Department of planning and development deputy commissioner Brian Goeken says the new owner plans first-floor retail use along Madison Street and Western Avenue with the upper seven floors earmarked for redevelopment into multifamily rental units at affordable lease rates.
The new owner, Mary Sopcic, financed the acquisition with a $1.26-million mortgage from the Community Bank of Ravenswood, according to property records.
Built in the late 1920s, the building was a smaller version of the skyscrapers being erected three miles to the east, according to Terry Tatum of the department of planning and development's landmark division. Although the original West Town State Bank was forced to close in the wake of the Depression, the building now five blocks west of the United Center became home for three radio stations, including two that launched the careers of prominent African-American radio hosts Al Benson and Jack Cooper.
The landmark designation, which is intended to preserve the exterior of the building, was recommended Thursday by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.
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