The row of mid-height buildings that line the western side of Halsted Street in Greektown is going to get its southern end filled in finally.
The city of Chicago has issued a permit for a new 12-story building at 808 West Van Buren Street.
808 West Van Buren (Courtesy of bKL Architecture)
THE FOUNDATION PERMIT SCOPE WILL INCLUDE THE FOUNDATION CAISSONS AND GRADE BEAMS, THE LOWER LEVEL MEPFP SPACES AND STORM WATER RETENTION TANK, THE GROUND LEVEL RESIDENTIAL ENTRY LOBBY, RETAIL, PARKING, AND MEPFP SPACES, AND THE LEVEL 2 PARKING AREA AND TENANT DOG RUN; FOR A PROPOSED 12 STORY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING WITH 148 DWELLING UNITS; 65 PARKING SPACES; GROUND FLOOR RETAIL; ALL AS PER PLANS
It’s not the tallest building permit issued in recent weeks, but in terms of the fabric of downtown, it is essential for filling a tear that has been a vacant lot with a construction fence since a 2010 fire destroyed the restaurant here. The new building designed by bKL Architecture for Loukas Development will cap the end of a beloved row of storefronts, restaurants, and historic bars that has been the heart of the city’s Greek community for decades, and a great way to spend a warm summer’s night.
Not too long ago, this corner would have been considered the industrial fringe of downtown Chicago. But today it’s located across the street from the National Hellenic Museum, and surrounded by new apartment blocks and warehouse-to-loft conversions. And depending on your needs and lifestyle, the noise from the Jane Byrne Interchange could be a small price to pay for Blue Line access just a block away.
Location: 808 West Van Buren Street, Greektown
Editor founded the Chicago Architecture Blog in 2003, after a long career in journalism. He can be reached at chicagoarchitectureinfo@gmail.com.
