Ald. Villegas announces support for proposal at 2652 W. Chicago

Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward has announced his support for a proposed development at 2652 W. Chicago. Planned by Barrett Homes, the project site is located at the northeast corner of the intersection of W. Chicago Ave and N. Washtenaw Ave. An existing structure that was previously home to an Advance Auto Parts store was recently demolished to make way for the development. 

Designed by 360 Design Studio, the proposed building was originally conceived in August 2025 as a five-story building with 57 residential units, 1,000 square feet of retail space, and 24 car parking spaces. 

After multiple community meetings, the development team recently met with neighbors to offer three different development options for the site. The first two options were both four-story buildings with either 46 or 40 apartments with nine or six affordable units within the proposals respectively. Both of these would provide 23 parking spaces and require a zoning change, but the developer also offered a four-story condo scheme that would have 15 condominium units that could be built by-right with 15 parking spaces and no affordable units. 

Despite continued pushback from neighbors over the density and amount of parking planned in the schemes, 36th Ward Alderman Villegas has announced his support for the four-story, 40-unit building that will require a zoning change.

“The City of Chicago is facing a severe housing shortage. Citywide, we need to build, build, build. Increasing the housing supply will lower costs, make housing more affordable, and set our city up for success,” said Alderman Villegas in a statement. “Developments like 2652 W. Chicago Avenue, which increase density and generate more tax revenue, are key to neighborhoods being walkable, transit-oriented, and featuring thriving foot traffic that benefits small businesses and the local economy.”

With aldermanic support behind the project, developer Barrett Homes can proceed with seeking a zoning change for the property. Approvals are needed from the Committee on Zoning and City Council before being able to move forward. In the video released by Alderman Villegas, the project is looking to break ground this summer.