Developers unveil new, taller design for stalled retail project in Portage Park

The site of a long-dormant retail development at Portage Park’s Six Corners intersection is seeking a zoning change to grow into a 10-story, mixed-use complex topped by 265 units of upscale senior housing.

The latest proposal, presented at June 21 community meeting hosted by 45th Ward Alderman John Arena, aims to replace the long-delayed The Point at Six Corners project. The low-rise development halted work in early 2017 and left behind a water-filled pit at the southeast corner of Milwaukee Avenue and Irving Park Road.

The revised design from developer The Ryan Companies (in partnership with The Point developer Clark Street Real Estate) calls for 50,000 square feet of retail anchored by an Aldi grocery store and a market-rate senior housing facility to be operated by LCS-Clarendale.

Jay Koziarz

The latter will include 86 units of independent living apartments offered for $4,400 per month, 141 assisted living units going for $6,000 per month, and 38 memory care units costing $7,200 per month. Ryan Companies’ Dan Walsh described the highly-amenitized community as a “cruise ship on land,” according to Block Club Chicago.

The new development will also include a pair of public plazas along Milwaukee Avenue and a pedestrian connection to Irving Park Park Road. Set to include 237 parking spaces, the Six Corners’ project exceeds the city’s parking requirements, noted Alderman Arena in an email to residents.

Still needing city approval to move forward, the project could see further revision based on continued community feedback. A video of Thursday’s presentation can be found on the alderman’s Facebook page.

With an emphasis on increased density and greater walkability, the new proposal is consistent with the guidelines set in the 2013 by the Six Corners Master Plan to revitalize the immediate area. Plans are also in the works to redevelop the intersection’s soon-to-close Sears Store at 4730 W. Irving Park Road.

Jay Koziarz

• Pricey Six Corners Senior Housing Will Be Like A ‘Cruise Ship On Land’ [Block Club Chicago]
• Stalled development at Six Corners could grow to include senior housing [Curbed Chicago]
• New retail coming to Portage Park [Curbed Chicago]