ZBA approves variances for 1880 N. Milwaukee

The Zoning Board of Appeals has approved variances for a mixed-use proposal at 1880 N. Milwaukee. Currently a vacant lot, the project site is just south of N. Milwaukee Ave’s intersection with W. Armitage Ave and N. Western Ave. Proposed by Peerless Development, the site is within a 3-minute walk of the Western Blue Line stop.

Designed by SPACE Architects + Planners, the new building would stand five floors high, delivering 44 residential units and 3,500 square feet of retail space. On the ground floor, the retail will front N. Milwaukee Ave with the residential entry and package room located at the north end of the street frontage. Parking for 22 cars will be included at the back of the building with bike storage space also included indoors.

The residential portion of the project, delivering 44 units will include 8 studios, 12 one-beds, and 24 two-beds. Almost all of the units will have a balcony or outdoor deck facing the street or the alley. To meet ARO requirements, the building will provide nine affordable units on-site.

Rising 65 feet tall, the building will be clad in mostly brick masonry with the street-facing residential units getting a treatment of metal paneling and aluminum windows. The ground floor retail space will be enclosed with brick masonry and storefront glazing. The back and side facades will be made up entirely of brick.

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a requested variation to reduce the rear setback from the required 30' to 20' as well as a variation to eliminate the 10' x 25' loading berth.

With City Council approval secured back in June 2023 and the variances approved by the ZBA, the development can move forward with permitting and construction.  Permits for the construction have been filed and are awaiting issuance.