Twelve luxury apartments headed to vacant lot in Oakland

Developer Jennings Realty is close to breaking ground on a four-level, 12-unit luxury apartment project at 4012 S. Ellis Avenue, the company revealed at a virtual meeting hosted by Ald. Sophia King (4th) and the North Kenwood-Oakland Advisory Council (NKOAC).  

Designed by Alexander Polichuk Architects, the upcoming project replaces a vacant lot in the Oakland community within Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. The masonry and limestone structure will contain six one-bedrooms renting for around $1,500 per month and six two-bedroom units starting at $2,000. The largest apartments will be "duplex-downs" occupying the first and lower levels. 

The plan includes residential balconies on the front and rear of the new building plus a large rooftop deck. Every apartment will have 9-foot ceilings and finishes "consistent with what is being developed as single-family homes and condominiums," said Ivan Mariduena of Jennings Realty. The development team intends to hold the South Side property long-term, according to Mariduena. 

The development also calls for a detached, single-story rear garage structure with parking for 12 cars. Some neighbors attending the virtual NKOAC meeting, however, questioned if one space per apartment was adequate off-street parking since half of the proposed residences will have two bedrooms each.

The project slated for 4012 S. Ellis is not seeking a zoning change or financial assistance from the city and therefore is not required to provide any below-market-rate units. The developers said they are close to finalizing their architectural drawings and hope to apply for permits and break ground soon.