Plan Commission approves 2700 N. Pine Grove

The Chicago Plan Commission has approved a Lakefront Protection Ordinance application for 2700 N. Pine Grove. Located in Lincoln Park, the project is located at the intersection of W. Wrightwood Ave and N. Pine Grove Ave. The site is currently home to the Second Church of Christ Scientist, who is leading the redevelopment plan for the existing church building in collaboration with developer Ogden Partners.

With a design from Booth Hansen, the redevelopment will see the orange-rated church entirely demolished except for the three significant facades facing east, south, and west. Within its leftover walls, a new mixed-use building will combine religious space for the church with a multifamily residential program. 

Rising six stories, the new residential building will hold 22 residential units, with 31 parking spaces located in an underground garage. On the ground floor, approximately 5,000 square feet of space will be dedicated to the church for their future operations. The rest of the ground floor will hold the residential lobby, a small fitness center, and two residential units facing north.

Topping out at 80 feet, the design of the building has been articulated to the scale of the surrounding context while honoring the legacy of the existing church. As previously mentioned, the three existing facades are kept intact to maintain the pedestrian experience along W. Wrightwood Ave and N. Pine Grove Ave. The new structure is setback from the street and the historic facades to not compete with the church and to blend in with the existing surroundings.

The development will meet sustainability requirements with green roofs on the second-floor terraces and main roof, bike parking for residents, and EV charging stations for all of the parking spots. To meet affordability requirements, the project will provide one 4-bedroom unit off-site at 50% AMI and pay a fee in-lieu for the second required unit.

With this Lakefront Protection Ordinance approval, the development is ready to move forward with permitting and construction. Work is expected to begin this fall.