Multi-building development proposed at 3265 N. California

A multi-building residential development is in the works at 3265 N. California. Planned by Cal-Melrose LLC, the project site is a large vacant site at the intersection of W. Melrose St and N. California.

Designed by Hirsch MPG, the residential development would bring 128 residential units across two buildings to the site as well as 24 townhomes. Overall, there would be 126 car parking spaces as well as 184 bike parking spaces. To meet ARO requirements, 25 of the inits will be affordable as well as five of the townhomes.

The first building will be a five-story apartment building at the corner of W. Melrose St and N. California Ave. The ground floor will have four residential units and the residential lobby along N. California Ave while the east half of the building will have an interior garage with 24 car parking spaces and 52 bike parking spaces. The parking will be accessed from a private drive that runs along the north side of the building.

On the upper four floors, each floor will have 12 units per floor with select units having private balconies. With a total of 52 units, the building’s unit mix will include 8 junior one-beds, 18 one-beds, 22 two-beds, and 4 three-beds. A small rooftop amenity deck will be included.

In the middle of the site, there will be 24 townhomes lined up east to west facing an internal courtyard. Each townhome will be a three-story, four-bedroom home with a two-car garage accessed via a private drive running along the townhomes. An additional 9 surface parking spots will be included at the east end of the townhomes, and 56 bike parking spaces will be included. 

The final building will stand at the north end of the site, reaching five stories tall. The ground floor will have the residential lobby along N. California Ave while the rest of the ground floor is occupied by 45 parking spaces and 76 bike parking spaces spread across a dedicated bike room, the parking garage, and outside adjacent to the residential lobby. 

The upper floors will hold all 76 units with 20 units per floor on the second through fourth floor and 16 apartments on the fifth floor. Select units will have private balconies. 

To allow for the scope of the project, the developer is seeking a zoning change for the site. Located in the 35th Ward, the project was recently presented to the community. The project will need approval from the local alderman, the Committee on Zoning, and City Council to move forward. A timeline for the project has not been announced.