The zoning change for the Den Theatre’s remodeling plan in Wicker Park was approved

Left photo: Google Street View; architectural drawing on the right from Joel Berman Architecture & Design

The Den Theatre plans to renovate two buildings on Milwaukee Avenue through Wicker Park to create a new, small passageway between the two buildings on the first floor, according to the architectural drawings. The theaters will have a combined capacity of 600 people over three floors.

That’s a really small building modification that requires a zoning change.

A zoning change to C1–2 (from the existing B1–2) was needed to be able to accommodate the higher capacity because the buildings will now be considered one. B1 zoning districts allow venues that hold up to 149 people and venues in C1 zoning districts can accommodate up to 999 people. The zoning change request was approved on January 25, 2017.

The owners are also going to apply for an administrative adjustment to eliminate the city’s (onerous) parking requirement. The city’s zoning code says that renovated or rehabilitated buildings that expand by 15 percent (floor area or seating capacity, in this case) must comply with the parking requirements, for the expanded area only, unless they are historic buildings or near train stations. See zoning code section 17–10–0101-B.

The two buildings at 1327–1333 and 1335 N Milwaukee Ave. are near the Division and Damen Blue Line stations, giving it TOD status.

Without the administrative adjustment, the owners would have to either demolish part of the building to install a parking garage, or find shared parking within 600 feet walking distance of the building. Such was the case with Revolution Brewing up the street, in Logan Square.

The renovated building will also have storage spaces on the third floor and basement.

Update: The building permit was issued May 25, 2017.