Longtime vacant building in Jefferson Park sold again; future use uncertain

by BRIAN NADIG

A longtime vacant building at 4762-64 N. Milwaukee Ave. in the Jefferson Park business district has been sold, although it is not clear at this time if there are any planned uses for the commercial property.

Ambrosia Homes acquired the property in 2023 and last December it was sold to Global Consult LLC, according to Cook County records.

In recent months a church reportedly expressed interest in using the two-story building, but the site’s business zoning classification prohibits religious assembly unless a special use were to be issued from the Zoning Board of Appeals. City code also states that a church is required to have one parking space for every eight seats in an auditorium.

The 110-year-old building is named “Lero” in reference to a former owner. It has been vacant for about 30 years, except for a period of time when a manufacturer operated on the second floor until the city shut it down due to licensing and permit issues.

The first and second floors each measure about 5,000 square feet with 12-foot ceilings, plus a full basement.

The building also features a bow truss roof. The structural style was more common in the early 1900s and includes an arched beam above with a straight beam below.

At one time the city Department of Planning and Development considered condemning the building and acquiring it through eminent domain but backed off on the plan. The property is located along a stretch of Milwaukee in Jefferson Park where several buildings have been vacant for decades.

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