“A historic Motor Row building owned by former Bears defensive end Israel Idonije is getting a tony makeover.
“The four-story, 38-unit complex in the storied Hudson Motor Building, 2222 S. Michigan Ave. received key city zoning approval in mid-November. It now awaits a full City Council vote before moving forward.
“The $62.5 million development envisions 18 hotel rooms and 53,700 square feet of retail. It is being developed by Hudson Michigan Avenue LLC, of which Idonije is a partner.
“Plans also include a restaurant and event venue on the first floor, with an additional event area on the mezzanine. The second and third levels have apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms, and hotel rooms, according to the plans. Hotel guest rooms would occupy the second and third level, as well. The fourth floor would include additional units, a rooftop pool, men’s and women’s changing rooms and an outdoor deck, according to the plans.
“The three-story terra cotta building was once home to the Hudson Motor Car Company, which was in operation from 1909 to 1954. It was designed by Chicago architect Alfred Alschuler in 1922, according to Preservation Chicago.
“The development is the latest in ongoing efforts to revitalize Motor Row, which was designated a Chicago Landmark District in 2000. Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced $11 million in infrastructure improvements in July.” (Nesbitt Golden, Block Club Chicago, 12/6/22)
“The building’s facades will undergo a complete restoration as part of the project. On the S. Michigan Ave frontage, all of the historic windows will be restored, and a new door will be installed to allow for necessary egress. The white terracotta will be repaired and cleaned, with the remainder of the cast iron storefront and center entry frame set to be restored as well.
“To allow for proper light and ventilation to the residential units, a center portion of the north elevation will be removed on the second and third floors. The other volumetric change will be on the roof where a one-story addition will be added to house residential units and rooftop amenities. To avoid adversely affecting the building’s frontage along S. Michigan Ave, the addition will be setback 88 feet, while the volume will setback just 28 feet from S. Wabash Ave. The outdoor space facing S. Michigan Ave will feature a roof deck and outdoor pool. (Kugler, Urbanize Chicago, 12/6/22)
Preservation Chicago has been a longtime advocate for the Chicago Motor Row District and we are pleased to see the Hudson Motor Car Company adaptive reuse moving forward.