Transit-orientated apartments ready to rise in west Lakeview

Construction is ready to begin on a new transit-oriented apartment development at 3415 N. Ashland Avenue in west Lakeview. Developer Contemporary Concepts and partner Wildwood Investments secured their first building permit for the four-story project, which replaces a demolished two-story industrial building north of the Brown Line elevated tracks. 

The development features 53 rental units offered in studio, one-, and two-bedroom floorplans. Amenities include a communal rooftop deck, a bike repair bench, a fitness center, and co-working space.

Five of the residences will be offered as affordable housing to comply with the city's Affordable Requirement Ordinance (ARO). The property is within walking distance of both the Paulina and Southport CTA stops and provides just 16 parking spaces on-site.

Designed by Studio Dwell Architects, the upcoming building will have a "strong relationship with the street and blend well with the neighborhood," according to the office of Ald. Tom Tunney (44th). The project will provide new landscaping improvements and exterior lighting, the alderman's website said.

The project at 3415 N. Ashland received zoning change (C1-2 Neighborhood Commercial District to B2-3 Community Shopping District) in December of last year. According to the permit, contemporary Concepts will also serve as the general contractor for the estimated $8 million build-out.