“Prolific North Side development firm Cedar Street has broken ground on two major projects in Uptown and Edgewater, including on the long-promised new home of the Double Door.
“In Uptown, crews have begun tearing up the parking lot at Wilson and Kenmore avenues. The Wilson Avenue Theater’s parking lot will be replaced by an apartment building while the 112-year-old venue will be renovated to host shows once again.
“Though the development was approved by City Council earlier this year as a 62-unit complex, Cedar Street’s website now says the project will include 86 units. The original plans called for an eight-story building with 110 apartments to be built next to the theater.
“Cedar Street has also received building permits to start work in the historical theater, 1050 W. Wilson Ave. The developer has been cleared to remove an elevator shaft and a concrete wall and make other improvements.
“After being evicted from its longtime Wicker Park location in 2017, it was rumored Double Door would relocate to Uptown. The move was confirmed by Ald. James Cappleman (46th) in 2018 and again by the club’s owner in 2019.
“Plans for the theater and adjacent apartment building were approved earlier this year. Though the plans don’t mention the Double Door by name as the theater’s eventual occupant, Cappleman said during the approval process ‘we all know’ who it is.
“The combined apartment building and theater redevelopment are expected to be completed next year, according to Cedar Street’s website.” (Ward, Block Club Chicago, 5/26/21)
Preservation Chicago played an important role in the designation of this building and approximately 49 others as part of the Uptown Square Historic Landmark District.