“Dinkel’s Bakery may no longer be churning out its famous paczki ahead of Fat Tuesday, but longtime fans can take comfort knowing a piece of the beloved institution will live on.

“The Dinkel’s Bakery sign and building will be preserved as part of an updated proposal for a six-story, residential and retail development at 3327 N. Lincoln Ave.

“The project, designed by Jonathan Splitt Architects and led by developer PCR Group Chicago, will maintain the bakery’s facade and neon sign, as well as the adjacent three-story brick building to the south.

“Previous plans called for demolishing that building, but the redesign will now set parts of the new structure farther back from the sidewalk.

“Dinkel’s, known for its baked goods like strudels, stollens and its famous sweet rolls, closed in 2022 after 100 years in business. Founded by Joseph Dinkel in 1922, the bakery grew into a Lakeview institution that served generations of customers.

“Four generations of the Dinkel family operated the famous bakery since it opened under Joseph and Antonie Dinkel.

“Joseph and Antonie Dinkel bought the old Hopfner’s Bakery, which later reopened after the Great Depression, and turned it into Dinkel’s. They moved storefronts in 1926, landing at its current building where Dutch Boy Paints started.

“The bakery became a mainstay in Chicago, with lines extending out the door on weekends and during foodie holidays such as Fat Tuesday.

“Dinkel’s was also a longtime member of the Bakers Dozen, a secret society of leaders from the oldest family-owned bakeries in and around Chicago.

“The new development will include 42 residential units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, in addition to a rooftop deck and a second-floor fitness center.”

Preservation Chicago is thrilled that the second historic facade will be saved. This masonry facade and the Dinkel’s facade have been our advocacy priorities. We have been in conversations with stakeholders, including the developer, alderman, and neighborhood partners regarding this development. We support the incorporation and reuse of the Dinkel’s Bakery historic facade and neon sign into the new development. We encouraged the developer to incorporate the historic facade of the adjacent masonry building with ornate limestone ornament and arched cornice element.

Read the full story at Block Club Chicago

• Dinkel’s Bakery Sign, Building Will Be Saved As Part Of Development Proposal; The development will include 42 residential units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, as well as a rooftop deck and a second-floor fitness center, Patrick Filbin, Block Club Chicago, 2/27/25
• Permits are in the works for Dinkel’s Lofts at 3327 N. Lincoln; The mixed-use development will preserve the Dinkel’s facade, Lukas Kugler, Urbanize Chicago, 1/9/25
• Dinkel’s Lofts gets revised design at 3327 N. Lincoln; The development will preserve the Dinkel’s facade, Lukas Kugler, Urbanize Chicago, 11/9/23
• Dinkel’s Replacement Advances To September’s Zoning Meeting, Ian Achong, Chicago YIMBY, 9/3/23