“The development boom along Wells Street in River North could be adding another 178 apartments to the mix. Developer Vista Property Group has filed a zoning application with the City of Chicago to construct a 21-story tower on the east side of the street between Chicago Avenue and Superior Street.
“Under the plan, the single-story retail building that was home to Yolk restaurant and Jess Chicago as well as a vintage three-story Italianate at 739 N. Wells would be demolished. The three-story commercial building at the north end of the block would be spared from the wrecking ball. The older four-story building housing Brehon Pub is outside the boundaries of the development.
“Designed by Antunovich Associates, the 254-foot tower will feature 178 rental units and 21,000 square feet of retail.
“The proposed development will require a zoning change from the city of Chicago and will go before the Chicago Plan Commission, Committee on Zoning, and full City Council.
“Wells Street in River North has been a standout during downtown Chicago’s ongoing apartment boom. Recent developments like Gallery on Wells, Exhibit, Marlowe, and 640 North Wells have delivered nearly 1,200 new rental units to the immediate area.” (Koziarz, Urbanize Chicago 5/25/21)
Preservation Chicago encourages the developer Vista Property Group and architect Antunovich Associates to integrate the historic three-story Italianate building, into the new development. At a minimum, the historic c. 1870s post-fire building façade should be restored and incorporated into the new development. Perhaps its time to consider a River North Historic Landmark District to protect historic buildings like this from demolition.
Read the full story at Urbanize Chicago
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