“A contentious plan to turn a vacant Catholic school into apartments is back on the table with an updated proposal.
“Developers trying to turn the St. Wenceslaus school building, 3425 N. Lawndale Ave., into housing are now pitching a proposal with 30 apartments and 24 parking spots, a project that requires a rezoning of the property.
“It is at least the fifth plan proposed for the former school, which has sat vacant for decades.
“The school building would include 22 two-bedrooms between 900-1,800 square feet and eight one-bedrooms between 600-800 square in the old classrooms, said Claudia Sobieski, a spokesperson for the development team.
“Apartments would be geared toward young professionals, young families and seniors, and rents would range between $2,000-$2,300 for the two-bedrooms and between $1,700-$1,900 for the one-bedrooms, Sobieski said.
“Six of the apartments would be deemed affordable, satisfying the city’s 20 percent affordability requirement for development projects requiring city approval. Sobieski anticipates the development could bring between 30-60 new neighbors to the residential pocket.
“The latest development proposal comes after three others brought by 3425 Lawndale Apartments LLC were either rejected or fell apart due to financing issues. The development entity is owned by Stan Sobieski of Schiller Park, according to public property records.
“The Sobieski family, who bought the building in 2021, first floated a 36-unit project in 2022 with support from former Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30th), but nearby residents opposed the density and yard variations needed to subdivide the school lot from the church. Ultimately, the Zoning Board of Appeals denied the proposal.
“The development team then pitched a 28-unit project that neighbors also opposed, so the team countered with a 24-unit project after feedback from Ald. Ruth Cruz (30th) and the community, officials said at the meeting.
“Nearby neighbors liked the plan, but after reviewing the financials, developers said they could not make the financing work with just 24 units. That project was scrapped.
“Developers then proposed demolishing the building and constructing nine single-family homes, which is an available option under the current zoning, but Cruz and most neighbors adamantly opposed the idea, the alderwoman said.
“The latest proposal is the developer’s attempt to revive its concept with tweaks from neighbor concerns about parking, curb cuts and building preservation, Claudia Sobieski said.
“Over 70 neighbors and community members attended a meeting hosted by Cruz last week at nearby Reilly School, which was calmer than previous meetings on the development, neighbors said.
“Residents lined up to share their thoughts on the proposal, with at least five voicing their support for the apartments that they said would boost economic development, increase density and make a dent in the city’s housing needs.” (Parrella-Aureli, Block Club Chicago, 9/3/24)
Read the full story at Block Club Chicago
- St. Wenceslaus School In Avondale Could Become 30 Apartments Under 5th Redevelopment Plan; Four previous redevelopment plans for the former school that has sat vacant for decades were either rejected by the community or abandoned for financial reasons, Ariel Parrella-Aureli, Block Club Chicago, 9/3/24
- 3425 N Lawndale Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 Listing