Halsted Businesses Back OUT Hotel After Adjustments

Officials with the Northalsted Business Alliance are giving their stamp of approval on the proposed OUT Chicago hotel after developers made significant alterations to the resort.

The local Boystown business alliance voted Thursday, saying the recent changes made by Parkview Developers partner Ian Reisner swayed their decision.

"Mr. Reisner and his architect presented current plans for The Out Chicago to the Northalsted Business Alliance Board on Thursday, July 11.  The Board is indeed sending a letter to Alderman Tunney, which will include support for the project in its current state," said Board President Drew Knecht. However, there are several outstanding issues, including the displacement of one of our retailers (I.D.) that we will continue to seek clarity for as the project moves forward."

After making modifications, Reisner is now proposing to build a 8-story hotel in the heart of Boystown at 3343 N. Halsted St. Designed to be “straight friendly,” the resort would cater to the LGBT community.

Reisner came to the community in March with plans for a 12-story hotel, but was shot down by neighborhood officials over the height. Then in May, a new 10-story design was introduced to neighbors, but still received criticism over its height.

Along with cutting off two more stories, designs now show there are no longer plans to build over Sidetrack. The hotel will take over Marks Chinese restaurant and Mini Bar, and then be built over the building that houses the restaurant Wood. The eighth story will also be set back from the road as to give the illusion of seven stories.

That’s combined with eliminating all balconies to individual rooms to address neighborhood noise concerns, and moving back to the original design’s sleek black exterior rather than the bright white façade shown in May.

The Northalsted Business Alliance says they plan to send a letter to Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) to put their support on the record. The next meeting regarding The OUT Chicago is Tuesday at Belmont Harbor Neighbors Association’s monthly gathering. 

Editor's Note: This article was updated Sunday at 9:30 p.m. with an updated statement.