Demolition permits issued to make way for development at 2801 W. Montrose

Demolition permits have been issued to clear the way for a planned mixed-use development at 2801 W. Montrose. Located in Irving Park, the corner property is located at the southwest corner of W. Montrose Ave and N. California Ave. Planned by family-owned company Tiny Giants Learning Center, the daycare center was established in 2014 and has grown to several locations across the north side of Chicago. 

The proposed plan for the project will be developed as-of-right, with no zoning change or affordable housing required. The existing 24,563 sq ft site will allow for a four story building and will include a 10,000 sq ft Tiny Giants Early Childhood Education Center that anchors the development. Tiny Giants Headquarters and Office space is planned for the second floor and 24 apartments will occupy the third and fourth floors. The unit mix will include one-beds, two-beds, and three-beds with amenity space in the building and 23 ground floor exposed parking spaces under the building.

Designed by Seek Design + Architecture, the use of color was very important when designing the daycare classrooms. The colored areas in each classroom highlight the “support” spaces that are required, depending on the age group of children. The different shaped windows allow children to get different perspectives of the outdoor world, by providing the opportunity for them to sit or play in the lower window sills, as well as allowing light to enter the space at all angles.

The Indoor Play area is a crucial part of the Tiny Giants space. This area allows children to not only interact with each other, but to also interact with the walls and floors and use it all to their advantage.

To make way for the new building, permits were issued for one-story and two-story structures at 4336 N. California, 4346 N. California, and 2801 W. Montrose. With those permits issued, general contractor ENC Construction & Development can clear the site and prepare for the new construction. A full building permit is currently under review and awaiting issuance. Construction is expected to begin imminently and the new day care will be ready to open by the start of 2026 while the apartments will finish their build out.