THREATENED: 125 W. Maple Threatened by Proposed High-Rise New Construction

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“Add the local alderman and a pending lawsuit to the list of obstacles developer Fifield Cos. must overcome before its 43-story apartment proposal on the Near North Side can move forward.

“Less than a month since the first public meeting for the project, 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins said the high-rise developer has a long way to go to win his support for the 406-unit tower proposed for a site at 125 W. Maple St.

“‘I’m viewing this project with skepticism right now,’ Hopkins said. ‘It’s far from a point where I would support it.’

“Meanwhile, Fifield’s plan to buy and demolish a smaller condominium building on the site could be held up by a lawsuit filed by one owner, who wants a judge to halt the sale while the case plays out.

“Although Fifield isn’t named in the complaint, the lawsuit further complicates an already controversial process to gain zoning approval for the project.

“Even before the first public meeting, the Tribune in June reported that residents of the neighboring Gold Coast Galleria condo tower were vowing to stop the Fifield project, saying it was too close to their building, too tall and would increase congestion in the area.

“Troublesome aspects of the proposal include its 457-foot height, just 20 feet from the neighboring condo tower at 111 W. Maple, as well as Fifield’s plan to purchase air rights from the neighboring Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral to contribute toward the tower’s height, the alderman said.

“Separate from winning community and city support, Fifield still must gain control of the site at Maple and LaSalle Drive. The developer has a deal to buy the low-rise LaSalle Manor condo building at 1039 N. LaSalle, which would be knocked down and replaced by the high-rise.” (Ori, 8/13/20)

Read the full story at the Chicago Tribune

‘A long way to go’ for 43-story apartment proposal on Near North Side, alderman says, Ryan Ori, Chicago Tribune, 2/13/20)

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