City Council Advances 7-Story Bucktown Apartment Project

A proposed seven-story apartment building in Bucktown cleared its first hurdle at City Hall this week, advancing to committee review despite concerns from residents about increased density in the gentrifying North Side neighborhood.

The 60-unit development at 1970 N. Damen Avenue would replace an existing strip mall with apartments, ground-floor retail space and a two-level parking garage. The project now heads to the zoning committee before requiring full City Council approval.

Developer North Clybourn LLC submitted plans showing the building would rise 75 feet on the corner lot, exceeding current zoning limits and requiring a variance from the city’s planning department. The proposal includes 45 parking spaces and approximately 3,000 square feet of commercial space facing Damen Avenue.

“This represents smart infill development that adds housing stock while preserving the commercial character of the corridor,” said a spokesperson for the development team.

The Bucktown project reflects broader tensions playing out across Chicago neighborhoods as the city grapples with housing shortages and affordability concerns. Similar debates have emerged in Lincoln Park, Lakeview and other areas where residents oppose increased building heights and density.

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd), whose ward includes the site, has not taken a public position on the proposal. His office did not respond to requests for comment.

The existing strip mall houses several small businesses, including a dry cleaner and convenience store. Property records show the site last sold in 2019 for $2.1 million.

Bucktown has seen significant development pressure in recent years as the former industrial area continues its transformation into a residential neighborhood. Median home prices have risen 38 percent since 2020, according to Chicago Association of Realtors data.

The proposed building would include a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, though no affordable housing component has been announced. Chicago’s affordable housing ordinance requires developments of 10 or more units to either include affordable units on-site or pay into the city’s housing trust fund.

Neighborhood groups have raised concerns about parking and traffic impacts on nearby streets. The Bucktown Community Organization plans to review the proposal at its next meeting, according to the group’s website.

“We’re not anti-development, but we want to make sure new projects fit the neighborhood scale and don’t overwhelm our infrastructure,” said longtime resident Maria Rodriguez, who lives two blocks from the proposed site.

The zoning committee typically reviews such proposals within 30 to 45 days. If approved, the measure would advance to the full council for a final vote.

Similar housing debates have occupied significant time in city government proceedings as officials balance development pressures with neighborhood concerns. The Johnson administration has pushed for increased housing production as part of its affordability agenda.

The Damen Avenue corridor has become a key commercial district for the area, anchored by restaurants, boutiques and the Damen Blue Line station six blocks south. The proposed development would add to recent apartment construction along the strip, including a five-story building completed in 2022.

City planning officials noted the site’s proximity to public transit as a factor supporting higher density development. The Chicago Transit Authority’s Blue Line provides direct access to downtown and O’Hare Airport.

Construction costs and timeline remain undetermined pending city approvals. The developer has not announced a general contractor or financing details.

Opposition to the project centers on concerns about changing neighborhood character and increased traffic congestion. Bucktown’s tree-lined residential streets contrast sharply with the commercial development along major corridors like Damen and Fullerton avenues.

The proposal comes as Chicago faces a shortage of approximately 120,000 housing units, according to recent city estimates. Mayor Brandon Johnson has made housing production a priority, though his administration has faced criticism for slow progress on major initiatives.

Previous zoning disputes in the area have drawn significant community input. A proposed Target store on Elston Avenue faced months of debate before winning approval in 2021.

The Bucktown development represents one of several major housing projects moving through city approval processes. Council members have increasingly faced pressure to balance development with neighborhood preservation concerns.

Next steps include a public hearing before the zoning committee, followed by a committee vote. If approved, the measure would advance to the full council within 60 days.

The developer must also secure building permits and final site plan approval before construction can begin.