Edgewater Synagogue Plans 12-Story Development With 400 Units
Emanuel Congregation seeks zoning change for mixed-use complex on Sheridan Road, adding hundreds of apartments to North Side lakefront corridor.
About Michael
Michael Kowalski is the founding editor of Chicago Gust, bringing over two decades of journalism experience to the Windy City's newest independent news publication. A third-generation Chicagoan with deep South Side roots in Bridgeport, Michael spent 15 years at the Chicago Sun-Times covering city hall and local politics before launching Chicago Gust. He holds a journalism degree from Northwestern's Medill School and has received multiple Peter Lisagor Awards for political reporting. When he's not chasing stories, you'll find him at Guaranteed Rate Field watching the Sox or grabbing Italian beef at his neighborhood's legendary spots.
Articles by Michael
City Council Advances 7-Story Bucktown Apartment Project
The 60-unit development would replace a strip mall with apartments and retail, marking another test of neighborhood density debates citywide.
Cook County Clears Path for $1.5M Beverly Pike House Restoration
County commissioners approved agreement enabling the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation to access state restoration grants for the 19th-century landmark.
Kaegi Fights for Political Survival as Democrats Back Hynes
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi faces his toughest challenge yet from Democratic Party-backed Patrick Hynes in a race defined by property tax anger.
Lincoln Park Mall Owner Scraps Apartments, Moves Ahead with Retail
The owner of Clybourn Place shopping center will demolish the property for retail-only development, abandoning plans for apartments amid zoning battles.
Feds Probed South Shore Complex After Landlord's Immigration Tip
Illinois officials charge building owners at 7500 South Shore Drive with housing discrimination, alleging they prompted September's dramatic federal raid.
Chicago Faces Dangerous Cold Snap With 35-Below Wind Chills
Wind chills could drop to minus 35 degrees Friday, creating frostbite risk in 10 minutes. Extreme cold watch issued through early next week.
Council Bans Hemp Products, Johnson Weighs Rare Veto
Chicago City Council approved a ban on intoxicating hemp products Wednesday, but Mayor Johnson signaled he may veto the measure over small business concerns.
Bears Stun Packers 22-16 in Overtime Thriller, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
Caleb Williams hit Rome Odunze for the game-winning touchdown in overtime as the Bears delivered their biggest win in years, defeating the Packers 22-16 at Soldier Field to stay in the playoff hunt.
Chicago Council Approves Downtown Zoning Reform for Mixed-Use Growth
New ordinance allows taller mixed-use buildings in Loop and River North while requiring affordable housing components in major developments.
Bears Coach Ben Johnson Stokes Packers Rivalry: 'I Enjoyed Beating Matt LaFleur'
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson reignited the NFL's oldest rivalry this week, telling reporters he 'enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year' during his time in Detroit. The Packers visit Soldier Field this weekend.
City Council Passes New Zoning Rules for Downtown Development
Chicago City Council approves sweeping zoning changes requiring affordable housing units and green building standards for downtown projects.
Mayor Johnson Unveils $50M Affordable Housing Initiative
Chicago's mayor announces major funding program targeting South and West Side neighborhoods, aiming to create 2,000 affordable units over three years.
Council Passes Downtown Zoning Reform Amid Developer Pushback
Chicago City Council approves controversial zoning changes limiting building heights and requiring affordable housing in downtown developments.
Cook County Board Approves $2.8M Budget Amendment
Cook County commissioners unanimously approve $2.8 million budget amendment allocating funds for affordable housing, mental health services, and infrastructure.
Cook County Budget Amendment Allocates $25M for Community Programs
Cook County commissioners approved a $25 million budget amendment Tuesday, directing funds toward mental health services, youth programs, and infrastructure repairs.