Mixed-use project, renovations proposed

by BRIAN NADIG

Plans to construct mixed-use building at Irving Park Road and Mason Avenue and a plan to renovate a two-story building at Roscoe Street and Laramie Avenue were among the recent zoning applications filed with the city.

The construction of a three-story building, which would include eight apartments and a 1,245-square-foot storefront, is being proposed for the site of a one-story commercial building at 5920-22 W. Irving Park Road. A liquor store and a laundry business once occupied the existing two-storefront building on the site.

Under the proposal, the property would be rezoned from B3-1 to B2-2, which would allow for some of the residential units to be located on the first floor. In addition, eight parking spaces are planned.

Alderman Nicholas Sposato (38th) said that there were some parking and traffic concerns expressed about the project at a community meeting earlier this year but that there was overall support for the plan. He said that the existing building on the property is an "eyesore."

Meanwhile, an existing building at 5200 W. Roscoe St. would be renovated to have three apartments on the first floor and one on the second floor under a plan to rezone the parcel from RS-3 to RM4.5.

Earlier this year a stop work order for the property was issue due to the reported installation of partitions in the ground-floor commercial space without the proper construction permit, according to the city Department of Buildings’ Web site.

Another proposal calls for the site of a two-story building at 5812 W. Montrose Ave. to be rezoned from RS-3 to B1-1 to allow for the installation of an awning that would promote the existing barbershop on the ground floor. Under the current residential zoning a new commercial awning is prohibited.

Also, the site of an existing two-story building at 6547-49 N. Northwest Hwy. would be rezoned from RS-3 to B1-1 to allow for a business license to be issued to a planned yoga studio. A second-floor residential unit would remain.

The building has had storefronts on the ground floor for decades, operating as a legally nonconforming use. An insurance office in the building was not required to have a city license since the insurance industry is state-regulated.

The 41st Ward Zoning Advisory Committee approved the zoning proposal last summer.

In other news, a developer reportedly is looking to build about eight luxury townhouses, with two bedrooms and 3 1/2 bathrooms, on the site of a parking lot at 5015 N. Harlem Ave. No zoning application has been filed for the project.

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