Representatives from Cardiff Mason Development and architect Pappageorge Haymes Partners presented a proposed 38-story building on the vacant lot at 352 N. Union Street. The structure, which is proposed to be up to 450 ft in height, would be located in the space between the elevated Halsted Street structure and Jewel-Osco building on Des Plaines, directly south of K2 Apartments and north of Metra and Amtrak rail lines emanating from the north side of Union Station.
When first presented to the community, residents felt that the property’s lone proposed egress point from Halsted (to be combined with the entry/exit for K2) was insufficient. In response, the developer is now proposing egress points from Halsted, Green Street, and Union Avenue. The Union access point would include the loading dock and main garage entry. It was noted that, while the building would be located in the 42nd Ward, the Green Street entrance would be in the 27th Ward.
However, Brian Kidd of Pappageorge Haymes noted that the Union Avenue entrance was in conflict with a proposed future rail line that would run in between K2 and the proposed development. This rail line would also conflict with the new K2 dog park. The timeframe for the rail line has not yet been established, and Mr. Kidd noted that the line may never be built.
A portion of the property sits above Hubbard’s Cave, limiting the allowable footprint of the structure. Mr. Kidd described a proposed 12,000 sq ft green space with large, publicly accessible dog park that would be built above the interstate.
The property is currently zoned as DS-5; no zoning change is being requested.
During the community meeting held on Nov. 3 at Old St. Pat’s Church, the audience found little of concern. Discussion involved the number of parking spaces, specifically that the proposed 158 spaces were too many for the development.
The NOWL Development Committee will work with Ald. Reilly’s office to address a few outstanding questions about the green space, building height, and pedestrian access before issuing a position letter based on resident feedback collected to-date.
By: NOWL Development Committee Chair, Matt Letourneau