31-unit TOD proposed for vacant lot across from Jefferson Park Transit Center

A vacant Northwest Side lot across the street from the Jefferson Park Transit Center could sprout a new transit-oriented development (TOD). The proposal at 4900 N. Milwaukee Avenue calls for 31 apartment units, 9,870 square feet of commercial space, and just 9 parking spaces.

Designed by Chicago architecture firm Laura Garcia Design, the four-story plus penthouse building will require a zoning change (B3-2 to B3-3) to move forward. 45th Ward Alderman John Arena hosted a community meeting on November 19 to discuss the proposal with Jefferson Park residents.

“There was a lot of discussion from neighbors around parking,” Alderman Arena’s chief of staff Owen Brugh told Curbed Chicago. “But this is a location served by the CTA blue line, the Union Pacific Northwest Metra line, and multiple bus lines. We expect the type of person who leases here would take advantage of the transit options right outside his or her door.”

The 4900 N. Milwaukee Avenue project comes from developer Michael Loukas, who renovated and expanded an existing nearby building at 4872 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The apartments and commercial spaces in that mixed-use project are fully leased, according to Brugh.

Other nearby developments include the $25 million overhaul of the Jefferson Park Transit Center and the four-story, mixed-use development at 5201 W. Lawrence Avenue. “The alderman had made his feeling clear about the need for this type of development and we look forward to filling this vacant lot and bringing more shoppers to Jefferson Park,” added Brugh.

Unless there is need to make major changes 4900 N. Milwaukee’s design, Alderman Arena’s chief of staff expects the project to go before the Chicago City Council this winter and break ground sometime in the spring, depending on permit review.

Image courtesy of the 45th Ward

• 5-story building with 31 units and 9 parking spaces proposed for Jefferson Park [Nadig Newspaper]
• Jefferson Park Transit Center renovation on track for fall groundbreaking [Curbed Chicago]
• Previous Jefferson Park coverage [Curbed Chicago]