plans are being reviewed by the South Lakeview Neighbors. They will run their process and we will see what kinds of outreach might be necessary,” added Sajovec, not ruling out the possibly of further changes down the line. “We’re just not quite there yet.”

The design of the Ashland and Barry development comes from Chicago-based architecture firm Hirsch MPG. The proposal was first reported by Southport Corridor News.

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• Large development could be coming to Ashland and Barry [Southport Corridor News]
• Previous Lakeview coverage [Curbed Chicago]