Published on Jun. 29, 2017 by Steven Vance
The city introduced an ordinance detailing specific changes proposed in the North Branch Framework plan to allow non-manufacturing uses in the North Branch Industrial Corridor (map).
We’ve summarized those changes and described a scenario where the former Finkl Steel site can become a mixed-use residential area.
Earlier this week the Chicago Housing Authority cut the ribbon on the new “City Gardens” mixed-income development, which replaces Maplewood Courts (demolished in 2014).
Landon Bone Baker was the architect. Their website is one to beat in providing a good depth of visuals and information about their projects. The development provides 76 residences in seven 3-story courtyard buildings. The Western Blue Line station is a little over two blocks away.
The rear of the buildings open onto a 60-space car parking lot, the middle of which has a community center, outdoor space with grills, and raised garden beds. A pedestrian-only fire lane could be used as a space for children to ride scooters and bikes without cars getting in the way. Bioswales between buildings capture rainwater runoff, and the parking area is made with permeable pavement to absorb water runoff as well.
Last week the CHA board approved the financing arrangements for three new projects: colocating Irving Park and West Ridge libraries, and the John Pennycuff Memorial Apartments in Logan Square — all have a mix of public and affordable apartments.
Next City interviews Sol Flores, the founding executive director of La Casa Norte, and why she persevered to have a higher-end design for the permanent supportive housing in Humboldt Park that her organization recently got a permit for.
On the first design, she said, “I was like, ugh, this looks like public housing, and that’s a terrible thing to say. When you think about our history of how public housing has been designed in this country — cheapest, institutional, concrete-looking scary fortress.”
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