“A developer is seeking zoning approval to convert Wicker Park’s Lubinski Furniture building into potentially dozens of apartments — and has submitted several proposals to the local alderman’s office for consideration.

“Envoi Partners wants to redevelop the sprawling four-story building at 1542-1550 N. Milwaukee Ave. near the heart of Wicker Park, where for decades the Lubinski family has operated its furniture business.

“Envoi Partners submitted an initial development proposal last year that would have added a two-story addition at the back of the property along the Blue Line ‘L’ tracks to create a total of 46 units in the building, according to Ald. Daniel La Spata’s (1st) office.

“Now, La Spata’s office is publicly sharing three new proposals from the developer — although none include any dedicated space for artists. Instead, they call for a range of apartments and potentially major changes to the building, including a possible nine-story rear addition that would be substantially taller than most surrounding buildings.

“The Lubinski building has long been a hub in Wicker Park for creative expression, art shows and other performances. It’s home to numerous art spaces and galleries, including No Nation, LVL 3, Tritriangle and Heaven Gallery.

“For years, Heaven Gallery director Alma Wieser has led an effort to buy the building and turn it into a cultural center to help artists and small business owners stay in Wicker Park following decades of gentrification.

“Her plan, however, has caused major friction with several other Lubinski tenants, some of whom say Equity Arts would lead to them being evicted from the property, with tensions boiling over at a contentious meeting in late 2022.

“In May 2023, Equity Arts received a $5 million city grant to help buy the building, but the group has not raised enough funds to purchase it outright, Wieser said Wednesday. A possible partnership with Envoi to redevelop the building was rescinded by the developer, she said.” (Myers, Block Club Chicago, 4/11/25)

Read the full story at Block Club Chicago

• Developer Shares Plans For Wicker Park’s Lubinski Furniture Building — Arts Space Not Included; Envoi Partners wants to overhaul the Wicker Park building to add housing, possibly with a rear nine-story addition. The proposals do not include dedicated artist spaces, despite several groups working and living in the building, Quinn Myers, Block Club Chicago, 4/11/25
• 1542-1550 N Milwaukee Ave LoopNet Listing