"This has been an eyesore in the neighborhood for quite some time," says Phil Levin of the city's department of planning and development.
Ashland Developer Group, LLC, which includes broker and former alderman Ted Mazola, got support from a rival developer at a plan commission meeting, when the project received a favorable recommendation.
"I like what they're doing," says local developer John Luce, adding he explored a potential redevelopment a few years ago of the building on 2.1 acres at the southwest corner of Ashland Avenue and Monroe Street.
Mazola tells GlobeSt.com 75 units have been pre-sold after 10 weeks, with a construction start expected in April assuming necessary permits are obtained. Units will range from $140,000 to $375,000, he adds.
Besides being in the shadow of the home of the Bulls and Blackhawks, the former Wieboldt's store is a block away from a landmark district as well as near the University of Illinois-Chicago and a medical center complex that includes the new Stroger Hospital, the new replacement for the former Cook County Hospital.
Besides two additional glass-and-metal floors, the developers plan a 150-space garage off Adams Street in addition to 135 spaces in the basement of the building.
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