7-Story Tower Proposed After Chateau Hotel’s Sale

A Chicago developer is proposing a 7-story residential and retail tower where a Mobil gas station stands now that Lake View’s Chateau Hotel has vacated its residents and is undergoing a gut-rehab.

Abby Sullivan, Ald. James Cappleman’s (46th) Special Projects Manager, first introduced the plan at Tuesday evening’s East Lake View Neighbors meeting. She says the developer is looking to build 90 housing units and nearly 2,000-square-feet of retail at the North Broadway Street and Sheridan Road intersection.

“This is a really early stage proposal for the Mobil station at 3901 N. Broadway,” Sullivan said. “Since the Chateau sold there’s been a lot of interest from other developers for redevelopment in that direct vicinity. … The developer initially suggested (zoning) for a higher high rise, but now he’s proposing seven stories.

“They’re planning to excavate what is there,” she continued. “They’ve done their phase-2 environmental study already and were very excited to learn that nothing ever leaked there.”

The proposed tower would have studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments, but projected rent estimates are not yet available. A rooftop garden over the parking garage on the second floor is also part of the initial plans.

As for parking, the developer is proposing 50 spaces, far less than the 90 usually required for a building this size to accommodating all 90 units. Sullivan says the developer plans to talk with zoning to the Chicago Zoning Committee to shrink their parking garage by almost half.

“The zoning would require one-to-one parking,” Sullivan said. “Because of the proximity to the bus lines and things like bike share stations, they can probably get a 25 percent reduction right off the bat. Then the zoning administrator has the ability to deduct another 20 percent on top of that. So that’s probably 50 spots.”

Initial and rough designs show one retail storefront on the building’s corner across the street from Starbucks, but Sullivan says there could be multiple retailers rather than just one.

The entrance to the building is also proposed for Sheridan Road, along with landscaping down the length of Broadway. In addition, the entire intersection's flow may be addressed.

“The Broadway streetscape will go all the way through there, then, so there’s discussion about completely changing the traffic flow through that corner.”

The developer is seeking a zoning change for the site before moving forward with the project.